Emma

Taking an academic tone, Stevenson's solemn reading, punctuated by interludes of classical music, gives the listener a feeling of being educated, rather than entertained. The abridgment is somewhat awkward at times and, though faithful to the story, loses track of the lighthearted, tongue-in-cheek tone that Austen had in mind. Stevenson's Emma sometimes comes off as mean or unpleasant in dialogues that were meant to poke fun at her capricious ideas. Though well paced and nicely produced, it's a little heavy-handed for a story meant more as comedy than drama. K.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Emma Wodehouse, while eschewing marriage for herself, has no compunctions about making matches for others. No one creates silly English characters better than Austen, and Wanda McCaddon is up to the challenge of presenting them in all their inanity, especially as she reads dialogue. She's equally adept at portraying the multitude of characters that people the village of Highbury--whether male or female; upper, middle, or lower class; likable or unlikable. The plot itself might sag a bit in the middle, but it rights itself by the end with several satisfying chapters that resolve all the romantic couplings, including Emma's own. As Emma grows into a more thoughtful young woman, McCaddon's narration reflects her maturation. S.S.R. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Young, beautiful and wealthy Emma Woodhouse spends her time match-making others with little concern for her own romantic life. This amusing dramatization was originally produced for BBC Radio broadcast. The full-cast production is delightful, and dramatic musical interludes add to the performance. This is superior quality audio in all aspects and certain to be enjoyed by many, whether fans of radio drama, romantic comedy or classics. E.L.C. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

The luxury of the unabridged edition requires a certain commitment. But a luxury it is. Jenny Agutter's reading is perfectly suited to the story, both in tone and pace. She brings out the comic insight that is the hallmark of Austen's stories, making one laugh out loud at times, so well has she caught the moment or the temperament of the characters. The genius of Austen's wit often depends, not on what is said, but on how it is said, and Agutter has given the perfect voice to this lighthearted classic, delicately differentiating each character's personality. A glorious way to experience the essential Austen. K.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Jane Austen's novels have long been fodder for transference to other media. The same quality that makes such adaptation a good idea also makes it difficult--her elusive tone. When is she kidding? When serious? How to communicate what Sir Walter Scott called "that exquisite touch which renders ordinary, commonplace things and characters interesting?" Performance pros struggle with it as much as everybody else. For this reason, Prunella Scales's interpretation of Emma is most welcome. Scales "nails" it, as actors say. One of England's finest actresses, Scales hits the right note from the beginning and unerringly follows the author's amusing and insightful trajectory to the very end. There are no actorly pyrotechnics here, just Jane Austen, which is certainly good enough for me. Y.R. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

This longish abridgment of EMMA is handsomely narrated by Wanda McCaddon. However, surprisingly, it's the least faithful of the several abridgments of Austen's masterpiece. For fans who know and love the story, the elimination of certain key elements, such as the incessant teasing of Jane Fairfax about Mr. Dixon, will be bothersome. K.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

This production of EMMA is one of the most condensed abridgments available. Only three hours long, it's a faithful shorthand version of Austen's story. Thompson reads in a breathless, gossipy tone, which, as fans of Austen already know, suits the story well. This approach gives one the sense that Austen's Miss Bates, the chatty spinster aunt, is recounting Emma's history for us as though we were one of the neighbors of Highbury. This is not surprising since Thompson appeared in the film version of Emma as Miss Bates. This version is well edited and appropriate for those interested in the author who don't have time to devote to lengthy speeches and British civilities. K.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Many audiobook listeners with a penchant for catching up on the classics will recognize narrator Juliet Stevenson's voice in this outstanding recording. Stevenson's energetic rendition of this engaging novel, like the other classic titles she has performed, will captivate and enthrall. Her pleasing accent and comfortably brisk pace add sparkle to Austen's timeless story of scripted romance. As always, Stevenson seems to delight in creating gently distinct voices for her characters and infusing the narrative with appropriate inflection and enthusiasm. Rich in detail and understated humor, this novel is well suited to the audio format, and Stevenson's voice is the ideal vehicle to deliver it. L.B.F. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine

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. Jaunty musical interludes grace the transitions between chapters, adding to the quaint charm of this production. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

Regal, haughty, with a pinch of sly wit, Emma Thompson's delivery is perfect for Jane Austen's 1815 masterwork. Young, rich, and headstrong Emma Woodhouse lives in the lap of luxury with her wonderfully addled father. Her world is one of elegant dances, afternoon teas, and, especially, intricate and sometimes convoluted matchmaking. Isabella Inchbald (as Emma) and Alexa Davies (as Harriet Smith) lead a fine group of English actors in performing the original dialogue, which offers a change of rhythm and pace from Thompson's perfectly read narrative. Beneath the opulent lifestyles and light banter, Austen adds astute observations on the English class and social justice systems. Enjoy yourself while listening carefully. B.P. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine