By: Daniel Defoe
Narrated by: Juanita McMahon
Categories: Classics, British Literature
Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded
By: Samuel Richardson
Narrated by: Clare Corbett, Full Cast
Samuel Richardson's epistolary novel Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, published in 1740, tells the story of a young woman's resistance to the desires of her predatory master. Pamela is determined to protect her virginity and remain a paragon of virtue; however, the heroine's moral principles only strengthen the resolve of Mr. B and Pamela soon finds herself imprisoned against her will. The young woman's affection for her captor gradually grows and she becomes aware of a love that combines eros and agape.
The one, the only, Pamela!
By Eve Howard on 09-07-17
A New Unabridged Translation by Burton Raffel
By: Geoffrey Chaucer
Narrated by: uncredited
Lively, absorbing, often outrageously funny, Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a work of genius, an undisputed classic that has held a special appeal for each generation of readers. The Tales gathers 29 of literature's most enduring (and endearing) characters in a vivid group portrait that captures the full spectrum of medieval society, from the exalted Knight to the humble Plowman. This unabridged work is based on the new translation.
Lack of coherant "chapters"
By Jennifer on 02-24-10
By: Zadie Smith
Narrated by: Lenny Henry, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Ray Panthaki, and others
At the center of this invigorating novel are two unlikely friends, Archie Jones and Samad Iqbal. Hapless veterans of World War II, Archie and Samad and their families become agents of England's irrevocable transformation. A second marriage to Clara Bowden, a beautiful, albeit tooth-challenged, Jamaican half his age, quite literally gives Archie a second lease on life, and produces Irie, a knowing child whose personality doesn't quite match her name (Jamaican for "no problem"). Samad's late-in-life arranged marriage produces twin sons whose separate paths confound Iqbal's every effort to direct them.
4.68 stars....a modern classic
By k teed on 06-06-18
Narrated by: Simon Vance
Widely regarded as the first English novel, Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe is one of the most popular and influential adventure stories of all time. This classic tale of shipwreck and survival on an uninhabited island was an instant success when first published in 1719, and it has inspired countless imitations.
Fantastic Story and Excellent Narration
By William on 03-02-11
Tristram Shandy
By: Laurence Sterne
Narrated by: Anton Lesser
Laurence Sterne's most famous novel is a biting satire of literary conventions and contemporary 18th-century values. Renowned for its parody of established narrative techniques, Tristram Shandyis commonly regarded as the forerunner of avant-garde fiction. Tristram's characteristic digressions on a whole range of unlikely subjects (including battle strategy and noses!) are endlessly surprising and make this one of Britain's greatest comic achievements.
Much better than the first time
By andrew on 07-14-12
John Milton's Paradise Lost is one of the greatest epic poems in the English language. It tells the story of the Fall of Man, a tale of immense drama and excitement, of rebellion and treachery, of innocence pitted against corruption, in which God and Satan fight a bitter battle for control of mankind's destiny.
The most accessible reading of Paradise Lost
By Tony McClung on 02-21-10
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
Anne Elliot has grieved for seven years over the loss of her first love, Captain Frederick Wentworth. But events conspire to unravel the knots of deceit and misunderstanding in this beguiling and gently comic story of love and fidelity.
Juliet Stevenson is Simply Amazing
By Em on 04-15-12
Moll Flanders
Narrated by: Georgina Sutton
"The fortunes and misfortunes of the famous Moll Flanders, who was born in Newgate, and during a life of continue'd variety for three-score years, besides her childhood, was twelve year a whore, five times a wife (whereof once to her own brother), twelve year a thief, eight year a transported felon in Virginia at last grew rich, liv'd honest, and died a penitent."
Lively and convincing
By Tad Davis on 04-08-17
By: E. M. Forster
Narrated by: Rebecca Hall
In this rich new audio production, acclaimed British American actress Rebecca Hall brings one of E. M. Forster's most admired works to life in this classic tale of human struggle. A charming young Englishwoman, Lucy Honeychurch, is wooed by both free-spirited George Emerson and wealthy Cecil Vyse while vacationing in Italy. Though attracted to George, Lucy becomes engaged to Cecil despite twice turning down his proposals. On hearing of the news, George confesses his love, leaving Lucy torn between marrying the more socially acceptable Cecil or George, the man she knows would bring her true happiness. Should Lucy choose social acceptance or true love?
A lovely performance, and a wonderful story
By Robert on 01-19-19
When Catherine Morland, a country clergyman's daughter, is invited to spend a season in Bath with the fashionable high society, little does she imagine the delights and perils that await her. Captivated and disconcerted by what she finds, and introduced to the joys of "Gothic novels" by her new friend, Isabella, Catherine longs for mystery and romance. When she is invited to stay with the beguiling Henry Tilney and his family at Northanger Abbey, she expects mystery and intrigue at every turn.
By Johnny on 08-01-09
An Audible Exclusive Performance
By: Emily Brontë, Ann Dinsdale - introduction
Narrated by: Joanne Froggatt, Rachel Atkins - introduction
The unapologetic intensity with which Emily Brontë wrote this story ensures that it will forever be considered one of the greatest works of English literature. A passionate tale of a chaotic and often violent love, Wuthering Heights transcends your average romance and, with its Gothic undertones, takes the listener on a journey through one man's lustful hunt for revenge.
Almost Peerless
By Brad Simkulet on 02-04-18
The Castle of Otranto
By: Horace Walpole
Narrated by: Tony Jay
On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed under mysterious circumstances. His calculating father, Manfred, fears that his dynasty will now come to an end and determines to marry his son's bride himself, despite the fact he is already married. But a series of terrifying supernatural omens soon threaten this unlawful union, as the curse placed on Manfred's ancestor, who usurped the lawful Prince of Otranto, begins to unfold.
A Disordered Mind or The 1st Gothic (Parody) Novel
By Jefferson on 11-30-16
A Tale of Manchester Life
By: Elizabeth Gaskell
When her father assassinates Henry Carson, his employer's son and Mary's admirer, suspicion falls on Mary's second admirer, Jem, a fellow worker. Mary has to prove her lover's innocence without incriminating her own father.
Narration as Brilliant Performance Art
By Anon9 on 09-14-10
By: Henry James
Narrated by: Emma Thompson, Richard Armitage - introduction
Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy winner Emma Thompson lends her immense talent and experienced voice to Henry James' Gothic ghost tale, The Turn of the Screw. When a governess is hired to care for two children at a British country estate, she begins to sense an otherworldly presence around the grounds. Are they really ghosts she's seeing? Or is something far more sinister at work?
Great, but Mightn't be the Best on Audible
By Gillian on 03-16-16
By: George Eliot
Dorothea Brooke is an ardent idealist who represses her vivacity and intelligence for the cold, theological pedant Casaubon. One man understands her true nature: the artist Will Ladislaw. But how can love triumph against her sense of duty and Casaubon's mean spirit? Meanwhile, in the little world of Middlemarch, the broader world is mirrored: the world of politics, social change, and reforms, as well as betrayal, greed, blackmail, ambition, and disappointment.
Best Audible book ever
By Molly-o on 12-25-11
Gulliver's Travels: A Signature Performance by David Hyde Pierce
By: Jonathan Swift
Narrated by: David Hyde Pierce
A Signature Performance: Four-time Emmy Award winner David Hyde Pierce delivers an air of lovable self-importance in his rendition of the classic social satire that remains as fresh today as the day it was published.
Wonderfully Done!
By Joel D Offenberg on 01-29-11
The Moonstone
By: Wilkie Collins
Narrated by: B. J. Harrison
This is heralded as the very first mystery novel. Collins, in his great work, created the guidelines for the genre as we know it today: a fabulous diamond stolen, everyone in the house is suspected, three mysterious Indians sworn to protect the jewel at all costs, the upstairs/downstairs tension from the servants, and a brilliant detective who is eccentrically fond of roses.
Outstanding Performance
By Sasha & Mel on 08-13-16
Lady Audley's Secret
By: Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Narrated by: Olivia Poulet
From the author of The Christmas Hirelings comes this Audible Exclusive production of Mary Elizabeth Braddon's classic sensation novel Lady Audley's Secret. English actress Olivia Poulet gives an assured and captivating narration; a cornerstone of the genre and a scandal at the time of its publication, Lady Audley's Secret is an entertaining and shocking tale of high drama and shifting perceptions.
Classic 19th Century "sensation novel"
Beautiful, proud Roxana is terrified of being poor. When her husband leaves her penniless with five children, she must choose between being a virtuous beggar or a rich whore.
Embarking on a career as a courtesan and kept woman, Roxana passes from man to man in order to maintain her lavish, glamorous lifestyle. But this life comes at a cost; she is torn between sinful prosperity and the respectability she craves.
Public Domain (P)2013 W F Howes Ltd
"Roxana is possibly Defoe's most fascinating story-teller and this, one of his most intriguing stories." ( Daily Telegraph)
Missing, Presumed
Kristin J. Johnson
Right narrator for Defoe's psychology
Juanita McMahon becomes Roxana, the titular heroine, infusing the confession (for such it is) with gravitas, wit, tenderness and humanity. However, she is best as Amy, Roxana's maidservant and friend. One senses that she had the most fun voicing Amy.
Chongzhong Shao
Cannot hold myself from recommending it.
Cannot hold myself from recommending it. It was so well read. So well written. Nothing to Complain.
Andrea Zuvich
This was wonderful!
What did you like most about Roxana?
I'm surprised at the negative reviews for this classic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and though Juanita McMahon's delivery was excellent - she brought the characters to life with her masterful delivery.
Published in 1724, and in the first-person as a memoir, "Roxana" describes her youth, marriage to a whom man she often refers to as "a fool" and the dire straits she found herself in following her abandonment by this man (the brewer).
I would, however, recommend potential readers who listen to this audiobook to also seek the full 1745 edition – as this gives a fuller ending (a common cause for complaint is the abruptness of the ending in the original and in the abridged versions).
I have to say, by the end of the story I was sad to be parted from Roxana's world. I had grown so attached; it surprised me!
Which character – as performed by Juanita McMahon – was your favourite?
She was excellent with Roxana and the two male characters who stood out the most because of her great delivery were the Prince in France and the Dutch merchant.
When she reunites with the Dutch merchant.