Where to Listen to Audiobooks in Classics, British Literature Popular Authors

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Title: Candida

Author: George Bernard Shaw

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-04-13

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

In this poignant play Candida, the wife of the Rev. James Morell is loved by the sensitive young poet, Eugene Marchbanks. The two men agree that Candida must make her choice. But she has different ideas.

Members Reviews:

The play Candida is witty and engrossing - and in its day was quite the scandalous amusement.

The play Candida is witty and engrossing - and in its day was quite the scandalous amusement.

I had never read George Bernard Shaw before. My only awareness of his works had been watching `My Fair Lady' - which is based on his play Pygmalion. I am impressed.

His dialogue kept me reading. It flowed flawlessly. His characters are believable and endearing. Candida's father is amusing. The side characters were not irrelevant - they added to the storyline. I really enjoyed this play, enough to download every play George Bernard Shaw wrote available on Kindle.

The banter between Candida and Eugene is flavorful. I appreciate her wise thinking. He was head over heels for her, and she was flattered by the attention. She enjoyed his company, but she knew their age variance really did make a difference. I especially thought it poignant that she told him to repeat after her "When I am 30- she will be 45. When I am 60 she will be 75."

Eugene was a dreamer and held a romanticized view of life, without considering all consequences. He was raised affluent, and in a sense looked down on Candida and her husband, a Christian clergyman. He didn't mean to, honestly, in my opinion. He was just raised with money and servants, and didn't believe that Candida should do household chores. But to me, Candida enjoyed doing the chores. She is a nurturer. She enjoys feeling needed. Her husband does not realize what he has in her. He doesn't fathom ever being without her; maybe he takes for granted that she will always be there.

Candida has a deep respect for her husband. Although I believe he was not set for confrontation. It was easier for him to spend time away speaking then face `feelings' at home. I also believe that sometimes he felt it was his duty to honor the speaking engagements, and that took its toll on home life.

I could be completely wrong on my analysis of Candida... but it's what I took from it. Read it and see what YOU take from it. Strongly recommended.

**Side comment** The next read after Candida should be "How He Lied To Her Husband" as it ties into Candida.

The book was basically just a printed out version of ...

The book was basically just a printed out version of a PDF copy of the play. There was still a header at the top of every page from the original PDF, as well as a disclaimer at the beginning of the play that was clearly meant for the online version of the play. Also, the formatting was confusing and distracting to read.

Two Stars

Bought for a class assignment

Candida

Met my need.

Excellent

I would recommend this to anyone. There were no problems with shipping. The product arrived on time and as stated.

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Title: The Vicar of Wakefield

Author: Oliver Goldsmith

Narrator: Charlton Griffin

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-15-12

Publisher: Audio Connoisseur

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 4 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

From the instance of its first publication, in 1766, Oliver Goldsmith's novel of Christian piety and endurance has stood the test of time. The story is told in the first person by a vicar, Dr. Primrose, who, along with his wife and six children, lives a rural idyllic life in a country parish. It is a very sophisticated work which contrasts the forces that separate religious principal from the actual experiences of life. It is also a delightful, sentimental work whose amusing characters are both wise and foolish, brave and cowardly, rich and poor, as well as honest and knavish.

In other words, this is a work of timeless beauty and attraction. Listen as 18th-century English country life unfolds before you in a tale of morals and materialism.

Members Reviews:

Free version impossible!

I got the free version and it is almost impossible to read on my kindle, due to errors in punctuation and format. I need to finish this for my book club and will probably buy another version soon.

Yes!

A really fun read from the 18th century. I enjoyed this so much, that I tried to find a movie or miniseries to prolong the pleasure!

Three Stars

3 stars

Four Stars

Nice read

Four Stars

A good "old fashioned read".

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Title: Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Brontë

Narrator: Judi Pennington

Format: Unabridged

Length: 20 hrs and 33 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-14-12

Publisher: Cherry Hill Publishing

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

After living a miserable life with her aunt, ten year old orphan Jane Eyre is sent to Lowood, a boarding school for poor children. Within her petite frame and simple manner lies a heart full of passion and spirit. Jane learns to hide her temper, but the injustices of the world still burn in her soul.

At the age of eighteen, she takes a job as governess in the home of Edward Rochester, but soon realizes that there is something odd in the house and regularly sees shadowy figures and hears voices. As she and her new employer develop a deep affection for each other, the secret of the Rochester household threatens to keep them apart.

Members Reviews:

A new favorite.

I count this amongst my favorite classical stories as it has unexpected twist and surprises.

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Title: The Prussian Officer

Author: D.H. Lawrence

Narrator: Jill Tanner

Format: Unabridged

Length: 9 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-10-12

Publisher: Recorded Books

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Twelve short stories: "The Prussian Officer", "Goose Fair", "The Thorn in the Flesh", "The Shades of Spring", "Daughters of The Vicar", "A Fragment of Stained Glass", "Second Best", "The Shadow in the Rose Garden", "The White Stocking", "A Sick Collier", "The Christening", "Odour of Chrysanthemums".

Members Reviews:

Good Tale, Well Told

Interesting tale very well told. A strange and violent story of an enlisted man's pent hate for a cruel officer he is tasked to serve. I enjoyed Lawrence's vivid descriptive writing, a classic.

Essense of Lawrence.

This story is perhaps Lawrence's best short story as well as a superb introduction to his work. The the message is that we must let our sexual lives take us where our instincts will. To repress is to die.

Violent!

I've come to the conclusion that I just don't like D.H. Lawrence. He paints clear word pictures--and I didn't like what I saw.

Love his style

I had not read any DH Lawrence works in about fifteen years. I ordered this short story and was immediately swept into the hot, humid day and the roiling emotions. Loved it.

dh lawrence ages well

Sons and lovers will always be my favorite, but one must read more

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Title: Parade's End - Part 1: Some Do Not ...

Author: Ford Madox Ford

Narrator: John Telfer

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 14 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-09-12

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 5 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The first volume of Parade's End introduces the central characters: Christopher Tietjens, a brilliant, unconventional mathematician; his dazzling but unfaithful wife Sylvia; and the young Suffragette Valentine Wannop. It starts with the cataclysmic meeting of Tietjens and Valentine: a weekend whose violence prefigures the coming war. It ends in 1917 as the two are on the verge of becoming lovers, before Tietjens prepares to return to the Front and probable death.

Some Do Not ...is an unforgettable exploration of the tensions of a society facing catastrophe, as the energies of sexuality and power erupt in madness and violence.

Members Reviews:

A Wonderful & Complex Narrative

Where does Parade's End - Part 1: Some Do Not ... rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Certainly one of the best 20th century books I have listened to. The characters are so well crafted and the story is woven in a complex shifting of time and context.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Parade's End - Part 1: Some Do Not ...?

There are many memorable moments: the story is told from within a pressure cooker of emotional constraint. The interaction of Mrs Tietjens, her mother and their priest is chilling and crisply honest. The scene where Christopher Tietjens and Valentine Wannup are lost in the fog and the horse is injured by the General's car is an interesting investigation of what makes Tietjens tick.

Any additional comments?

I look forward to reading the following books in the Parade's End series.

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Title: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Author: Lewis Carroll

Narrator: Roger Blake

Format: Abridged

Length: 2 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-19-12

Publisher: The Copyright Group

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 2 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

There's nothing quite like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Described by The Times on its first publication in 1865 as an excellent piece of nonsense', this inspired tale of a young girl's adventures in a strange and magical world has gone on to become one of the most popular books ever written, translated into over 125 languages and said to be the most frequently quoted book after the Bible, the Koran, and Shakespeare.

Members Reviews:

The Best Kindle Option Available

I took a gamble on buying this edition when no one had reviewed it yet. I tried several other Kindle editions available and had found them truly appalling in terms of formatting. This however, is significantly better, featuring well structured chapter breaks and all the original illustrations, which enhance the story a lot.

Furthermore, considering it contains both books, plus the excellent Hunting of the Snark, it is a fantastic price.

However, there are still some glaring mistakes, such as some formatting bugs in a few of the poems and spelling errors in places (such as at the start of Looking Glass, where some of the Ls are replaced with 1s - I guess a scanner did the 'writing here').

5 stars for the great price and superior formatting over the other options. -1 star for the glaring lack of proof reading from the publisher.

Good book

A classic children's book that never gets old. I bought it for my daughter and we read a chapter every night. The only issue I have is that it's a little smaller than I expected, but that's okay.

Fun and ridiculous, as intended

Playful poetry may be more amusing for adults. In any case I finally learned about the Boogum. What fun! Theres some discussion that there is a hidden message in his poem. If so, I admit to it being way over my head!

Italicized Text?!

I really wanted to like this--the original illustrations are beautifully reproduced--but bizzarely, half the books are italicized in their entirety, making them pretty much unreadable. If this were fixed, I'd give this 5 stars.

Outstanding, of course.

There is nothing for me to add to the mountains of praise already out there for this masterpiece of nonsense literature â arguably the finest sustained piece there is, with only William Gilbert and Thomas Hood to rival it.

As the Victioran languge is sometimes a little dated, readers might care to go instead for Martin Gardnerâs Annotated verion that explains everything in detail (too much detail for some tastes).

The Annotated Hunting of the Snark (The Annotated Books)

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Title: Joseph Andrews

Author: Henry Fielding

Narrator: Sean Barrett

Format: Abridged

Length: 5 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-28-12

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 13 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Penguin Classics presents Henry Fieldings Joseph Andrews, adapted for listening and available as a digital audiobook as part of the Penguin English Library series. Read by the actor Sean Barrett.

"Kissing, Joseph, is but a prologue to a Play. Can I believe a young fellow of your Age and Complexion will be content with Kissing?

Henry Fieldings riotous tale of innocents in a corrupt world was one of the earliest English novels, blending bawdy slapstick, philosophical musing, and pointed social satire to create a work of moral complexity and generous, life-affirming humanity. Published in 1742, it tells the story of the chaste servant Joseph Andrews who, after being sacked for spurning the advances of the lascivious Lady Booby, takes to the road, accompanied by his beloved Fanny Goodwill and the absent-minded, much put-upon Parson Adams. There they encounter robbers, tricksters, seducers, mishaps, and strange twists of fortune in a series of adventures filled with exuberant comedy.

Part of a collection of vintage recordings taken from the Penguin Archives, the Penguin English Library series offers affordable, collectable, quality productions that are perfect for on-the-go listening.

Members Reviews:

Funny & Entertaining

I enjoyed this book very much. I read this for an assignment in one of my English classes. We had read Pamela before reading this, so the humor of the story was fully appreciated. I highly recommend reading Samuel Richardson's Pamela before reading this to get the full effect.

completely abridged

Would you try another book from Henry Fielding and/or Sean Barrett?

Sean Barrett was certainly not the problem with this audiobook. It was whoever decided to edit it that was the problem.

Has Joseph Andrews turned you off from other books in this genre?

Meh, it's 18th Century literature. One of the first novels ever written. Much of 18th century literature is like this and not for everyone.

What does Sean Barrett bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

A clarity which I appreciate.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Joseph Andrews?

That's the problem. Many paragraphs are cut from this audiobook. It's rather distasteful.

Any additional comments?

I needed to read this book for my 18th Century Literature class. Because of the style its written in, the lack of standardization of English grammar back in the 1700's, and my dyslexia I thought it would be helpful to have the audio book to follow along with as I followed my book. WRONG. This audiobook cuts out so many sentences and paragraphs that I couldn't possibly get a proper reading for a college level analysis.

Do not buy this book if you want to actually say you've 'read' it. You'll miss 20% of the entire book.

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Title: In Chancery

Subtitle: The Forsyte Saga, Book 2

Author: John Galsworthy

Narrator: Flo Gibson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 59 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-22-12

Publisher: Audio Book Contractors

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

"Indian Summer of a Forsyte", an interlude, recounts the lyrical last days of old Jolyon Forsyte as he basks in the glow of his visits with the beautiful Irene. In Chancery deals with Soames' divorce and marriage to a French woman, Annette, and the love story of Irene and young Jolyon.

Members Reviews:

Masterful Story Telling

The second volume of John Galsworthy's Forsyte Saga is a masterful work. The characters, while very wealthy and privileged, have lives are replete with pain, love, loneliness, regret, and joy. This book which centers around the stigma of divorce, surely was more provocative is his time than it is today, yet one can clearly see the difficulties it presented in turn-of-the-20th century Britain. His writing style was absolutely masterful with some of the most beautiful phrasing I've ever read. Before reading this book, I didn't realize he won the Nobel Prize for literature. I can easily see why. I am even more amazed that he isn't a better known literary figure today.

Poignant and Credible

This short novel is poignant. It involves perhaps the most sympathetic character of the Forsyte Saga--Old Jolyon--dying.Even though I've read Indian Summer before, I turn the pages dreading the end. I fear that, the older I get, the sadder--or maybe, more relevant the book becomes.

The qualities that set Old Jolyon apart from his siblings--love of beauty and capacity to care for another--are in full bloom. And, as in The Man of Property, the love object is Irene. Jolyon is 81; Irene, 28. This relationship knows limits; yet, what is available to both is touching, and makes a thoughtful reader consider and appreciate the extent to which his or her life includes the qualities that Old Jolyon cherishes.

English Upper Middle Class

Americans did not come up with conspicuous consumption. A glimpse into the inner workings of how the British upper middle class defines itself and those around them.

More than a soap opera....

In this, the second book of the Forsyte Saga, Galsworthy continues his look at an upper-middle class family in late Victorian England, concentrating mainly on the doings of Soames Forsyte and his wife Irene. At the end of book one, The Man of Property, Irene had left her husband after he raped her. This book begins twelve years later, when Soames comes to feel that he needs a son to inherit all the wealth he has so lovingly accumulated. He decides to seek a divorce so that he may remarry, but when he meets his former wife again his old passion is reawakened, and he begins to stalk her to browbeat her into coming back to him. When his first cousin, young Jolyon, helps Irene to escape from him, a family feud begins which will surely extend through the generations.

All of this sounds rather like a standard soap opera, but Galsworthy's extraordinary writing talent makes it so much more. It is also a picture of changing times in attitudes toward standards of conduct and of the roles and rights of women. Soames, who could have been portrayed in an entirely unfavorable light, is afforded a measure of sympathy as a man who has been shaped by his country's and his family's viewpoints concerning the importance of reputation and property who is thus entirely bewildered when his former wife refuses to conform to his wishes, even though she tells him she detests him.

Galsworthy is a wonder of a writer.

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Title: Persuasion

Author: Jane Austen

Narrator: Geraldine McEwan

Format: Abridged

Length: 6 hrs and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-03-12

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 14 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Penguin Classics presents Jane Austen's Persuasion, adapted for listening and available as a digital audiobook as part of the Penguin English Library series. This abridged version is read by the actress Geraldine McEwan.

"Her attachment and regrets had, for a long time, clouded every enjoyment of youth; and an early loss of bloom and spirits had been their lasting effect"

Persuasion, Jane Austen's last novel, is a moving, masterly, and elegiac love story tinged with the heartache of missed opportunities.

It tells the story of Anne Elliot who, persuaded to break off her engagement to the man she loved because he was not successful enough, has never forgotten him. When he returns, he brings with him a tantalising second chance of happiness...

Part of a collection of vintage recordings taken from the Penguin Archives, the Penguin English Library series offers affordable, collectable, quality productions that are perfect for on-the-go listening.

Members Reviews:

Persuasion is not Austen at her best

Would you listen to Persuasion again? Why?

I doubt it.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

The story felt a bit rushed. Austen did not delve as deeply into her characters as when she is at her best. The story was a bit too predictable.

Which character as performed by Geraldine McEwan was your favorite?

Ann

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Absolute Perfection

I have read this book many times and always manage to find something new. I think it is one of the finest examples of Austen's genius.

Listening to this narration by the incomparable Geraldine McEwan's has only served to enhance the experience, she does more than justice to Austen's skill and and ascerbic wit as a social commentator, with her wonderfully entertaining performance. Absolute Perfection on every level.

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Title: Jane Eyre

Author: Charlotte Bronte

Narrator: Juliet Stevenson

Format: Abridged

Length: 3 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-03-12

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 8 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Penguin Classics presents Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, adapted for listening and available as a digital audiobook as part of the Penguin English Library series. This abridged version is skillfully read by actress Juliet Stevenson.

"The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself"

Passionate, poetic, and revolutionary, Jane Eyre is a novel of naked emotional power. The story of a defiant, fiercely intelligent woman who refuses to accept her appointed place in society - and instead finds love on her own terms - has become famous as one of the greatest romances ever written. But it is also a brooding Gothic mystery, a profound depiction of character, and a transformative work of the imagination.

Part of a collection of vintage recordings taken from the Penguin Archives, the Penguin English Library series features affordable, collectable, quality productions that are perfect for on-the-go listening.

Members Reviews:

Just Brilliant

Would you consider the audio edition of Jane Eyre to be better than the print version?

It was always a favourite story but, listening to Juliet Stevenson read it was just wonderful. She brought the characters and the scenery to life and I listened to it in one session just couldn't turn it off.

Have you listened to any of Juliet Stevensons other performances before? How does this one compare?

No I haven't but I'll be looking out for other books she's read on audible

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A beautiful love story

A Perfect Example

Before you can appreciate an opinion it would be beneficial to know something of the source. I am a straight man in his 40s who has recently enjoyed reading (or listening to) Jane Austin novels. I think my enjoyment in them stems from them being so far removed from my lifestyle and vantage point. however, while they were very good, I found in each of them one flaw or another. I found no such flaws in Jane Eyre.

I had been doubtful that I would like Jane Eyre as I believed it would be nothing but the prattlings of a weak and tormented young lady. Imagine my surprise when she turned out to be strong willed and intelligent, yet still tender. The story, too, was much more complex and intriguing than I originally had thought. At one point I even thought I had stumbled onto a horror mystery book.

And what of the narration? Well, let us just say that I would marry Juliet Stevenson sight unseen just to have her read to me every day. She has a wonderful voice and a perfect reading style for books of this type.

I hope this review helped you to make up you mind to purchase this audiobook. Now, I must leave you to finished my breakfast and search for my next book. Good day to you.

A Classic!

Where does Jane Eyre rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Not a bad abridged version. Brillant, clear and engaging narration. The narrator does a very good job. The book is ofcourse a classic. I have seen virtually all the film versions and read the book several times but this audiobook still manages to engage me and kept me listening through the night. Can't wait to get other audiobooks by the same narrator. The story is of course a classic and worth revisiting time and time again without tiring.