Mansfield Park

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Johanna Ward

Fanny Price, a poor relation of the rich Bertrams, is reluctantly adopted into the family, to be brought up at Mansfield Park, where she is condescendingly treated. Only her cousin, Edmund, a young clergyman, appreciates her fine qualities.

Fanny soon falls in love with him, but Edmund is, unfortunately, drawn to the shallow and worldly Mary Crawford. Fanny's quiet humility, steadfast loyalty, and natural goodness are matched against the wit and brilliance of her lovely rival. The tension is heightened when Henry Crawford, Mary's equally sophisticated and flirtatious brother, takes an interest in Fanny.

Jane Austen's subtle, satiric novel skillfully uses her characters' emotional relationships to explore the social and moral values by which they attempt to order their lives.

Public Domain (P)1994 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Listeners...will be rewarded with Austen's brilliant commentary on the society of her day and by Johanna Ward's solid reading....this is a lively and interesting choice for admirers of Jane Austen." (AudioFile)

Thoroughly enjoyable.

The narrator was exquisite! She brought out the characters like no other. The start of the novel was a bit tedious, but it got better as it went on, and ended wonderfully! Worth listening all the way through, for sure!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and performance!

Johanna Ward does a fabulous job of depicting different characters, and reads at a nice pace for both the book and for the listener. I was sad to come to the end, though at the same time, couldn't wait!

Not my favorite from Austen

I really enjoy pieces from this time period, but it took me longer than usual to find interest in this book. I've read several of Jane Austen's other books and enjoyed them more. The narrator is wonderful and I would enjoy listening to her again, just not if it's a repeat of this book.

beautiful story, expertly narrated

A great masterpiece by Jane Austen, wonderfully narrated. It was very enjoyable! I highly recommend it!

ATTENTION Naration killed it!

I don't have much of a review, but am hoping that someone reads these so that perhaps it will get through to the producers. I know this is probably a very good book. I have liked most of Jane Austins' work. the problem was that I like to relax when I am listening, I often listen in bed in the middle of the night when I can't sleep or for an afternoon nap. Johanna Ward, has a lovely voice, but she read so fast that I had to work to assimilate the text. It was as if she was reading it for a speed test. I am truly sorry, I was looking forward to the book. Hope this helps somehow.

A wonderful book, beautifully read

If you can get through the sorrow of Fanny as a lost, frightened child, it has a happy ending that pays for all

Too similar to other novels

The story was good. Glad I listened but was too similar to her other novels.

not the of best of Jane Austen, but...

I have always gotten a kick out of how funny Jane Austen is. You fall in love with dear Fanny Price and can't help but want to thrash everyone else as Fanny's clarity of prescription shines light on ironic and laughable circumstance. I definitely recommend

Wow, better than I thought

I truly enjoyed my time listening to the book and just relaxing. It was as if I were watching the movie.

Monotone narration.

The narrator has a soothing British accent but does not change her voice for any of the characters. For 16 hours I've listened to her read this book and have been straining to figure out which character is talking at any given time. My favorite Jane Austen narrator is Juliet Stevenson who does a marvelous job at giving different voices to each of the characters, thereby really bringing the book to life. I wish this narrator were more like her. If she had narrated the unabridged Mansfield Park, I would have chosen that one.