Jane Eyre

By: Charlotte Brontë

Narrated by: Thandiwe Newton

Length: 19 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

"I think the reason we're so struck by [Jane Eyre] is how Charlotte Brontë manages to relate, expertly, what it means to be a human being...and that never changes." (Narrator Thandiwe Newton) 

Following Jane from her childhood as an orphan in Northern England through her experience as a governess at Thornfield Hall, Charlotte Brontë's Gothic classic is an early exploration of women's independence in the mid-19th century and the pervasive societal challenges women had to endure. At Thornfield, Jane meets the complex and mysterious Mr. Rochester, with whom she shares a complicated relationship that ultimately forces her to reconcile the conflicting passions of romantic love and religious piety. Performing the early Victorian novel with great care and respect, actress Thandiwe Newton (Crash, The Pursuit of Happyness) draws out Jane Eyre's intimacy and depth while conveying how truly progressive Brontë was in an era of extreme restraint. 

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Public Domain (P)2016 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Narrator Thandie Newton gives a delightful performance of this beloved classic. She delivers the voice of Jane from childhood to adulthood with elegant conviction, breezing through the dense sentences as if they were part of a contemporary novel." (AudioFile)

"[Thandie Newton’s] taut British diction makes a one-woman play out of the orphan girl’s love story, which starts out with all the young-adult tropes - the poor, good-hearted child abused by the spoiled, wealthy boy and his classist keepers, each distinguished by his or her own idiosyncratic cadence - but progresses into what many consider the prototypical Victorian novel. Written in 1847, not long before the start of the American Civil War, the novel makes repeated comparisons between Jane’s captivity, as an impoverished girl in a rich family’s home, and slavery. Newton’s exasperated and aptly melodramatic delivery of Jane’s accusation that her cruel stepbrother is 'like a slave-driver' is a knowing contemporary wink at this timeless yet dated classic." (The New York Times Book Review)

Thandie Newton is INCREDIBLE!

I am completely blown away by Thandie Newton's performance! There were so many times I had to remind myself who was narrating because here voice changed so seamlessly with each character. What a talent! Not to mention this book is a classic and a superior one at that. Well worth the 19+ hour listen.

Ms Newton was an Audible Tour de Force!!

I never got around to reading Jane Eyre but I finally decided to listen and I am glad I did. I loved this book immensely and I thought knew the story thanks to PBS - Masterpiece and the like but I found "I know nothing" and now I know all. Ms Newton gave true voice to every character man, woman or child with such skill that I was enthralled. At once I was on the edge of my seat in anticipation while riding an emotional roller coaster to the end of the line with her Jane. She breathed life into a story that could have been tired.
I apologize if I sound like I am gushing but I speak only the truth of my experience with this book and this extraordinary performer. Never a big fan I liked her in films and respected her work. I am now a fan and I look forward to seeing and hearing all of her work in the future.

Perfect!!

I could not stop listening, even when I should have been asleep. I read Jane Eyre as a teenager and found the story painfully romantic even though extremely tedious. I had mostly forgotten about it, but hearing Rosamund Pike read Pride and Prejudice (another absolutely perfect performance) prompted me to explore other classics that I struggled with in book form.

Thandie Newton enthralled me! I could swear that I too was living the story. She gave this book the timelessness it deserves! I will definitely keep this audiobook set aside for my future daughters and the young women I influence. Jane Eyre herself inspired in me greater self respect and love. What a wonderful character!

DO NOT HESITATE TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK!!
I have listened to quite a few audible books so far and I think this is the first one that had me insatiable. I could not stop listening!!

Sensational way to experience Jane Eyre

Having never read this classic before, I was excited to purchase this on Audibles. And I must say: this audiobook went above and beyond my expectations! Thandie Newton was an absolutely phenomenal reader, and brought the characters to life in a vibrant and movie- like manner. This is certainly one of the best if not THE best book I've ever listened to on Audibles. Audibles, keep bringing in wonderful narrators: it makes these classics come to life.

Superb Narration of a Fantastic Book!

This is the third version of "Jane Eyre" I have, the other two narrated by Juliet Stevenson and Emma Messenger, and I can say without a doubt in my mind that Thandie Newton makes this the best listen of them all. Her accents are impeccable, her ability to convey drama and emotion is sublime, the fact that she can carry off Jane as a child and then move on to Jane as a young woman is astounding and glorious to listen to.
We're treated to the four separate lives of a truly remarkable literary character: Jane as an easily ruffled and sometimes histrionic child, Jane as a smooth yet lovelorn governess at Thornfield Hall, Jane as a content yet suddenly challenged young woman at Moor House, and finally, Jane in her final life, the life the story has been building to, the life she was destined to lead. And Ms. Newton handles each situation, each character therein with perfect ease and grace.
The only, oh so minor, difficulty I had with her performance was that Mr. Rochester was a tad growly. But then again, the man is a tad growly, a tad crotchety and challenging. But she carried off his bouts of passion, his deadpan humor, his utter earnestness, so very well that I was totally swept away.
Nineteen hours go by quickly if you're utterly absorbed by a fantastic story with a character who has such a brilliant character arc. I was honestly and truly sad to hear those words: "Audible hopes you enjoyed..."
But, boy, was I tremendously satisfied! I can't recommend this version of the inimitable "Jane Eyre" highly enough. Charlotte Bronte had a lot to say, and she said it very, very well!
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Not the Depressing Story Hollywood Tells Us It Is

I had seen the movie with Michael Fassbender in it, having no idea what the book was about. I knew that Charlotte was the sister of Emily Bronte who had written Wuthering Heights. It never interested me either. Mostly because upon reading the truly awful novel Twilight, it was discussed so often.

I still haven’t read Emily Brontes book. I watched a BBC production of it starring Tom Hardy. It was dreary, stupid, cruel and in the end, completely pointless. It’s no wonder a hokey writer like Stephanie Meyer chose the most shallow “classic” of the regency era as Bella’s favorite.

Jane Eyre is nothing of the sort. It’s not even as gloomy and hopeless as various movies or mini series have made it out to be.

Despite any bad in Jane’s life. Despite numerous tragedies, Jane is a force to be reckoned with through out the tale! She’s what every writer should aspire to make of their lead female characters.

She’s bold and independent. Her flaws are endearing but still present. Her love and compassion in the face of many heartless characters brought me to tears multiple times! It’s her choice to love Mr Rochester. Her choice to be the wife he both wants and needs.

The way they tease and trust one another felt true to the successful relationships I’ve personally witnessed. There were trials, all great books have them, but they were overcome with poise and understanding.

This book holds a great deal of hope through out and I wonder if those who produce the live action dramas are just too unwilling to show this, because it’s all owed to God?

The heroine’s reliance on moral and divine conduct is a large plot point and yet most of what I’ve seen never mentions it. If anything they seem to push Jane into rebelling against the ideals of the regency era’s definitions of a Godly woman.

I have to say, I truly didn’t expect to become
so absorbed in this novel. Thandie Newton’s performance is spectacular and well done. I’d listen to her read just about any classic, I think.

Newton is a wonderful narrator

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to her bring the novel alive. I hope to hear more works read by her.

Gets even better each time you read it!

Outtanding narration makes this classic even more compelling and addictive! This story is a "must read"!

A truly Epic performance

I listen to hundreds of books each year, and read even more.

Rarely have I enjoyed a book more. This was not a reading, but a masterful performance.

I have read the book countless times, and listened to several other readings, but listening to this narration was even better than reading it for the first time.

It sounded as if a very talented actress was giving voice to her favorite story of all time, not for money, but for love.

How Can so Many People Enjoy this Book?

This book started off interesting, I enjoyed following Jane through her childhood and schooling. Then it all fell apart. I found the love story boring and Jane extremely dull. I have no idea why she falls in love with Rochester or why he loves her. But we are forced to hear them endlessly and excessively nattering to each other about how much they love one another. Listening to this book became so tedious that with only a few hours left I gave up.


In fact, I plan to ask for a refund. I want my credit back. It couldn't have been more wasted.

A beautiful audiobook!!

I defy anyone not to be completely swept up in Charlotte Bronte's magnificent story, made all the better by Thandie Newton's superb narration. Newton is an absolute wonder!! Her subtle vocal skills breathed fresh life into this classic story set in the Moors of Northern England. I was hooked from the first chapter. Very highly recommended.

Great reader

The best part about this book is the reader, she really brings the story to life with her different accents and voices. Jane Eyre will always be one of my favourite books, I can't fault it!

Sublime

This is one of the best Audiobooks I have listened to. just didn't want it to end. Thandie's rendition is truly faultless.

Thandie Newton's performance is amazing!!

If you could sum up Jane Eyre in three words, what would they be?

Captivating
Love
Period

What other book might you compare Jane Eyre to, and why?

Havent listening to a period novel read so well

What about Thandie Newton’s performance did you like?

Was totally amazing. Could not stop listening. She puts her great talent into many voices for many characters, Stunning

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

If it wasnt so long yes. Was brilliant

great to read again after such a long time

What a classic. I had forgotten the story having not read since I was at school, so 50 years later I think I enjoyed it more.

Its a must read and enjoy!

One of my favourites

Jane Eyre is a beautifully written novel that I've read numerous times. I really enjoyed this audible version thanks to the wonderful narrator. I would definitely listen to Thandie Newman again.

Outstanding Book, Outstanding Narrator

Having watched the film many times, I decided it was time for the book. Thandie Newton was brilliant and brought every aspect to life. I was decorating a bedroom and the book was being read in the background. I smiled, I laughed, I cried and I was so absorbed that it came as a big surprise to discover that I had finished the room! I really didn't want this book to end, it is excellent. Would highly recommend.

Great narration

Loved this! really recommend this version narrated by Thandie Newton as she does it so well : )

Beautifully Read By Thandie Newton

What made the experience of listening to Jane Eyre the most enjoyable?

Thandie Newton is the PEFECT narrator for this story. I loved listening to her.

What other book might you compare Jane Eyre to, and why?

Pride and prejudice.

What about Thandie Newton’s performance did you like?

Loved it. The perfect tone, she made every character come alive seamlessly.

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

yes

Any additional comments?

Highly recommend you get this version. Loved it :)

Elegantly narrated masterpiece

The sensitive and fluent performance of this classic novel made it difficult for me to stop listening. The male voices were handled expertly without any pastiche growling and the rather convoluted syntax used in the time of the Brontes was smoothly and intelligently expressed. The performance was so engaging that I found myself crying at one point (not something that comes easily to me). A wonderful partnership between a brilliant book and a superb vocal performance.