Cant stand narration!

Narration was horrible! I couldn't force myself to listen to more then 15 mins of the book.

30 people found this helpful

The voice for Mrs. Be

I could not get past the second chapter since the voice of Mrs Bennet was awful to my ears. I know she is supposed to be a somewhat annoying character, however, the voice that the narrator used for her character was unbearable.. I will try another narrator and hope for better luck.

21 people found this helpful

Rosamund Pike = Perfection

Would you listen to Pride and Prejudice again? Why?

I would. Its a classic story and enjoyable each and every time. Rosamund Pike just has the most perfect voice to narrate this story!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It wasn't - sadly a little too long for one go.

63 people found this helpful

A perfect narration of a perfect book

Where does Pride and Prejudice rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the second edition of Pride and Prejudice that I purchased - I already have an older version (different narrator) and I am so glad that I saw Rosamund Pike's name and immediately bought this one. It is absolute perfection. It has long been one my favorite books but with her priceless narration if is certainly going to be on of the Beloved ones.

Which character – as performed by Rosamund Pike – was your favorite?

Practically all of them. She is a brilliant narrator with magnificent voice and managed to make even Mrs Bennet tolerable - not a small feat in itself. Her Mr Bennet is fantastic (actually I think she did it better than Sutherlend's performance in the 2005 movie) - she managed to subtly underline a hint of malevolence in his humor which I personally think is there and most people do not pay attention to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me smile in sheer sensual pleasure all the time I listened to it (could not stop and listened through the night).

Any additional comments?

A wonderful audio book, simply wonderful. I hope this is not the last time I listen to something narrated by Rosamund Pike.

143 people found this helpful

Smiling as I clean

Having loved the story since high school lit class, I have read my tattered copy of Pride & Prejudice nearly every year. I have etched out time to indulge in the long A & E movie version and when time eludes, enjoy the latest 2-hour version. Yet I have known that the vocabulary and its rightful owners had to be abridged and reassigned in the screenplays.

When I saw that Rosamund Pike (actress who portrayed Jane in latest movie) had recorded for Audible, I immediately put the book and a pair of headphones on my wish list.

Birthday gifts did not disappoint, and I have cleaned my house top to bottom, folded laundry, sat for a spell, all the while thoroughly enjoying this audio version. Ms Pike's voicings have made me smile and laugh out loud. Her Mr. Collins and Lady Catherine are hilarious. The encounters at Rosings were some of my favorites. What a treat to get the whole story in dramatic form. I feel satisfied and look forward to listening again and again.

56 people found this helpful

Beautiful story, beautiful voice but . . .

Would you try another book from Jane Austen and/or Rosamund Pike?

Yes to Jane Austen, and no to Rosamund Pike.

What other book might you compare Pride and Prejudice to and why?

Sense and Sensibility

Would you be willing to try another one of Rosamund Pike’s performances?

No

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes

Any additional comments?

The book is one of my favorites, but Rosamund Pike with her beautiful voice didn't do it justice. Some of her character voices were pretty bad, and sometimes she talked so fast you couldn't enjoy the prose. I was disappointed in this particular audiobook because of her performance. I'm a fan but sorry, Ms. Pike.

21 people found this helpful

The Best. Ever.

Move over favorite P&P! This offering is the best I've heard, hands down, plus I could picture them all as they were in the movie that Rosamund was in (playing Jane). I thought I was done with this book. Rosamund showed me otherwise. Austen's powers soar with this reading.

18 people found this helpful

A treat!

What can you say about a perfect novel given a nearly perfect reading? Just this: Rosamund Pike is the cat’s meow when it comes to Jane Austen.

Having read (and listened to) the novel several times, what I particularly noticed this time around is how insufferably foolish Mrs Bennet is. She’s always been that way, of course, but somehow it seems more prominent in Pike’s reading. It may be that her voice is of a somewhat higher pitch than usual, making her sound at times younger than I’ve always thought her. (Certainly from an emotional standpoint she is the same age as her hare-brained daughter Lydia.)

In any case, the narration is superb, the characters all finely drawn. The masterpiece that is Pride and Prejudice comes through brilliantly. I can’t wait to hear Rosamund Pike’s take on Sense and Sensibility as well.

7 people found this helpful

Ear candy

Would you consider the audio edition of Pride and Prejudice to be better than the print version?

Not better necessarily, but as an American, it certainly adds to the feel of Jane Austen. So, actually, maybe yes, better than the print. Best if read while you listen to it!

What about Rosamund Pike’s performance did you like?

I mean...the moment she opens her mouth it's like silk. Trying to change my voice for our daughter every time I read a good book gets difficult, and tiring, and sometimes I forget which voice I used for which character. This is one of my favorite books everrrrrr, and so as not to spoil it for our 11-year-old, Rosamund delights the imagination as we read along.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, more like as background, but only because I've seen the movies and read the book repeatedly.

61 people found this helpful

An exceptional narration of a great novel.

If you could sum up Pride and Prejudice in three words, what would they be?

Character, manners, and folly.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Elizabeth Bennet is the story.

What about Rosamund Pike’s performance did you like?

She gives a lively and nuanced reading, showing a well-known story in a fresh aspect.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but I forced myself to go slower and enjoy the details.

Any additional comments?

I am familiar with P&P, and have the Lindsay Duncan performance, which I like, and had thought was the best available. Now I believe the Rosamund Pike narration is even better, more lively, subtle and interesting.

33 people found this helpful