Sense and Sensibility

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

When Mrs. Dashwood is forced by an avaricious daughter-in-law to leave the family home in Sussex, she takes her three daughters to live in a modest cottage in Devon. For Elinor, the eldest daughter, the move means a painful separation from the man she loves, but her sister Marianne finds in Devon the romance and excitement which she longs for. The contrasting fortunes and temperaments of the two girls as they struggle to cope in their different ways with the cruel events which fate has in store for them are portrayed by Jane Austen with her usual irony, humour, and profound sensibility.

©2005 Naxos Audiobooks Ltd. (P)2005 Naxos Audiobooks Ltd.

A complete experience

Would you consider the audio edition of Sense and Sensibility to be better than the print version?

Yes, because the narrator is superb and brings accents and inflections that American I cannot supply.

What about Juliet Stevenson’s performance did you like?

She gives each character a unique voice, so that they all seem distinct. Hence the dramatic quality that is such a huge value-added to the text alone. Stevenson's intelligence shines through. She seems to interpret each emphasis perfectly.

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

Austen's humor is always moving, because she brings such remarkable psychological insight to her writing.

Any additional comments?

Highly entertaining! The four stars indicate problems with Austen's story, not with the audible experience.

Very well narrated

This story is a great example of the old style of writing - wordy and flowery. Juliet Stevenson is an excellent reader of the style and voices, making it interesting to listen to and enjoy.

Well Done

Juliet Stevenson does an incredible job. Her inflection for all the characters is great. Highly recommend.

Juliet Stevenson does it again!

What about Juliet Stevenson’s performance did you like?

I've always loved the story and I have read it before, but I have to confess that reading Austen's language has always been a struggle. I never really felt like I was fully enjoying the story. Until now. Juliet Stevenson is a world class narrator. She brings to life the characters and language and kept me interested the entire time. I know I will be listening to this book again and again, mostly thanks to her excellent narration!

Any additional comments?

Seriously, if you struggle with reading Austen normally, give this a book a chance!

Soothing and perfect narrator

This book was a hard read for me but once I found the audiobook I fell in love with it. Couldn't ask for a better narration!

Loved it!!!

I saw the movie a long time ago but the book is always better Marianne Dahswood rocks!

Jane Austen at her best....

If she every not? Absolutely loved this book. Jane Austen's writing brings everything to life and paints a perfect picture in you mind of every detail. Juliet Stevenson does a great job and is a joy to listen to. Only Pride and Prejudice compares to this Jane Austen classic. Audible 20 Review Sweepstakes Entry.

very easy on the ears.

I listen to a lot of British classic novels, and there's an overwhelming trend towards narrators with a very nasal, uppity-sounding English accent that grates on the ears. An expert in accents could probably identify the quality that I don't like; all I know is that THIS narrator is, by contrast, a great pleasure to listen to. Her speaking voice is gentle and beautiful and melodious. I could listen to her for hours... well, I did.

The story is of course typical Austen: predictably satisfying, tasty in that happy-endings-happen-to-good-people kind of way. You know what you're getting THERE. The excellent reading is icing on the cake.

Great novel. Great reading

A famous novel a very good reason. It paints a detailed painting of its era while creating unique, realistic and intersting characters.

Juliet Stevenson RAWKS!

My all time favorite narrator of Austin novels has always been Flo Gibson, who always struck me as having a most spirited and accurate portrayal of each character accurately down (at least in my imagination). However after reading reviews of Ms Stevenson, I thought I'd try this novel out. I was not disappointed.

Her interpretation of each character was somehow unique in her vocal tone, depth, and accent. And her choices were perfect. You could identify the antagonists by the quality of her voice and delivery, without each sounding cartoonish. And even the most ridiculous characters had the right amount of humanity as to keep them sympathetic.

My favorite portrayal was Mrs Jennings, who can easily be annoying but in this audiobook I always wanted more of. Definite 5 stars all around!