Northanger Abbey

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Donada Peters

Northanger Abbey, written in 1798, was one of Austen's earliest works, though it was not published until after her death. The novel is the coming-of-age story of Catherine Morland, who is taken to the fashionable resort of Bath with her friends, the Allens. While in Bath, she meets Henry Tilney and his sister Eleanor. The Tilneys invite Catherine to Northanger Abbey, their family estate. Catherine, an avid reader of Gothic novels, soon becomes obsessed with the thought that possible atrocities are going on at the abbey.

Northanger Abbey is Austen's parody of late 18th century Gothic thrillers by writers such as Ann Radcliffe. While it is considered by many to be Austen's most light-hearted novel, it is nevertheless filled with unsentimental commentary on love and marriage.

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Critic reviews

"The purpose of the novel is to ridicule the [then] popular tales of romance and terror...and to contrast these with the normal realities of life." (The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature)

Die hard Austen fan approved!

Donada Peters' performance in this audio version of Northanger Abbey is praiseworthy. She faithfully portrays the characters in the style of the period, while managing to give each a unique voice. Austen's wit and sly undertone highlighting the ridiculous preoccupations of the gentry of the time are not lost either. Highly recommended for any Austen fan, or indeed, anyone that enjoys classic literature.

Great story - choppy recordings

The story is very amusing - it represents the full range of content expected by an Austen novel but with more than the expected humor. The reader was good but the recording is choppy. This makes for awkward transitions between chapters etc. I would still recommend it however, and I'm sure I'll listen to it many times in the future.

Wonderful satire and glimpse into the times

I'm not at all a lover of lovers--romances be dam*ed--but I can't help but love Jane Austen. Satire is my favorite form of humor and history my favorite genre and with Austen I get a really delightful dose of both.

WONDERFUL READ

MY TYPE OF BOOK AND THE READERS MAKE IT COME ALIVE SO YOU FEEL AS IF YOU ARE RIGHT THERE AND LIVING AMONG THE CHARACTERS. DEFINITELY ONE I WILL LISTEN TO AGAIN.

Splendid

Austen is wonderfully endearing with her cheeky side comments and the hero and heroine themselves are wonderfully charming. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Highly recommend!

excellent and epic

this was both an excellent story, Rich m the best form of English prose. A journey back in time that is most enjoyable and artistically performed both in the story itself as well as the reading

Jane is our girl!

All her books are delightful.. A woman before her time.. Not bad one in the lot... Read them all!!

A Favorite

Lots of fun! How could one go wrong with Austen? This story has some particularly funny spots. I must have looked silly driving down the road laughing out loud and slapping my leg.

The narrator is excellent.

A whole new dimension ....

I loved hearing this read by Donada Peters. Her portrayal of each character's distinct voice brought out all that Austen must have intended. Catherine is truly a heroine by virtue of her unalloyed candor and sincerity of heart. The surrounding characters are so beautifully parodied. Wit, social satire, pathos and romance; Jane Austen's opinions and her own fondness for her characters are lovingly presented. Each word was a joy. This work is uniquely suited to be read aloud and Ms. Peters does, for me, a splendid job!

Rediscovering Jane austin

Hearing someone read the text brings a whole new experience to the writing of Jane Austin. The irony of the text comes out more clearly when heard. Austin is certainly one of the great writers in the English language. Plot, character, tone and social commentary on her time makes this an exciting audio book.