Northanger Abbey

By: Jane Austen, Marilyn Butler

Narrated by: Emma Naomi

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Emma Naomi, best known for Bridgerton. This definitive recording includes an introduction by Marilyn Butler.

With its irrepressible heroine and playful literary games, Northanger Abbey is the most youthful and optimistic of Jane Austen's novels. It tells the story of young, impressionable Catherine Morland, whose first experience of fashionable society introduces her to the thrills of gothic romances, and to the sophisticated Tilneys, who invite her to their family home, Northanger Abbey. But there, influenced by novels of horror and intrigue, Catherine begins to think that terrible crimes are being committed, and her imagination threatens to run away with her.

Public Domain (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Jane Austen is a genius, and Northanger Abbey is hugely underrated." (Martin Amis)

More enjoyable the second time through!

On my second reading/listen to Northanger Abbey, i I gained more insight into conversations and characters. One character of whom I became more aware was Isobel and her extreme manipulation. We cannot definitely know if the behaviors are done consciously, or if she interacts with others so in such a way by default, lacking any personal insight. I suspect it is the former, though perhaps some of both. Henry demonstrates a strong sense of humor, but also wisdom and mercy.
I thought the narrator did a very good job. I can’t agree with a previous reviewer’s low rating. She is not one of the best, but very good, and I think she can become better. I think she was especially strong in portraying the needling voice of Isobel Thorpe (ugh!). There are some narrators I cannot listen to (e.g., they read with same emphasis and volume, even though text states character is angry or upset), though they seem to be popular with others Audible customers.
Note: The book version sold with the audio does not have a full table of contents, and the end of Chapter 14 is missing, both of which are frustrating. Also, they are not synced together, which I did not realize initially. If purchasing the book only to read, choose another version. It would be great if someone at Kindle could address these issues.
Ms. Austen’s brilliance shines through all other imperfections.

Awful narration

I couldn't get past chapter two. The reading was so monotonous and flawed that I had to return the title. I am highly disappointed at this lack of quality from Penguin. I guess getting someone "famous" was more important than ensuring quality.