The Flight of Gemma Hardy

A Novel

By: Margot Livesey

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Fate has not been kind to Gemma Hardy. Orphaned, then neglected, young Gemma seemed destined for a life of hardship and loneliness. Yet her bright spirit burns strong. Fiercely intelligent, singularly determined, Gemma overcomes each challenge and setback, growing stronger and more certain of her path.

Now an independent young woman, she accepts a position as an au pair on the remote and beautiful Orkney Islands. Blackbird Hall belongs to Mr. Hugh Sinclair, a London businessman; his eight-year-old niece is Gemma’s charge. Even before their first meeting, Gemma is, like everyone on the island, intrigued by Mr. Sinclair. An unlikely couple, the two are drawn to each other, but Gemma’s biggest trial is about to begin… a journey of passion and betrayal, secrets and lies, redemption and discovery will lead her to a life she’s never dreamed of.

©2012 Margot Livesey (P)2012 AudioGO

Critic reviews

“[An] original slant on a classic story…. Within the classic framework, Livesey molds a thoroughly modern character who learns to expect the best of herself and to forgive the missteps of others. The author has a gift for creating atmosphere.” ( Library Journal)

“The talented Livesey updates Jane Eyre…taking care to home in on the elements of this classic story that so resonate with readers…. Despite readers’ familiarity with the story line, they will be held rapt…. A sure bet for both book clubs and Bronte fans.” ( Booklist)

“[A] brilliantly paced contemporary adventure…” ( Elle)

It wants to be Jane Eyre but fails.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Hmm i'm really on the fence. I love Jane Eyre, the story this is loosely based on, and it really missed the mark. I've read several other Jane Eyre spinoffs and this isn't my favorite.

What could Margot Livesey have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

No spoilers but one of the big plot points in the original Jane Eyre is an 'insuperable barrier" that separates the couple. I was waiting all book to see what it would be. The big secret. And when i finally got there, it was a huge disappointed. I thought "really, she is leaving him over this?!!" It felt forced. Like the author was trying to be inventive but then just made up an issue that she hoped would be believable. And it wasn't. It was a poor man's Jane Eyre and I'd rather just read the original again.

Which character – as performed by Davina Porter – was your favorite?

Young Gemma

Do you think The Flight of Gemma Hardy needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, it was enough.

Good, but..

Love the narration. Well written but too much like a historical novel I won't name - that would be a spoiler. I recognized the storyline fairly soon and the book experience became as much about this unique storyline as how it would pull off mirroring the original. I'm not sure that distracted from the experience except I then felt the ending was predictable. because of the parallel. Still I'd recommend this as a good listen.

f you loved Jane Eyre, you will like this novel.

This story's plot and story line are not very original. Listeners will fairly quickly recognize that the author is recreating the story of Jane Eyre in 1950's and 1960's Scotland. That being said, I loved Jane Eyre and enjoyed this modern re-telling of the story with all the twists and turns that Gemma has to navigate. However, I was disappointed in the end as it was somewhat abrupt. Another chapter to fill out how life turned out for Gemma would have been more satisfying. Davina Porter's reading was, as usual, well done and pleasant to listen to with all of the different accents done quite nicely.

It is Jane Eyre

Of course I love it, it is Jane Eyre.

It's not very original, but I don't think the author was going for original.

Both fresh and familiar

A more modern twist on Jane Eyre. Perfectly read and wonderfully written. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

A journey in a life

There are times we think will break us and then there are times which bring us hope & sunshine with the will to carry on. This could be just about anyone's life story, but it was written in such a way as to be so interesting, that " goodness, what next?" was always in my mind. Loved this story and the narrator really added to the pleasure.

So Good

The ending was a bit fast but it was an excellent story and easy to read. Highly recommend you try it.

Good Summer (now Fall) Read

Where does The Flight of Gemma Hardy rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

It is a different genre from what I normally read, but I certainly enjoyed it.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of course, Gemma, with her doggedness to just go on.

Have you listened to any of Davina Porter???s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, Davina Porter is a favorite narrator. I read the book first and enjoyed the story enough that I wanted to hear Davina Porter read it. She is excellent.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

?

Any additional comments?

No.

Emotional retelling of a classic

I loved this retelling of "Jane Eyre". It was emotional, heartbreaking, and romantic. Perhaps the ending was a bit too rushed, with all the rials and tribulations swept up neatly, but it was such a wonderful journey that I was ready for the heroine of the story to finally find happiness. Wonderful narration by Davina Porter enhanced the story. Definitely a favorite !

Enjoyable Enough

I read a review of this book that was glowing with praise. I found that the audio book was narrated by my favorite, Davina Porter. Those two reasons were why I ultimately bought and listened to it.

Generally, I enjoyed The Flight of Gemma Hardy. I found Gemma to be a strong character, interesting in her solitude and hardship. I like that we are given the full picture of her childhood years - her time with her aunt and uncle, her time at the Claypool school. And then what follows. While it is supposed to be a redo of Jane Eyre (and I confess that I have not read that novel, although I have seen the movie), I think the later chapters do not follow it as closely. But that's OK.

I do take issue with a couple of specific things that I won't mention because they are spoilerish. And I found the ending to be rather anti-climactic and somewhat abrupt. But I do like the book enough to recommend it.