Emma [Naxos Edition]

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Length: 16 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

One of Jane Austen's most popular novels. Arrogant, self-willed, and egotistical, Emma is her most unusual heroine.

Public Domain (P)2006 Naxos Audiobooks

The fair Juliet

Juliet Stevenson knocks it out of the park! Her narration is a performance, every character is rendered perfectly, especially miss bates and mr. Woodhouse. Naturally her playing Mrs.Elton in the 1996 film version gave her a great head start, she was hilarious and deliciously petty. Miss Austen couldn’t have read it better.

The value of listening to Emma before reading Emma

Would you consider the audio edition of Emma [Naxos] to be better than the print version?

The experience of first listening to Emma, enriches the reading of the book. I have taught Jane Austen Novels from the point of view of a psychoanalyst; and I found that much is gained when a new reader first listens to a well narrated and unabridged version of Emma before attempting the book. All Austen's novels are psychologically accurate and complex. She describes individual love and family life by gently exploring both emotional pain and joyful interactions.Narration on the page is central.The timeless quality of Austen prose is much known. But seldom mentioned, is the fact that readers, who are new to the subtle differences between our twenty first century American English language and the language of Austen's 18 Century Britain, may have difficulties that hidden difficulties understanding Emma. Many words on the page are strange to American readers, and sentences somewhat longer before a thought is completed. The social manners of fictional characters are exceedingly different than those of today. Thus, explanations supply in annotated books as reading progresses, is not only helpful, and but also increases the pleasure of reading. Annotations make the actions between people more fully understood. For all these reasons, I highly recommend that most readers of Jane Austen, buy and carefully read and re-read all 6 of her novels recently published as "Annotated and Edited By David M. Shapard".

What was one of the most memorable moments of Emma [Naxos]?

I liked the way the novel of "Emma" ends. In the closing chapters Emma slowly gains deep recognition of her rich and fully formed adult-love for a long time childhood family friend, Mr Nightly. Emma's awareness is simply described as it surfaces suddenly in her conscious thoughts. I view these new thoughts as psychological evidence of Emma achieving "oedipal resolution" ---a noted concept of Freudian Psychoanalytic theory: Emma is still her father's much loved daughter, but also now experiences heterosexual love for a man outside of family. Mr Nightly knows Emma well, and he appreciates her full value as a woman. So, she can now stop her preoccupation with match-making for other people, and enjoy her own life more fully in a loving marriage. I found the prospect of Emma's marriage a memorable moment.

Which character – as performed by Juliet Stevenson – was your favorite?

Juliet Stevenson performed the dialogue of all the characters in "Emma." The voice of every character was unique --- male and female, old and young, and those anchored in different social classes. Each voice had clear and had precise diction. The excellence of her performance remained consistent through out the novel. Psychoanalysis is a verbal profession; so, I believe listening to Ms Stevenson's performance, helped me to better understand the total novel. However, in retrospect, Emma --- the main novel character --- has become my favorite over time. Thus, I wish to acknowledge my personal indebtedness to Juliet Stevenson, chiefly for the superb way her narration enabled me to better understanding the complex personality of Emma Wood-house; and more fully appreciate the brilliant final plot resolution given to us by Ms Jane Austen, the author of this book.

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

No. Each chapter required many hours of reading. Even one very long sitting, would not prove successful for me, or in my judgement, for most people. I am an academic with advanced graduate education, a doctorate and professional training, from excellent universities. Reading "Emma" required much thought in each chapter. A quick reading would probably not lead to success or satisfaction for a student or average adult reader. "Emma" for a quality reading, takes time, but it is worth the effort.

Any additional comments?

David Shapard's annotations are carefully developed and richly satisfying reading. One of his books sits on a corner of my desk, when I read my Penguin edition of an Austen novel.

Overall enjoyed

It was interesting to have the main character be so well off and entitled and yet still you loved her

Wonderful!

Jane Austen is perfection, and Juliette Stevenson is the perfect narrator! I listen to Austen’s works anytime I need to escape from the stress and pain of modern life.

Loved the character development

Written and spoken word was truly a fun and relaxing experience. Enjoyed it so much

Couldn't be better

I became interested in the classics after listening to Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, so I decided to listen to another Austen and was pleasantly surprised to enjoy it so much. Juliet Stevenson is a wonderful narrator and brings each character to life.

If you think you might want to give classic literature a try, I recommend this one. It's funny and extremely well-read.

Excellent Narration

You need to listen to get more out of the novel. I was doing both at the same time and enhanced my understanding.

very enjoyable but quiet - excellent narrator

this is a classic story or england at it's most proper concerning love and relationship- i thoroughly enjoyed it. it got really slow in the middle and i thought i wouldn't make it but the narrator is so superb that i wanted to keep listening for that reason. it then picked up pace towards the end and got really very enjoyable.

NO WONDER IT IS A CLASSIC

What made the experience of listening to Emma the most enjoyable?

Emma is delightful. The people around her, her family, her friends are delightful. It made it difficult for me to stop listening. Bad for work. I wanted to stay in the car and listen more.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Emma. I liked her controlling personality.

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

Absolutely a book I wanted to listen in one sitting.

Juliet Stevenson, Amazing as always!

I love this version on Enma. Juliet Stevenson reads with intelligence, sensitivity, and verve. Wonderful as always.