Love and Friendship & Other Early Works

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Geoffrey Giuliano, The Spire

Length: 4 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

Welcome to the world of Jane Austen, one of the most beloved authors in the English language. Austen's works are known for their wit, social commentary, and romantic storylines that have captivated readers for generations.

This audiobook is an introduction to the life and works of Jane Austen and will provide a glimpse into her world and the literary legacy she left behind.

"Love and Friendship" is a short epistolary novel by Jane Austen, written in 1790, when Austen was just 14 years old. The story is told through a series of letters between the characters, primarily the protagonist, Laura, and her close friend, Isabel. The novel is a satirical take on the romantic fiction of the time, with Laura's escapades and misadventures serving as a critique of the societal norms of the day. The story follows Laura's attempts to navigate the social scene and find a suitable husband, which leads to a series of humorous and ridiculous situations. The title of the novel is actually somewhat ironic, as the love and friendship depicted in the story are often misguided and ill-fated. The characters are portrayed as being overly dramatic and superficial, highlighting Austen's satirical approach to the genre. While "Love and Friendship" is not as well-known as Austen's later, more famous works, it is still a valuable contribution to her body of work and offers an interesting insight into her early writing style and satirical tendencies.

Public Domain (P)2023 Icon Audio Arts