Not recommended

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I am glad that I committed myself to listening to the whole of Jane Eyre, as I find it incredibly difficult to get through prolix, tedious chunks of text that are so typical of literature from this period, and I find audiobooks a great solution to the limits that come with dyslexia.

Jane Eyre is obviously regarded as a classic for good reason, and indeed between evocative descriptions and characterisations, high tension and emotional stakes, it is easy to see why, and I certainly see listening to Brontë's work as time well-spent.

Would you be willing to try another book from Charlotte Brontë? Why or why not?

I don't know if I'll be reading/listening to any more of Brontë's works, as I don't think hers is a style I get along with, nor am I particularly understanding of her taste in men.

Would you be willing to try another one of Emma Messenger’s performances?

While her English accent isn't awful, it sounds very forced and her slips into American pronunciation here and there are very jarring. What's more, the portions read in French belie a lack of experience with the language that is pretty hard to overlook. But what I really don't like about the performance is that the tone often feels completely wrong, with the emphasis on certain parts seeming very unnatural and failing to convey the real emotions of the characters at all accurately. I'd put this down to the distraction of having to put on an English accent, but it often feels like the narrator has misjudged the tone and flow of the text before she launches into it.

Any additional comments?

I think Jane Eyre is absolutely worth reading/listening to, but I probably would not recommend this particular audiobook.

5 people found this helpful

stunning

one of my all time favorites. I love, how from the start, as a reader you are totally on Jane's side. Emma Messenger was a fantastic narrator. all in all a fantastic experience

4 people found this helpful

Jane Eyre read brilliantly

I have always loved this novel and Emma Messenger reads it perfectly. I quickly became immursed in the story and I fell in love all over again with Mr. Rochester and his antics to make Jane jealous.

4 people found this helpful

heavy going in places with startling revelations

Lots of words. long descriptions, long dialogue. great to go to sleep to. Hidden in it are some beautiful passages of description and some amazing revelations of life and how to feel and live it.

Set in it's own time it illuminates the predujices that exited there. I can see how much the independence of Jane must have shocked then. How much have we also changed in our attitudes to madness, class, race and to the French.

3 people found this helpful

Unexpectedly enjoyable

So enjoyed this well read and descriptive
Never managed to read it but thoroughly loved listening.

3 people found this helpful

Brilliant story enhanced by outstanding narration.

I loved this audiobook, the narrator is outstanding and although she has a slight accent it kind of adds to the flavour of her narration. Characters are easily distinguished and she keeps your interest throughout with acting skills quite subtle but incredibly effective.
Loved this telling of an exciting, at times quite dark but eventually uplifting famous story.

3 people found this helpful

Amazing Value

What did you like best about this story?

Jane Eyre has long been a favourite of mine, but hearing it read aloud makes me even more aware of what a great book this is. Charlotte Bronte really did have a very modern understanding of human nature, and even if the plot sometimes stretches credulity, and the morality a little outdated by today's standards, her knowledge and portrayal of characters are entirely believable. It's still easy to identify with Jane and, like her, fall head-over-heels for Mr Rochester!

What about Emma Messenger’s performance did you like?

Emma Messenger rightly allows the story to take centre stage by not over-dramatising her reading. Although the occasional rather odd pronunciation of various words is a little jarring, she gives a very competent reading of the long passages of dialogue which are uninterrupted by any helpful 'he said' or 'she said'. Not easy, but Emma Messenger still manages to make it quite clear which character is speaking.

3 people found this helpful

So Modern!!

What did you like most about Jane Eyre?

The story and psychology was so present day and immediate. The depth of self awareness, articulation of thoughts and values and self possession within Jane. Is this an art that has been lost to the person of today?

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite character is Jane - multi dimensional, immediate and real.

Have you listened to any of Emma Messenger’s other performances? How does this one compare?

This is the first performance I have listened to by Emma Messenger. I think it is really good, top class, absorbing. I think Emma really captured the characters in her variation and totally capture Jane. I will be listening to more from this narrator.

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

I spent a lot more time in each session that I had planned. I made time to listen to more.

4 people found this helpful

A brilliant story from start to finish

From the language, to the insights, to the period, and all the vivid characters of which jane is the shining star; this book is a treat I had not expected. Yes it is romantic but what a romance, you can not but love jane, her indomitable spirit, her relentless thirst to stand as a person, to be the best she could be.
We meet Jane as a child living in wretched conditions that go from bad to slightly better, it is only her determination and the kindness of a teacher that let her flower where most vanished, she becomes independent by her own self reliance and education, and when she finds love she will only accept it in her own terms . She is nobody's fool or pet, she is the definition of liberation, and she relinquishes only what she wants to relinquish, no more no less. This happens in a world that is socially divided on all aspects (during the reign of George III 1760–1820) and where religion is still the backbone of every action but not in the kindness of Christ but the tyrannical old testament god. But most of the female character find solace in the philosophy of forgiveness and charity
This is a book that is proto feminist and way ahead of its time. Charlotte Brontë was called the 'first historian of the private consciousness' and has influenced many other works of literature, as well as influencing social consciousness towards the treatment of children, class division, and the rights women. but most of all it is a great read.
Emma Messenger is a fantastic narrator, she made the story come alive. Clear and well acted, I could not ask for better.

6 people found this helpful

incredible

loved it so much, it was told so beautifully and was a joy to hear