Juliet Stevenson excels again!

I had not previously read this Jane Austen, and I think it is one that is quite often forgotten. This is not however because it is one of her lesser works. This story follows a different formula to many of her other novels, and shows Austen's maturity in her writing style. It will never be as good as Pride and Prejudice, but definitley worth a listen.

Juliet Stevenson once again is a fantastic narrator, making each character unique.

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13 people found this helpful

Not so gentle satire

This book has some of Jane Austen's best writing - she invents the trick of the authorial voice stepping into the character's thoughts here for the first time in the novel. Outside that the authorial voice is quite biting, in the main character she gives an accurate portrait of depression, and some of the subordinate characters are truly appalling. Which may be why some people don't like it as much as her other books: it's hard to maintain the "sweetness and light" illusion that some have of Jane Austen. I like it best of all her books, and, as usual, Juliet Stevenson is a splendid narrator (though Anna Massey, if only we could have her, brings an icy bite to her reading which is entirely appropriate to this book).

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10 people found this helpful

Beautiful!

This is one of my favourite Jane Austen books and Juliet Stevenson narrates this brilliantly. Having seen her play Mrs Elton in the movie adaptation of Emma I knew she would be perfect for this. I've downloaded the other Austen books that she narrates now too!

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2 people found this helpful

Wonderful Persuasion

A pleasure to listen to this lovely story which is beautifully read by Juliet Stevenson!

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1 person found this helpful

love this book.

Juliet Stevenson once again gives a wonderful performance and truly brings the story and everyone in it to life.

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Thoroughly enjoyed

I had an older audiobook version, but this is a great improvement. Juliet Stevenson really catches the tone of the script beautifully. Thank you for this treasure.

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Marvellous

The story of Ann Elliot and Captain Wentworth is so familiar to all Austen lovers. This book with narration by the wonderful Juliet Stevenson provides an entirely new nuance to this beloved story. I highly recommend this audiobook

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8 hours 47 minutes of listening pleasure!

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

Great Cinderella story!

What other book might you compare Persuasion to, and why?

Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park because Jane Austen has a distinctive style of writing!

Which scene did you most enjoy?

When Anne and the young adults of the Uppercross family accompany Captain Wentworth on a visit to two of his fellow officers, Captains Harville and James Benwick, in the coastal town of Lyme Regis.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It has a strong feel good factor throughout.

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An excellent story interpreted in an excellent, empathetic and professional manner.

Juliet Stevenson reads this classic tale in an unbeatable way. In an even pace she smoothly delivers the text and by inhabiting each character fleshes out each individual, building the narrative without apparent effort. At no time is there a hint of monotony or fatigue in her voice or jarring emphasis either. The whole is a piece of auditory haute couture!

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Another great Austen story

I loved the narration and story. True to Austen form- well worth the listen. I preferred the character of Anne to Fanny price in Mansfield park.

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