Jane Eyre

By: Charlotte Brontë

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Length: 19 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

The work tells the story of Jane's early life, her experience at Lowood School and as a governess. Her refusal to accept Rochester's love on any but her own strictly moral terms is a passionate cry for independence.

©2006 BBC Audiobooks (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Brilliant Reading of Relevant Classic

Having no prior experience with Jane Eyre other than knowing 'it's a classic,' I was curious. Having previously enjoyed Juliet Stevenson perform Shakespeare some years back, I was intrigued. Then, after hearing a short sample of her reading of Jane Eyre, I was ready to jump in to this well-regarded, time-tested novel.

It's brilliant. It's a banquet of delicious prose surrounding an uniquely modern story. The story requires a few pages to get into, given the structure of the book as well as the exposition into a world so unlike today. Yet, it's all so worth it. Before long, in my opinion, what once seemed so foreign soon becomes familiar. Jane Eyre (in case you don't know) is deeply human story, very clever, and filled with countless emotions and satisfying narrative surprises.

Juliet Stevenson's narration is outstanding, and serves the book well. Her gift with language, plus her skill at characters and countless dialects truly makes Jane Eyre soar. Ms Stevenson is clearly at home here, and we, the listener, are the richer for it. It is not a showy performance, per se; it is understated. However, I believe if you do stop to consider her performance, it is nothing short of masterful.

Small production details: At times, the volume of the audiiobook seems to get too quiet. Overall, it's hardly noticeable, and that's why we can adjust the volume, of course. However, if driving while listening, for instance, the outside road and traffic may temporarily overtake the largely gentle storytelling. (Also, the Chapters on Audible do not numerically sync up with the author's).

This Audiobook is Highly Recommended.

Great, some very minor issues

In two chapters in the middle of the book somewhere, there was some minor crackling in the recording. Somewhat annoying, but it wasn't too distracting. Excellent performance.

My ALL-TIME FAVE

I love this book.....always have. This version would be a wonderful way to experience this story...for the first, or for the fifteen millionth time

wonderful

juliet Stevenson read this 👏 amazingly. I laughed and cried ..it's such a warming story I think I might listen again

Wonderful performance of a timeless classic

This is the best quality recording of this audiobook I have found on audible. It captures the attention the whole way through and renders this great classic justice.

Wonderful introduction to novels written in the 1800’s

I enjoyed the story and the performance. The story was well written, captivating and easily followed.

Recommended!

I really like this narrator's presentation of all the different characters, especially Rochester and Jane. None of the minor characters, however minor, had flat performances. Through her attributed cadences you can envision each one. It's such a treat! I really want to try other narrations of Jane Eyre but I literally just restarted it for a second listen, I liked it so much. If you want to be lulled into a mysterious gothic Victorian romance on an evening in, definitely give it a go!

A story of Morals and Romance

Any additional comments?

Jane Eyre is a story about how the moral life is the one to be lived. But it is also the story of how sometimes morals can be enforced with excess harshness. Lastly, this is a story of Romance where a good end comes to Jane, after all her trials.

wonderful classic!

I've wanted to read this one for a long time but never had. I'm so glad I listened to it instead. The narration was wonderful and brought Jane to life.

Perfect!

The narrator WAS Jane, and made it very enjoyable to reread a book last read in my teens.