A review by bethany_t
Emma: An Audible Original Drama, by Isabella Inchbald, Anna Lea, Morgana Robinson, Aisling Loftus, Joanne Froggatt, Emma Thompson, Jane Austen, Joseph Millson
4.0
I haven’t listened to audiobooks in almost two decades. And even then, I only listened to short story collections (and “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini, once, for some reason). However, I decided to try this one since I do sometimes find myself struggling to get started with classics despite my love of reading. This audiobook didn’t disappoint. I greatly enjoyed the narration and moments of character dialogue. The use of background sounds was lovely and immersive. I looked forward to the tea-pouring moments.
I was wary because I've often heard that this is a pretty disappointing Austen novel and the characters are boring. From the beginning, it's easy to see why some might find Emma boring or unlikeable: she is rich; wants for nothing; has a juvenile and naïve air about her due to how sheltered she's been; and tries to force others into happiness by manipulating their lives, usually causing more harm than good. But it was fun to see (or hear, in this case) the way she evolved over time, accepted adulthood and the responsibilities that go with it, became more in touch with her own feelings and priorities, and learned that she cannot guide how others live their lives. The book focuses on emotions and emotional growth, not events or actions.
Also, I only realized a few minutes in that this was an “audio performance” instead of an actual audiobook. So now I might need to read the print version of “Emma” anyway to see how it compares.
I was wary because I've often heard that this is a pretty disappointing Austen novel and the characters are boring. From the beginning, it's easy to see why some might find Emma boring or unlikeable: she is rich; wants for nothing; has a juvenile and naïve air about her due to how sheltered she's been; and tries to force others into happiness by manipulating their lives, usually causing more harm than good. But it was fun to see (or hear, in this case) the way she evolved over time, accepted adulthood and the responsibilities that go with it, became more in touch with her own feelings and priorities, and learned that she cannot guide how others live their lives. The book focuses on emotions and emotional growth, not events or actions.
Also, I only realized a few minutes in that this was an “audio performance” instead of an actual audiobook. So now I might need to read the print version of “Emma” anyway to see how it compares.