Jane Eyre [RNIB Edition]

By: Charlotte Brontë

Narrated by: Lucy Scott

Length: 20 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Jane Eyre remains a classic of 19th-century English literature and is the most famous and influential novel by Charlotte Bronte.

Published in 1847, one of the most popular of all English novels, the story tells of the rise of a poor orphan girl against overwhelming odds. It is a work of fiction with memorable characters and vivid scenes exploring themes that have as much relevance today as in the time it was written.

British novelist Charlotte Bronte (1816 - 1855) was the eldest of the three famous Bronte sisters whose novels have become standards of English literature.

Please note: This is a vintage recording. The audio quality may not be up to modern day standards.

Public Domain (P)2009 RNIB

Wonderful reading of classic story

I had never read Jane Eyre, but endeavored to do so after the Jane Austen cycle of novels left me wanting something more. Backing up only one step further??? I, a middle aged man, read Jane Austen after learning that she was well admired by Patrick O???Brian, who has given me such great reading pleasure through 20 novels. I loved the Jane Austen works (most with Juliet Stevenson reading), but that is for another review.

So, I came to Charlotte Bronte???s work already accustomed to the sensibilities of this historical time in Europe. My review: Charlotte Bronte???s Jane Eyre is every bit the masterwork I hoped and expected it to be. Her vision, characterizations, wit, dialog, nuance, and ability to communicate deep understanding are consistent and compelling. I lost sleep on two successive nights listening to the book, read to me by Lucy Scott. I am yawning now, but quite content. Why Lucy Scott? Well, I liked Juliet Stevenson very well for Jane Austen, but wanted a different voice for Jane Eyre. I was not disappointed. I could almost wish that Lucy Scott would read Jane Austen. Lucy Scott was, for me, the perfect reader for this novel. Her portrayals of the various characters in the story were vivid, fully realized, touching and memorable. I cannot express how delighted I was with this telling.

What is next? In keeping with my want to explore the works that are admired by my favorite writers, I shall take up Vanity Fair, which Charlotte Bronte recommended in preface to the 2nd edition of Jane Eyre. For you, let me suggest that if you be male, read or listen to Jane Austin???s novels. Juliet Stevenson reads these very well. If you be female, please consider the Aubrey Maturin novels by Patrick O???Brian, read by the delightful Simon Vance. Why? Because you will already have read Jane Austin ???. Do not be discouraged by the ships and actions, there is plenty of romance, character development, humor and wit. Patrick O???Brian is a master, on the level with Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte.

Great Reader!

Definitely a recommended choice! I love and enjoyed the changing tones she has for each character.

one of the most suspenseful and moving romances

The narrator is sheer perfection to this story. this tale pulls on the heart strings.

Wonderful

I have recently started running again after a several year break from the activity. To entertain and distract myself I decided I would listen to some of the "classics" while I am hitting the pavement ... this was WONDERFUL! The story is amazing (no surprise) but the narration is also WONDERFUL! Lucy Scott's narration, her ability to bring characters to life through her voice and speach made the story even so much better! Thank You!

I love, love, love Jane!

I wanted to start listening to older literature and I am so glad I found her! this is the best book I have ever read or listened to! I felt every emotion a person could feel listening to this book, I was completely absorbed. Absolutely brilliant! I also can not say enough about the narrator, she was amazing! She made ALL the characters come to life. The best money I have spent in awhile!

Lucy Scott Is Perfect!

This is one of my favorite books that I've read many times in print. I picked up the audio version for a re-read and looked carefully at the other reviews to choose the right narrator. I concur that Lucy Scott is pitch perfect here! Highly recommended!

not reviewing the masterpiece - just the reader

Any additional comments?

This is not a review of the book as it is Jane Eyre and it is perfect - this is about the narrator.I have an abridged version of Jane Eyre that is read by Joanna Davis and I wish that was unabridged. Her performance and the way she reads Mr. Rochester is amazing. I think Lucy Scott has an excellent reading voice and I was ok with the way she portrayed most of the characters, but not Jane or Mr Rochester - not even Mr Mason. I didn't hear the fear in her voice when Mr Mason came in contact with Bertha. I didn't think Mr Rochester's voice was as commanding as it could have been and I didn't feel any emotion either. Jane's voice was more cockney than I ever imagined it.There are so many versions with different narrators - I chose this one based on the reviews, but it wasn't for me.I think audible should not use the preface as the sample as you cannot hear the true reading of the book in that choice of clip.

The reader made the book

I bought this audiobook to "read" a classic which has somehow evaded me. I am not a fan of the Bronte or Austin type of literature, but I found myself listening outside of the car and exercising to hear what happens next. Most of that credit probably goes to the reader, whose voice is perfect for this type of novel.

Lucy Scott makes Jane her own; fantastic reading.

This is a great reading of Jane Eyre. For my first few minutes I was a little doubtful with the strong, unique accent that Lucy Scott gives to Jane, but as the story continued it really grew on me and gave Jane a distinct flavor that I enjoyed overall. The voices for each character are also distinct and well-managed; I particularly loved hearing Mr. Rochester's dry wit so expertly voiced.

As for the story itself, well, it's a classic! I'm always surprised at just how strong Bronte's statements 'behind the lines' hit me. Between Jane's ideals, St. John's 'affectionate' oppression, and Rochester's lavishing fancy, I always have a lot to think about after I put the book down.

I understand now why it is a classic

I love to read, or currently, listen, as I don't have time to sit and enjoy a book. I remember trying to read the Bronte sisters when I was younger and finding them boring, but I am committed to reading a great list of books I have composed, many of them classic literature. And so, Jane Eyre began.

The first part of this book did not hold me enthralled, but as I reached the second act, I was engrossed. There was an actual moment where I listened to a phrase over and over just because of how it flowed so beautifully. I fully understand why this is considered a classic. Both the language and the story are moving and I was so sad to see the book over.

The highest praise I can give this book is for you to know that I have placed it among my favorites with Jane Austen's works. It's simply beautiful.