Emma - The 200th Anniversary Audio Edition

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Following the runaway success of her stunning rendition of Pride and Prejudice, award-winning narrator Alison Larkin returns - breathing new life into Jane Austen's Emma. Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the book, Larkin - a witty and always original voice - is the perfect vessel to bring this classically satirical novel to a new audience. A fresh and hugely entertaining listen, Larkin, also an acclaimed comedienne and the best-selling author of The English American, joins her voice deftly with Austen's clever style and the result is pure, boundless fun.

Public Domain (P)2015 British Classic Audio

Critic reviews

"There's a vintage feel to Alison Larkin's narration of this Austen favorite. The bell-like quality of her sweetly accented voice harkens back to another, quieter, time. However, her delivery of this much-loved matchmaking story offers a flexibility that is contemporary and easy to hear. Larkin's vocals can be precious or blustery, proper or pompous, depending on which character she occupies, and she creates distinctions between each with skill. The pace is brisk, and Larkin's treatment of the light humor in the novel is so subtle it could be missed by the distracted listener." ( AudioFile)

"[Larkin] approaches Austen as a satirist - she has genuine theatrical skill, so her Mrs. Elton, swooping and dipping in flights of arrogant self-serving nonsensical observation, and her Miss Bates, anxious and desperately self-conscious even as she talks without end, are both sustained comic creations. The voice reveals all." ( The New Yorker)

Love jane Austen - thought this narrator was awful

I honestly couldn’t finish - I hate to use this word, but narrator was positively shrill. I can’t believe this one was in honor of 200 years - thankfully the story remains as perfect as ever.

Outstanding!

A fabulous rendition of a wonderful classic. I truly love this story and the excellent narration made it even better!

Matchmaker Enna

Delightful as all of Jane Austen books are. It's one I will listen to many more times.

Best Jane Austen narration I have ever heard!

If you could sum up Emma - The 200th Anniversary Audio Edition in three words, what would they be?

Really comes alive!

What other book might you compare Emma - The 200th Anniversary Audio Edition to and why?

I have not enjoyed an audio book as much since I listened to Larkin's performance of Pride and Prejudice.

What about Alison Larkin’s performance did you like?

Often narrations of Jane Austen novels are earnest. She was not meant to be read in that way. She was meant to be read with lightness and wit - and depth. Larkin brings all this and more.

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

Miss Bates and Mrs Elton are both hilarious and authentic. I especially love the scene where Emma first gives advice to Harriet about Mr Martin and all the scenes where she manipulates people.Jane Austen called her 'a heroine who no one but myself will much like.'

Any additional comments?

Larkin is able to channel Jane Austen in a way that breathes new life into this already amazing book. Her reading brings this 200 year-old classic to life in a way that makes me love the book more than ever before. A brilliantly good listen!

Totally charming

Beautifully narrated by Alison Larkin, who brings Emma alive. While not on a par with Pride and Prejudice, also beautifully narrated by Ms. Larkin, the inhabitants of High Bridge become old and beloved friends. I highly recommend this recording.

Great Narration!

I thought I wouldn't like one person being the voice of every character, but this was so well done!

Brillantly narrated by Alison Larkin

If you could sum up Emma - The 200th Anniversary Audio Edition in three words, what would they be?

Best version yet.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Emma - The 200th Anniversary Audio Edition?

There are so many it is hard to pick one, but certainly the moment when Emma realizes who she is in love with.

What does Alison Larkin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Characterizations that are so convincing you feel like you are there. There's a lightness to her reading that makes it a pleasure to listen to at all times. Jane Austen is deeply funny - as well as moving and true. All these adjectives apply to Larkin's narration. I also really like the fact that one of my favorite New Yorker cartoonists designed the cover.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The moment when Emma realizes who she is in love with.

Any additional comments?

I came to this one after hearing Alison Larkin read Pride and Prejudice. She does an equally stunning job here. She has a gift for bringing out the wit and intelligence in Jane Austen who is sometimes read in far too serious a manner. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Incredible performance

I am so impressed with Alison Larkins performance in this book! I love audio books, but she takes the experience to another level.

Entertaining and Becoming

I am a Jane Austen lover and really enjoyed this performance. The voice is cheerful enough to capture Emma's overall energy. The slight variations of intonation for the characters in general are well balanced and add to the narration. I particularly enjoy Mrs Elton's snobbery, Miss Bates' scattered speech and Mr Woodhouse's hypochondriac tone. Recommended!

Very well done

Very good narration. The only thing off-putting was the timbre of the narrator's voicing of the main character. The higher pitch grated on me after a while.