Download New Releases Full Audiobooks in Classics, British Literature

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Title: Mansfield Park (Naxos Edition)

Author: Jane Austen

Narrator: Juliet Stevenson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 16 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-26-00

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 884 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

At the tender age of 10, Fanny Price is 'adopted' by her rich relations and is removed from the poverty of her home in Portsmouth to the opulence of Mansfield Park. The transplantation is not a happy one. Dependent, helpless, neglected and forgotten, Fanny struggles to come to terms with her new life until, tested almost to the limits of endurance, she assumes her rightful role....

Members Reviews:

Oh such felicity, such gaiety, such rapture!

I had read this book before but many years ago and like so many others knew Jane Austen from Pride and Prejudice and more from the tv series than reading the book. However, Jane is at her most observational in this book - characters are so real that they are recognisable from people we know today and she is also at her most cynical - the wit is brilliant. Its a fantastic book and Juliet Stevenson is masterly in her narration. If I could have given it six stars I would have done!

Comments from a Jane Austen Novice

From the many reviews I've read, I know this novel isn't that popular among Jane Austen fans, most finding the heroine Fanny Price to be too much of a wallflower for a lead character. To me it seemed like she was on the contrary a young woman of conviction with a strong moral fiber, who seemed to have more depth than the leading young women in the other two novels I've read by Jane Austen (S&S and P&P), which I found too frothy for my liking. The secondary characters were very entertaining; indeed, their presence was essential in moving the story forward and providing plenty of spice and drama. Excellent performance by Juliet Stevenson, who is one of my favourite narrators.

Jane Austen and Juliet Stevenson

If you like Jane Austen you can't do better than Juliet Stevenson. She manages all of the characters' voices, including the men' and the narrator's, providing a dramatic yet sensitive reading catching what we might imagine was Austen's own voice. Each time I listen to one of the books I hear a new line or thread in the narration that I didn't catch before. Love them all.

Well read and Well edited

An exceptional narration and abridgement of a classic. But I bought it because of the narrator Juliette Stevenson.....superb.

classic, great narrator, long...

Well, it's a classic. I love this type of story so it appeals to me right up front. This narrator is the best at this type of story. Just only negative is it's so long and somewhats meanders so much that I almost quit out of boredom but then it would pick up again. Descriptions are wonderful - I like listening to it.

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Title: The Invisible Man

Author: H. G. Wells

Narrator: James Adams

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-26-00

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 982 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Aroused by trepidation and curiosity, the local villagers bring it upon themselves to find the answers. What they discover is a man trapped in a terror of his own creation, and a chilling reflection of the unsolvable mysteries of their own souls.

In the tradition of Mary Shelleys Frankenstein comes another undisputed classic of science fiction and horror to stir the imagination and conscience.

Members Reviews:

"How can you be happy like that?"

On the fourth day of February a "stranger [falls] out of infinity into Iping Village" in the Sussex countryside and rents a room at the local inn. His body swathed in clothes, his face wrapped in white bandages, his eyes hidden behind a pair of big blue spectacles, he cuts a bizarre figure. The local "yokels" speculate that he must have suffered some kind of accident. Or that he must be a disguised criminal on the run from the police. Or an ashamed mixed-race piebald hiding his appearance. Or an anarchist working on bombs. Or a lunatic. He claims that he's an "experimental investigator." Surely he's unpleasant and irritable, possessing "A bark of a laugh that he seemed to bite and kill in his mouth," upsetting dogs and boys, and rebuffing all attempts to get to know him with curses so that he may be left undisturbed to do his work. No one even knows his name. About when wags begin walking round the village imitating the stranger by pulling down the brims of their hats and pulling up the collars of their coats and kids begin singing a Bogey Man song whenever they see the stranger, events take a surreal turn when the vicar's house is burgled and the locals put two and two together and send the constable to arrest the stranger, who then disrobes and disappears, for, it turns out, he is the Invisible Man.

Most of H. G. Wells' The Invisible Man (1897) concerns the efforts of "the writer" to collate and interpret the testimony of various witnesses to the Invisible Man's "reign of terror" in the British countryside after the fact. Told from the points of view of countryside denizens like the proprietress of the inn and her husband, the village clock-jobber, general practitioner, reverend, and constable, and even a bachelor tramp, much of the story is a mysterious comedy of class or manner or place. When we finally learn the stranger's name and get his story from his own mouth over half way through, the tale shifts into a study of the alienated mad scientist. Even this is at a remove, however, for his monologue is narrated from the point of view of his university acquaintance Dr. Kemp, who interrupts his story now and then with questions and comments. Wells thus distances us from his scientist until, perhaps, the end of the climax of the short novel.

The Invisible Man explores themes that appear elsewhere in Wells' work: unknown wonders and terrors in the world/universe caused or explained by science may appear at any moment; people fear extraordinary things; men of science who cut themselves off from community become "inhuman"; "contemporary society" is marred by "desecrated fields" and "dank, squalid respectability and . . .

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Title: Wuthering Heights [Recorded Books Edition]

Author: Emily Brontë

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-16-99

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 399 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

"If all else perished, and he remained, I should still continue to be...I am Heathcliff...." Catherine Earnshaw's passionate statement reveals the core of Emily Bronte's tempestuous literary masterpiece. Meeting as children, Catherine and Heathcliff begin a relationship that grows into obsession as family, class, and fate work against them as much as their own jealous natures.

Critic Reviews:

"Flo Gibson is consistently one of the best cassette readers at work." (The Washington Post)

Members Reviews:

compelling and intense; the narrator grew on me

Like the previous reviewer, I was a little taken aback by the crackly voiced, "old lady-sounding" narrator at first. However, as the book proceded, I decided that I actually liked this narrator. Her voice works b/c much of the narration is told by the housekeeper, Nellie. Moreover, she does a fine job with the voices of the younger women and the accents of the locals, both male and female.

It had been years since I'd picked up Wuthering Heights, and this audio book was a pleasure. The cast of tortured characters and senseless and unjust wrongs propels one to continue even while questioning why such people should matter. They simply do. It is a disturbing, haunting story, with--at long last--a happy ending of sorts.

Better than reading it

I tried to read this book several times and just couldnt get into it- but then I saw this audio version and decided to give it antother shot.

It's kind of a bizzare story, but I also found it to be entertaining and interesting. The narration is fairly good as well.

If you always wanted to know what all the fuss is about regarding Wuthering Heights then this is the way to find out.

Horrendous narration

This is a great story, at least from what I remember when I read it 10 years ago! I enjoyed some of the other classics on audio so much and decided to give this one a try. The narration is awful, so difficult to understand and it seems like it's on fast forward. I had to slow the narration on my ipod so that I could understand what was being said. Very disappointed at the quality of this audiobook, this is a first as I have enjoyed every other narrator I've heard thusfar. The one star is not directed at the story, but at the awful narration!

wonderful narration of my favorite novel

I love the way the narrator doesn't just read the words, but changes her voice and accent with each character. She really made them come to life in my mind as I listened. Thank you Flo Gibson!

very good

i couldn't get through this book in print but enjoyed it immensely on audio!

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Title: Howards End

Author: E.M. Forster

Narrator: John Franklyn-Robbins

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-03-99

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 88 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

E.M. Forster's Howards End is a vivid portrait of London's golden age, before World War I forever changed its values and culture. Forster brings the great city's upper classes to life, detailing their grandiose spending habits, popular fads, Monet and Debussy, the rise of feminism, and the beginnings of urbanization. More than a mere idealization of pre-war London, Howards End provides insightful commentary on the rapid societal changes that occurred at the onset of the 20th century. Masterfully blending the stories of three vastly different groups of people - the independently wealthy, educated Schlegels; the nouveau riche Wilcoxes; and the ambitious but struggling Leonard Bast - Forster weaves a wonderfully rich, unforgettably poignant novel.

Editorial Reviews:

This novel is a period piece which encompasses many characters, social classes, accents and speech patterns. Because it's a social commentary on English life before and after World War I, it's rich in challenges for the narrator. John Franklyn-Robbins does a wonderful portrayal of a very descriptive text which could easily become quite tedious for the reader. Because it's written by a major author and the movie version has resurrected interest in the novel, this is a worthy selection.

Members Reviews:

very poor recording

Although the contents of the book is good the quality of the listen is very bad. It is almost impossible to listen when outside of the house.

Just Connect

This is a wonderful book--EM Forster never disappoints. It's rich with character development, humor and meaning, and it's a welcome addition to my Audible library. The narration would be fine if it weren't for the inclusion of frequent sounds of the narrator swallowing, wetting his mouth--SOMETHING that is very distracting. It's strange that the makers of this audio didn't do a better job of editing.

Love classic novels, this one didn't disappoint.

What made the experience of listening to Howards End the most enjoyable?

The way the narrator handled the characters throughout the story.

Any additional comments?

I love classic novels, they don't get overly graphic and leave you to use your imagination.

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Title: The Spiritual World of the Hobbit

Author: James Stuart Bell

Narrator: Wayne Shepherd

Format: Unabridged

Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-13-13

Publisher: Oasis Audio

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Find wisdom and inspiration in one of the greatest adventures ever told. Let this audiobook be your guide as you discover hidden truths embedded in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure. As one of the best-selling books of the last 100 years, and now a blockbuster movie, the magical charm of The Hobbit has delighted millions. But there is a spiritual dimension that will strike an even deeper chord. The Spiritual World of the Hobbit will take you behind the scenes, revealing Tolkien's beliefs and motivations.

From there it will walk you step-by-step through the story itself, uncovering powerful themes of providence, mercy, and courage that are as important in our own lives today as they were to the hobbits in Middle-Earth.

As you take a closer look at this timeless tale of good versus evil, you will be filled with wonder once again. For you will see that at the heart of The Hobbit, Tolkien embedded images of faith and spiritual longing that are sure to inspire us all.

Members Reviews:

Five Stars

Great read, I keep going back to this book!

More info about the Hobbit world.

Easy read.

Weak arguments, poor writing, uninteresting

I know a lot about The Hobbit, Tolkien, and how he wrote it. In almost every chapter, Bell makes claims about the book that are not true. He drastically overstates the connections between The Hobbit and the bible. He basically brings up some event in The Hobbit, then spews some bible quotes that mention the same noun. "Look, Middle-earth had eagles. So do these random bible verses!"

His writing is poor: flat, uninteresting, badly edited, and wandering. His nearly empty paragraphs are inflated with extraneous references (say, to later events in The Hobbit) to details that have no bearing whatsoever on the point he's trying to make. Did he have an editor? His language is imprecise and unpolished. When Bell's original prose is followed by a quote from Tolkien's work, the contrast is embarrassing.

The points that Bell DOES make, he makes inadequately. It's butter scraped over too much bread. A long focused essay on something that would actually have some legs--like Bilbo's pity and mercy for Gollum, for example--might be worthwhile. Scattershot bible quotes poorly connected to Bell's boring Hobbit plot summaries are not.

Don't be fooled by the people saying that this book is worthwhile. The resemblance between the book's cover art and the current movies' art direction should be enough to tell us all that this book is just a poor-value, opportunistic attempt to cash in on whatever popular interest the book currently has. Much more interesting commentary about Tolkien's work can be found by just googling it and reading message boards.

I'm glad I only checked this out from the library. It would be a very poor purchase indeed.

Great for a unique book study (Sunday School, maybe?)

Bell's book really serves as a good guide to the details one might miss. It's not really a devotional at all. Instead, it's kind of a "betcha didn't catch this" version of a book study. This would be an excellent book to use as a Wednesday night series at church or maybe even a Sunday School book study. The writing is somewhat academic so don't expect to read this all in one sitting. The enthusiasm that Bell has for Tolkien is not really contagious, but it is very evident in his writing.

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Title: The Pilgrims

Author: Hannah More

Narrator: Glenn Hascall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 23 mins

Language: English

Release date: 03-18-14

Publisher: Spoken Realms

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Welcome to a journey. Parts may seem familiar, but you are simply along as one who joins in the observations of the narrator. Author Hannah More was well known as a poet, playwright, and philanthropist. This writing is a rare allegory that seeks to help the hearer understand the need for priorities. This story may remind those who listen of the work of John Bunyan. Since the work was likely written in the 1700s, Bunyan's work likely was a strong influence in the style of this memorable story.

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Title: Great Expectations

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Simon Prebble

Format: Unabridged

Length: 18 hrs and 31 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-26-11

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2328 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

One of the most revered works in English literature, Great Expectations traces the coming of age of a young orphan, Pip, from a boy of shallow aspirations into a man of maturity. From the chilling opening confrontation with an escaped convict to the grand but eerily disheveled estate of bitter old Miss Havisham, all is not what it seems in Dickens dark tale of false illusions and thwarted desire.

Raised by a humble blacksmith, Pip is recruited by the wealthy Miss Havisham to be a companion to her ward, the cold but beautiful Estella. There, Pip learns to despise his rough origins as Estella torments him about his low prospects. When Pip is informed that an unknown benefactor expects to make him his heir, he sets off to London to realize his great expectations. But true gentleman stature, he will find, is a matter of character, not fortune.

Critic Reviews:

Observe how finely the narrative is kept in one key. It begins with a mournful impressionthe foggy marshes spreading drearily by the seaward Thamesand throughout recurs this effect of cold and damp and dreariness; in that kind Dickens never did anything so goodNo story in the first person was ever better told. (George Gissing, English novelist)

Members Reviews:

Great Performance of a classic!

I sometimes find high-brow victorian literature to be a little to slow and heavy, including Dickens, but 'Expectations' is a clear exception. I loved it. Simon Prebble's performance was captivating.

The narrator!!

This was my first time reading Great Expectations and I really liked the story. But I have to say the narrator, Simon Prebble, did such an amazing job with this story and these characters that I'm now going to look up his other audiobooks.

I would definitely recommend giving this one a try.

A Character Renewed

What made the experience of listening to Great Expectations the most enjoyable?

Pip is so much like me, like any of us. He gets caught in his obsessions, ignores what is beautiful in his life, and then misses every great opportunity for love and fulfillment.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joe, his adopted fater. It's hard to fathom that such a humble and humbled character should be able to embody such profound self dignity, such forgiveness, and such sweetness over every other character in the book

Which character as performed by Simon Prebble was your favorite?

Magwich. His voice would be difficult to speak in the same way that the character would have done. It probably would have been unintelligible so I'm glad the narrator made it easy to understand -- yet at the same time it conveyed the gruff character etc

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

Joe told Pip he wouldn't be coming back to dinner and immediately afterward Pip experiences repentance and then "self-swindling". At that point Pip gives an elaborate description of his obsession with Estella and decides that his "devotion" or obsession with Estella is his greatness. Fortunately, the mature writer notes that this "devotion" was actually the young Pip's smallness and meanness.

Any additional comments?

Dickens's ability to describe the nature of obsession is frighteningly real and I think that reading Dickens could substitute for a therapeutic relationship.

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Title: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Author: Lewis Carroll

Narrator: Scarlett Johansson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 44 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-23-16

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 1840 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Golden Globe nominee Scarlett Johansson (Lost in Translation, Girl with a Pearl Earring) brings a palpable sense of joy and exuberance to her performance of Lewis Carroll's enduring classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. From the White Rabbit and Mad Hatter to the Cheshire Cat and Queen of Hearts, she imbues each madcap character with a distinct voice and personality that will leave a lasting impression long after the adventure is over.

One hundred and fifty years after its original publication, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland remains one of the most widely read, deconstructed, referenced, and reinterpreted works of Western fiction. It tells the story of the young and imaginative Alice, who grows weary of her storybook, one "without pictures or conversations", and follows a hasty hare underground - to come face to face with a host of strange and fantastic characters.

Members Reviews:

Oh My Ears and Whiskers, What A Delight!

Wow!! When Audible says "Scarlett Johansson performs" this brilliant classic, they're not kidding!! I expected, when I pre-ordered this title, simply a competent reading of one of the all-time great satires of Victorian England. Instead I received this incredible tour-de-force, a veritable one-woman play in which Ms. Johansson acts out all characters singlehandedly and nearly flawlessly (I say 'nearly' only because a few characters sound not as described, e.g. The hookah-smoking caterpillar, who is described as speaking "in a languid, sleepy voice," barks at Alice like a shrill, stuffy schoolmarm). Overall Johansson is excellent, giving unique voice to each character while using wonderful expression, perfect pacing and vocal inflection for all narrative passages. She could only be better if she were British (it could be argued that having an American narrate 'Alice' is like having an Englishman narrate 'Huckleberry Finn'). This is a must for your listening library, whether you are 8 or 88 years of age. For extra value, curl up with a hard copy of Martin Gardner's The Annotated Alice (or the 150th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) while you listen, so you can discover what Lewis Carroll was skewering during all the apparent chaos and nonsense Alice experiences after her fall down the rabbit hole.

Incredible

Any additional comments?

I've loved Alice's Adventures in Wonderland for as long as I can remember. As a child I adored the magic, the adventure, and the kooky characters. As an adult, I grew to love Carroll's imagery, symbolism (perhaps unintentional), and his ability to turn what seems like nonsense into an enduring children's tale. No matter how many times I've read this story and watched the movies, I feel like I can always return to the familiar and colorful place that is Wonderland. Scarlett Johansson brings such incredible depth and wonderment to this timeless tale, that this just may be my new favorite interpretation. Her sister, veteran narrator Vanessa Johansson directed this performance.

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Title: Oliver Twist

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Peter Batchelor

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-22-13

Publisher: Trout Lake Media

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 438 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Born to an unmarried woman who dies after giving birth, orphan Oliver Twist seems destined to slog through a dismal life in the workhouse. A rebellious cry for more gets Oliver banished, and ultimately lands him on the dismal streets of London. The young outcast finds refuge with Fagin and his band of thieves before fate intervenes and puts Oliver in the hands of a kindly benefactor. It is likely that Dickens's own early youth as a child laborer contributed to the story's development. Oliver Twist has been the subject of countless film and television adaptations.

Members Reviews:

Excellent narration!

Any additional comments?

It's hard to believe that one person alone Peter Batchelor is doing all the reading! He does a incredible job! This is one great example in which listening to an audiobook can add a whole new dimension to the story. I could never do all those British accents and tones in my head while reading from a book. It feels like going to the theater. And Batchelor adds just the right amount of comedy without overdoing it. I've watched several film adaptations, and yet this one-man-cast's performance has impressed me the most so far! The pace is a bit quick, though, which could be a problem if you're not a native English speaker (as is my case). I managed fine, but had to put a little extra effort at times.

As for Oliver Twist, it's a great classic and much has already been said about it in other reviews. The only thing that bothers me is that the complex villain Fagin is not only Jewish, but is mostly referred to as "the Jew", as it gives the impression that there could be anti-Semitic feelings behind it. Then again, I've read that Dickens wasn't an anti-Semite and that he later created benevolent Jewish characters. I'd be interested in learning more about it. Otherwise, it's a very touching and often funny story.

At the time I purchased the audiobook, it cost only $1.95, which is quite a bargain.

Great book- what a bargain! Excellent narrator!

I was hesitant to get this since sometimes the inexpensive are that way for a reason, but was thrilled with this book, and all for $1.95! Character descriptions are so vivid and the narrator was great.

Perfect

I simply can not imagine a better rendition. Dickens and Batchelor at their very best.

Amazing !!

Oliver Twist is one of Dickens' best. Such sadness to turn to such happiness. I love all his work. And, Peter Bachelor is now my favorite narrator !!

Good narrator with annoying character voices

This is the second Dickens that I listen, narrated by Peter Batchlor. The narrator is certainly accomplished and quite pleasant to follow when he uses his regular voice. He goes beyond the reading and interprets the gravity of a Dickens work. But when he makes voices for different characters the narration is more annoying than enjoyable. The high pitch voice is particularly difficult.

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Title: Villette

Author: Charlotte Brontë

Narrator: Nadia May

Format: Unabridged

Length: 20 hrs and 7 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-25-06

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 69 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Left by harrowing circumstances to fend for herself in the great capital of a foreign country, Lucy Snowe, the narrator and heroine of Villette, achieves by degrees her independence from both outer necessity and inward grief. Lucy flees from an unhappy past in England to begin a new life as a teacher at a French boarding school in the cosmopolitan capital of Villette. But her struggle for independence is soon overshadowed by her friendship with a worldly English doctor and her feelings for an autocratic schoolmaster. Brontë's strikingly modern heroine must decide if there is any man in her society with whom she can live and still be free.

Critic Reviews:

"May convincingly portrays the many moods and complex character of Charlotte Brontë's heroine....Her many voices, with subtle timing, sweep us at a quick clip through a narrative of psychological insight and vividly rendered places, people, and landscapes." (AudioFile)

"Villette! Villette! Have you read it? It is a still more wonderful book than Jane Eyre. There is something almost preternatural in its power." (George Eliot)

"Brontë's finest novel." (Virginia Woolf)

Members Reviews:

Only good if you're over analyzing

I want to start off by saying the woman who reads this book is wonderful. However, Villette is one of Charlotte Brontë's lesser known novels for good reason. Most of what is written is irrelevant to the plot and the ending is very unsatisfying. It's definitely not a pleasure read and I only suggest reading it to study the narcissistic tendencies of the main character.

Great performance, boring story

What would have made Villette better?

A plot

Would you ever listen to anything by Charlotte Brontë again?

Yes, because I like some of her other works

What about Nadia Mays performance did you like?

So often British performers (at least the inexperienced ones) fall into the trap of letting their voice fall in the same exact way over and over, but Nadia May fluctuated her voice perfectly so that your ear never tired of listening to her voice. Her performance makes you forget that she is reading to you. Her French accent is superb and often throughout the book the passages are in untranslated French. If I were reading on my own this would probably be an issue, but because of the way Nadia reads it I was able to catch the meaning of the language without knowing exactly what was said.

You didnt love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The performance of Nadia May is the biggest redeeming quality. Other than that, this book struck me as one that you really need to analyze to enjoy. Bronte uses a lot of symbolism and if you don't know her background as the author you may not be privileged to fully comprehending what she is getting at in Villette.

Any additional comments?

This story was insanely boring.