My Mrs. Brown

A Novel

By: William Norwich

Narrated by: Angela Brazil

Emilia Brown is a woman of a certain age. She has spent a frugal, useful, and wholly restrained life in Ashville, a small town in Rhode Island. Overlooked especially by the industries of fashion and media, Mrs. Brown is one of today's silent generation of women whose quiet, no-frills existences would make them seem invisible. She is a genteel woman who has known her share of personal sorrows and quietly carried on.

When the grand dame of Ashville passes away, Mrs. Brown is called upon to inventory her estate and comes across a dress that changes everything. This isn't a Cinderella confection; it's a simple yet exquisitely tailored Oscar de la Renta sheath and jacket - a suit that, Mrs. Brown realizes with startling clarity, will say everything she has ever wished to convey. She must have it.

And so Mrs. Brown begins her odyssey to purchase the dress. For not only is the owning of the Oscar de la Renta a must, but the intimidating trip to purchase it on Madison Avenue is essential as well. If the dress is to give Mrs. Brown a voice, then she must prepare by making the daunting journey - both to the Emerald City and within herself.

©2015 Great Blue Heron, Inc. (P)2016 Tantor

Wonderful, heart-warming story

Mrs. Brown was just who I needed to spend some time with these last few days. I sometimes wonder if there are many Mrs. Browns left in this crazy world.

Mrs. Brown is a really good book and I LOVED IT. The writing is flowing and elegant. Perhaps a softer narration for the audio book would have suited it better.

The ending took my breath away because I could have had the same permanent heartbreak; both of my sons served alongside "hers" at that same time.

This is the first time I've enjoyed and respected a book enough to write a review rather than just submit a rating. READ Mrs. Brown and savor the feeling that will remain in your heart.

Too bad this story ends

Would you listen to My Mrs. Brown again? Why?

Probably. I don't re listen often, but I loved Mrs. Brown.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Mrs. Brown?

When Mrs. Brown finally gets her dress in her size.

Have you listened to any of Angela Brazil’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

If you could take any character from My Mrs. Brown out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Mrs. Brown. I bet she would be very interesting to talk to.

Any additional comments?

I loved everything about this book. The story, characters & narrator were all very enjoyable. I wish there were more stories like this.

Decent Fictional Book

I listened to the whole of My Mrs. Brown for a mother daughter book club that I'm in. Overall I found it pleasant, though I didn't think it was anything special. The ending was quite predictable, and while I tried to connect knowing that it was meant to appeal to women of all generations, I found it a bit of a stretch ad just couldn't get there. The performance was excellent and I believe helped keep me interested.

Sweet story

I enjoyed this book, though it probably could have been shorter. Did not care for the narrator but it wasn't terrible.

Sweet Story

Any additional comments?

This was highly recommended to me. I feel like it was a sweet story and I now want a Mrs Brown in my life, but I do not think this story lived up to the recommender's review. It was endearing, but it wasn't deep or thought provoking (not that every story should be).