A play rather than a reading

I've been listening all of about 5 minutes and I'm done. It's not for me. I found it awkward and distracting. Others may prefer it.

6 people found this helpful

Each book is different

If you love Jane Austen, this is a nice little bundle. I was a little annoyed because I've already spent credits on individual versions of some of these books and I couldn't return them. Here is an individual review of each book:

Sense and Sensibility:
This is easily the WORST adaptation of the book that I have ever come across. The voice actors did very little for me. Marianne is somehow made into an unbearable, petulant character who looses all her nuance. And what is with the mournful, depressing music in between chapters?! The individual version narrated by Rosamund Pike is miles better, with one single narrator doing a better job of portraying the different personalities.

Pride & Prejudice:
Claire Foy is a great narrator and the individual voice actors are quite good. I did not love the voice of Lizzie, but I think that was personal preference. This is a good lite adaptation of a classic novel. I would not recommend this over the actual full text. They did not include one of the very BEST conversations (my absolute favourite) between Mr Darcy and Lizzie and I cannot get over that!!! Rosamund Pike's version of the full book is better.

Mansfield Park:
Good version, good voice acting and does not miss anything particular in the story. Would recommend as an enjoyable read. However, again, Francis Barker's individual version of the full book is better.

Emma:
One of my favourite non-full-book versions of Emma! Great voice acting, Emma Thompson is spectacular as are the individual performances. The shortened version makes you miss some of Austen's great narrative moments, but on the whole I highly recommend.

Northanger Abbey:
Most people's least favourite Jane Austen novel, and certainly mine. But this is a fun version and the title voice actor who plays Catherine is so wonderful and endearing. The voice of Isabella is also absolutely perfect. Would recommend, and you miss nothing by listening to this adaptation over reading the actual novel.

Persuasion:
This might be my favourite adaptation of a beloved novel. I loved the voice actors and they captured and portrayed this curious love story in a particularly endearing way. Some parts of the narrative are changed quite a bit, however I do not feel like it negatively affects the story. Different, but a good difference.

3 people found this helpful

Sheer delight

If you like Jane Austen this is a must-have addition to your collection. The full cast and the music adds a wonderful depth of feeling.

3 people found this helpful

A must for any fan of Jane Austen

I can not express how much I love this version of all of Jane Austen’s books. It is so well done and truly brings the books to life. The cast is just perfect and brings so much feeling to the books. Such an amazing cast!! I know I will listen to it again and again!!

2 people found this helpful

Fabulous Entertainment

The quality of the narration is superb; Emma Thompson above all. A great way to listen to a most clever interpretation of Jane Austun, whiling away many pleasurable hours whilst knitting painting cooking etc

1 person found this helpful

Excellent!!

This collection made me fall in love with Jane Austen! the narrators and full cast are so well done - I read all 6 books and high recommend!

1 person found this helpful

NOT original and the changes are not organic

The audio books are altered and they are NOT original.

If the changes were just to dramatize/ spice up, I would have given a higher rating.

But the changes are not organic and do not match the characters. The most disappointing one is when Mr. Darcy propose.
After Elizabeth told him her heart has changed, she further urged “please do not remain silent sir” - this in very unlikely. Even though she is frank, her words have always been well chosen and subtle but clear. This sentence is really unnecessarily added. Then Darcy said “will you be my wife” - this is even worse. The text book proposal is would you make me the happiest man. People don’t propose then like we do now. And that is the beauty of theses books but the audiobook just ruined it. Worst of the worst is the timing. In the original, Darcy proposed almost immediately, then they had confessions of how his long letter and Elizebeth’s visit had affected them. But in the audible they confessed and talked sweetly, then he proposed. Really? Do you really think a gentleman like him would call a lady “my dearest “ before she becomes his?

I don’t know why all the changes were made. But they are not just unnecessary, they are illogical, inorganic and forcing, and turn the couple out of their characters, and make the relationship more modern than it should have been.

The performance are otherwise good. But I won’t recommend the audio book. If you really want to read Jane Austin, go with the original.

Not an audiobook

When I purchased it, I was under the impression it would be a reading of the original text. Come to find it's a dramatization; disappointing.
The production value is great as is the quality of performance etc - just not for anyone hoping to listen to the books.

For all Jane Austen fans

Loved the stories performed in this format. Having read the books & watched the screen version, wasn't too sure about the audiobooks, but so glad I did.

Enjoyable

I really enjoyed listening to these versions of Jane Austen’s novels.
Northanger Abbey is usually my least favourite book .Emma Thompson was the narrator and she made me laugh out loud in parts. It turned out it was my favourite book in this Audible edition.
The characters came to life and the music and background sounds enhanced the stories.