Persuasion and Poems by Jane Austen

200th Anniversary Edition

By: Jane Austen

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Two hundred years since Jane Austen completed her last novel, Alison Larkin, a witty and always original voice, brings Persuasion and a selection of lesser-known poems by Jane Austen to a new audience.

Persuasion

Seven years after Anne Elliot rejects the man she loves after a family friend persuades her that he isn't a good enough match for her, Frederick Wentworth returns to England looking for a wife.

Poems

Austen did not take herself seriously as a poet but she did write delightful, mostly comic verses to entertain family and friends.

Selected and introduced by award-winning narrator Alison Larkin, the poems range from lines found on a piece of paper inside a tiny bag Austen gave to her niece in 1792, to her very last piece of writing - When Winchester Races - written three days before she died in July 1817.

©2016 British Classic Audio (P)2016 British Classic Audio

Critic reviews

"Raised in England by adoptive parents, Alison Larkin was actually born in America. She herself is a comic writer and performer – and she approaches Austen as a satirist – she has genuine theatrical skill...sustained comic creations. The voice reveals all." (David Denby, The New Yorker)

A great classic

This is truly a classic and a must read for Austen fans. Brilliant very enjoyable story. I hadn't read any of Austen's poems before. I loved those.

The narrator was perfect for this book and story. Wonderful performance.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

Austen fans won't be disappointed

I love Alison Larkin as a narrator. However, she would not have been my first choice. Perhaps I am used to the sweeter, younger voice. It was just a small thing, though. Her talents far exceeded any annoyance.
Persuasion is not my favorite of Miss Austen's novels but I love it all the same. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this and had not heard many of the poems before or don't remember them. All in all, a splendid performance.
I was gifted this audio book in exchange for an honest review.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Wonderful🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Most avid romance readers, like me, have read all of Jane Austen's books. 📚 We have read and re-read each book while getting totally immersed in the stories and characters that come alive in our imaginations. Most of us agree that Jane Austen's books are the blueprint for romance novels and are now the standard by which all others are compared.

Adding narration to a classic story can be disastrous because the reader understands the story and characters so well and perceives how each character should sound. Yep, any narrator that takes on a classic book is nonsensical, daft or just plain crazy!?.....Nope!.....make that Brilliant because this rendition of Persuasion was PERFECTION! 💟Alison Larkin totally nailed the story and characters with her narration. It was as if the voices in my head came alive and danced in my ears. She truly made the characters become more vivid and the story more realistic. I never thought I'd say this but I enjoyed this book even more with the narration. This audio version is a true joy and one that I will listen to again and again.🌠

I've never read any of Jane Austen's poems before so I was delighted that they were included in this Audio Version. What a treat!

If you're an Austen fan don't hesitate with this one. I highly recommend.

😉 I would like to thank the author, publisher, and/or narrator for providing me this audio book at no charge in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Outstanding Update to Jane Austen Classic!

Any additional comments?

Persuasion is my most cherished Jane Austen novel. So, when I was given the chance to listen to Persuasion and Poems narrated by Alison Larkin, I gladly jumped at the chance. I've read and listened to several different editions over past 30 years (my first was on cassette tape), and this version is my favorite.

Everyone is familiar with the classic story of Ann Elliott's regret for not marrying Captain Wentworth eight years before, and how her common sense and quiet reserve make her a misfit among her own family. Alison Larkin's narration brings to life these beloved characters with her smooth undertones and subtle nuances. As she does with all of her narrations, Alison uses differing voices for all characters, and changes up the tempo during the most exciting parts of the story.

As an added bonus, this version of the audiobook includes several of Jane Austen's poems. Although I've read a few of them before, it was nice hearing Alison put her unique voice to them. I could almost hear the smile. Brava!

A Favorite Jane Austen

What price love? To satisfy a selfish, vain father, sister, and cherished family friend Anne gives up her first love because he lacks the fortune and social standing that her family enjoys. Then she withers away while trying to satisfy herself with being useful to those around her. Anne believes she is successful until her love, who is now a wealthy and successful sea captain, comes back into her neighborhood, presumably to find a wife.

In the intervening 8 years, Anne's foolish father and conceited sister have squandered his family fortune to the point they must lease his family home and move themselves to more modest accommodations in a seaside village. Anne must confront their ridiculousness and prejudice against what will bring her the most happiness. Eight years have brought Anne confidence and maturity, though, so she is more than up to the task, for Anne is an excellent judge of character and is not easily fooled by those who are less than worthy of her esteem and friendship.

Alison Larkin performs the material beautifully. She brings the book to life with all the warmth and emotion that I imagine Jane Austen intended when she first put pen to page. A thoroughly enjoyable narration. So much so that I listened to the entire book in a weekend.

I received this audiobook free from Audiobook Boom! in exchange for an honest review.

Nothing short of brilliant

Where does Persuasion and Poems by Jane Austen rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I am a huge Jane Austen fan so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to listen to this absolutely delightful at times laugh out loud funny rendition of Persuasion with poetry by my favorite author that I hadn't known existed! What a treat!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Persuasion and Poems by Jane Austen?

The moment when Anne Elliot and Captain Wentworth meet again - Alison Larkin's hilarious portrayal of Anne Elliot's sister who complains about everything and all the poems at the end.

What about Alison Larkin’s performance did you like?

Her voice feels authentic - you feel she knows the characters. Listening to an Alison Larkin classic is like listening to a play. It's like being there. Takes you out of yourself.

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

Don't give up - the one that got away might come back.

Any additional comments?

This is really special. I can't recommend it highly enough.