Persuasion

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Length: 8 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

Anne Elliot has grieved for seven years over the loss of her first love, Captain Frederick Wentworth. But events conspire to unravel the knots of deceit and misunderstanding in this beguiling and gently comic story of love and fidelity.

©2007 Naxos AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2007 Naxos AudioBooks Ltd.

fabulous reading of the best austen novel

I love juliet Stevenson as an actress and it's a delight to have her narrate such a beloved book.

It grew on me

Julie Stevenson is marvelous as always. The story wasn't exactly gripping but it was with listening to, IMO.

Need no Persuasion to listen

Juliet Stevenson has a perfect voice to interpret the characters of Persuasion, especially those of the haughty Lord Elliot and his eldest daughter. Having watched her performance as the arrogant vicar's wife in the recent filming of "Emma", I felt that she would provide exactly the right tone. Watching other of her performances in more sympathetic roles also assured me that she would give a strong character to Anne. Very enjoyable.

Ahh, Jane!

Jane Austen is always a pleasure, and Persuasion is one of my favorites but Juliet Stevenson makes it even better with her excellent reading. I found myself laughing out loud at her characterizations. I'm certain I'll listen to this one again and again.

Wonderful.

Juliet Stevenson does a perfect job of performing this audio book. I cant imagine Jane Austen read by anyone else. I was carried along by the story, made to laugh and cry. I just couldn't get enough. Which, given that I have read the actual book many many times, is a real testament to the reader. My next Jane Austen listen will be Northanger Abbey, read also by Ms Stevenson.

Terrific book - terrible reader

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

This is my favorite Austen novel. Its subtle wit and treatment of love, friendship, and avarice are timeless.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Persuasion?

Anne's conversation with Captain Harville about constancy, which is overheard by Captain Wentworth and inspires his letter to Anne. Always a tear jerker.

What didn’t you like about Juliet Stevenson’s performance?

The reader is way, way too dramatic. Jane Austen's style is elegantly simple and straightforward, and the book deserves to be read without the annoying embellishment Juliet Stevenson gives it.

My favorite Jane Austen

Great narrator, spirited protag, and achingly wonderful love story.

The narrator does a great job; I've in the past enjoyed her reading of Jane Eyre, so was delighted to find her here. This is such a beautiful story. I'd originally seen (and loved) the movie with Ciaran Hinds, and was pleased to find it followed the book very closely and was excellently cast. It's nice to find a romance where the main players aren't teenagers, and despite her age the lady, like Elizabeth Bennett, is in no real rush to marry: at least, not without love.

Decent Narration of an Austen Classic

The gentle nature of Persuasion is one of my favorite of Austen's works. I found the narrator to be mature but also a bit boring, lacking the vocal range to do all the different voices in a convincing manner. It very much felt like this was being read to me rather than being performed.

Sweet Autumn

Persuasion is Jane Austen’s wistful, autumnal ode to mature, enduring love. Along the way, we meet many memorable characters, including the protagonist’s father and sisters, who could be case-studies in narcissism.

Juliet Stevenson’s reading is just perfect.

Awesome book, great narration!

I’ve always loved Jane Austen, and now that I drive a lot for work, I’m enjoying discovering them anew through audiobooks! Juliet Stevenson is the best narrator for Jane Austen that I’ve heard and I deeply appreciate these unabridged productions!
Absolutely lovely - so enjoyable!