Pride and Prejudice

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Emilia Fox

Length: 13 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Jane Austen's most popular novel, originally published in 1813, some 17 years after it was first written, presents the Bennet family of Longbourn. Against the background of gossipy Mrs. Bennet and the detached Mr. Bennet, the quest is on for husbands for the five daughters. The spotlight falls on Elizabeth, second eldest, who is courted by Darcy, though initially she is more concerned with the fate of her other sisters.

Public Domain (P)2005 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd.

The best English I have ever heard in my life

What made the experience of listening to Pride and Prejudice the most enjoyable?

Pride and Prejudice offers the most glorious use of English I'm aware of, and Emilia Fox's reading is on par with the language.

What other book might you compare Pride and Prejudice to and why?

Pride and Prejudice is incomparable, for both the language, and for the massive transformation of the protagonists. It is the standard for Romantic Literature.

What about Emilia Fox’s performance did you like?

Excellent tone, emotional connection, and character rendering.

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

If possible, sure!

Excellent audio version

I thought Emilia Fox did an excellent job of narrating the book. Having read this book multiple times, the vast majority of the characters’ voices Ms. Fox used were consistent with how I imagined them to sound like - particularly Mrs. Bennett. I liked that she took the time to tell and feel the story for the reader. There are a few spots in the audio quality where it sounds like she picked it up after a break, but otherwise the audio quality and consistency was very good.

PURE DELIGHT

This book is my all time favorite. The dialog is stunning. The characters have become a part of my inner world, they are so real to me. It takes the ordinary theme of young men and women meeting and falling in love to a level that I simply have never encountered in any other story I've read. It is all done with brilliant and cleverly written dialog. To think that this was written by a young woman of her time is truly amazing, that is was so popular at the time is even more amazing and that it continues to be such a favorite is only well deserved.
I enjoyed this audio book very much and look forward to Part II. Although I have read this book at least a dozen times over the past four decades, it is always as delightful as it was the first time I read it.

Superb Version of a Timeless Classic

What did you love best about Pride and Prejudice?

Despite a myriad of obstacles and their own stubborn flaws Darcy and Elizabeth are able to find happiness while learning important life lessons.

What other book might you compare Pride and Prejudice to and why?

Unfortunately, Pride and Prejudice is the standard to which I hold up all other novels, so it would always when in a comparison. The writing, the story, and the characters are timeless and have held up well over two centuries. Although many have attempted to replicate it, none have succeeded.

What about Emilia Fox’s performance did you like?

Fox, who coincidentally portrayed Georgiana Darcy in the 1995 BBC miniseries, was superb. Her narration and delivery embodied the spirit and tone of this classic novel and brought the story and characters to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Although some label this novel as light and fluffy, I find it to be a sparkling and charming look into the human condition, complete with heroes and villains along with lessons we can all learn from. Austen was a shrewd observer of people and wittily portrayed human nature at its best and worst without having to drag her characters through unnecessary pain and hardship to gain her point. The characters and situations were entirely relatable and life like.

Good

Any additional comments?

A classic read, nicely narrated. It is a new experience to hear the book rather than read, and it almost makes the book a brand new.

The only way I've made it through Austen

If you could sum up Pride and Prejudice in three words, what would they be?

long, listenable, relatable

What did you like best about this story?

Emilia Fox does an excellent job of bringing all of Austen's characters to life. I was wrapped up in the story from the first chapter (and there are A LOT, so that's saying something). I've never particularly liked Austen's style, but had to read this book for my comprehensive English exam in college- Fox's recording was the first time I've been able to make it through the whole thing! (Also, surprisingly good to listen to while running!)

Which character – as performed by Emilia Fox – was your favorite?

Jane

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Mrs. Bennet's voice can be a little... grating. As it should be! But for the listener's sake, you've been forewarned.

Any additional comments?

Buy it!

best narration of this great novel

I've heard every performance of Pride and Prejudice that I'm aware of, and this one is far and away the best. Every character's voice is distinct and recognizable, the diction and pronunciation are flawless, and the emotional aspects of characters are moving and humorous by turn.

delightful

my favorite Jane Austen, wonderfully read. The characters were very much brought to life in this rendition.

good reading habit

help me form a good reading habit

I always love this book!

I have read this book dozens of times, and i always find something new to laugh at or aspire to. Love the book and enjoy the narrator. One in a million writers!