Northanger Abbey

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Donada Peters

Northanger Abbey, written in 1798, was one of Austen's earliest works, though it was not published until after her death. The novel is the coming-of-age story of Catherine Morland, who is taken to the fashionable resort of Bath with her friends, the Allens. While in Bath, she meets Henry Tilney and his sister Eleanor. The Tilneys invite Catherine to Northanger Abbey, their family estate. Catherine, an avid reader of Gothic novels, soon becomes obsessed with the thought that possible atrocities are going on at the abbey.

Northanger Abbey is Austen's parody of late 18th century Gothic thrillers by writers such as Ann Radcliffe. While it is considered by many to be Austen's most light-hearted novel, it is nevertheless filled with unsentimental commentary on love and marriage.

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Critic reviews

"The purpose of the novel is to ridicule the [then] popular tales of romance and terror...and to contrast these with the normal realities of life." (The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature)

Die hard Austen fan approved!

Donada Peters' performance in this audio version of Northanger Abbey is praiseworthy. She faithfully portrays the characters in the style of the period, while managing to give each a unique voice. Austen's wit and sly undertone highlighting the ridiculous preoccupations of the gentry of the time are not lost either. Highly recommended for any Austen fan, or indeed, anyone that enjoys classic literature.

Great story - choppy recordings

The story is very amusing - it represents the full range of content expected by an Austen novel but with more than the expected humor. The reader was good but the recording is choppy. This makes for awkward transitions between chapters etc. I would still recommend it however, and I'm sure I'll listen to it many times in the future.

Wonderful satire and glimpse into the times

I'm not at all a lover of lovers--romances be dam*ed--but I can't help but love Jane Austen. Satire is my favorite form of humor and history my favorite genre and with Austen I get a really delightful dose of both.

WONDERFUL READ

MY TYPE OF BOOK AND THE READERS MAKE IT COME ALIVE SO YOU FEEL AS IF YOU ARE RIGHT THERE AND LIVING AMONG THE CHARACTERS. DEFINITELY ONE I WILL LISTEN TO AGAIN.

Splendid

Austen is wonderfully endearing with her cheeky side comments and the hero and heroine themselves are wonderfully charming. Thoroughly enjoyed this. Highly recommend!