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Evelina  By  cover art

Evelina

By: Frances Burney
Narrated by: Orson Scott Card, Emily Rankin, Stefan Rudnicki, Gabrielle de Cuir
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Publisher's summary

Originally published in 1778, Evelina is Frances Burney's first and most beloved novel. It was a landmark in the development of the novel of manners and went on to influence such enduringly popular authors as Jane Austen.

By turns hilarious and grim, witty and lyrical, the story follows young Evelina as she leaves the seclusion of her country home and enters into late eighteenth-century London society - both its pleasures and its dangers. Life in eighteenth-century England is vividly rendered as Evelina is educated in the ways of the world and, eventually, love. As she battles such cruelties as social snobbery and delights in such thrills as pleasure gardens and balls, Evelina strives toward her final triumph, while capturing the hearts of listeners everywhere along the way.

Public Domain (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Evelina

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Great classic

One of the first and best novels in the English language. The main reader is also one of the best I've ever listened to.

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11 people found this helpful

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Very enjoyable, well written, well performed!

I am a fan of Jane Austen, as well as other classics, including recency era fiction. This will naturally lead you to Fanny Burney- you won't be disappointed. Jane Austen wasn't! :)

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8 people found this helpful

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Was very surprised it was this good!

This novel proves that a good story stands for a very long time. I was so surprised at how very good it was. Once one got used to the older style of language, and that took very little time, the story was fast paced, fresh, engaging, and a genuine pleasure. There is a reason this book has stuck around for so long, and that reason is, it's a good book. Give it a try.

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7 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Wrong choice of narrator

A British narrator would have more appropriately communicated a sense of the history and location. I found the voices of some of the characters grating in the extreme and finally had to stop listening and finish reading the book from the public library. I will be returning this book, it was that irritating.

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6 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Get the version read by Finty Williams, Judi Dench

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

... and Geoffrey Palmer (original publisher silksoundbooks, but now on audible). Unlike this crew (so surprised this was so bad!), they "get" the book. This version I would NOT even recommend if it were free! But if you have the money, the Williams/Dench/Palmer version is well worth it!

What did you like best about this story?

The interplay among the characters

How could the performance have been better?

Cast voice actors who are suited to the material

What character would you cut from Evelina?

None!

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6 people found this helpful

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Delightful

This is my favorite Francey Burney novel and this audiobook version was wonderful. Emily Rankin did an incredible job with all the different voices. I listened to another version after this one and this version was by far superior. If you enjoy Jane Austen, Frances Burney, Maria Edgeworth... you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Very cleverly written and well-performed.

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4 people found this helpful

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I could not help myself

I don’t generally prefer books written in the form of letters. Therefore I was disappointed that this book was in that form.

BUT-the story, the writing and the performance were all so good, that I listened anyway. I am extremely glad that I did.

Perfect social commentary with a good love story thrown into the mix. Reminds me some of Jane Austen.

Definitely worth the listen!

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2 people found this helpful

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Jane Austen’s favorite

I understand why this novel was among Jane Austen’s favorites. The story is wonderful and masterfully woven. It is a masterpiece among period novels. The narrators are excellent.

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1 person found this helpful

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Immersive reading

The readers were amazing, and I was so impressed with the amount of expression and accuracy to the characters. Truly excellent

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A delight

A wonderfully read and performed version of Burney's work. I especially loved the afterward that expresses such enthusiasm about Austen's favorite novel.

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1 person found this helpful