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Lady Susan

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Lady Susan

By: Jane Austen
Narrated by: Harriet Walter, Kim Hicks
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Lady Susan was the first of Jane Austen's novels to be completed. An epistolary novel in 18th-century style, it tells the story of the recently widowed Lady Susan Vernon, intelligent but highly manipulative, who is intent on gaining financially secure relationships for both herself and her wayward but shy teenage daughter Frederica.

Less known than Austen's six great later novels, it demonstrates the wit and sharp observations of Jane Austen - and is shown at its best in audiobook form, with different actresses presenting real characters as they read their letters.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©1871 Jane Austen (P)2001 Naxos Audiobooks Ltd. Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction

Editor reviews

A perfect match! An ensemble piece! A delight! This lesser known Austen novel follows the subterfuge of the recently widowed, beautiful, and flirtatious Lady Susan who attempts to secure a good marriage for herself at the same time that she is forcing a dismal match onto her long suffering daughter. Character is revealed, plot unfolds, suspense builds - all through the device of letters exchanged amongst Lady Susan, her family, friends, and enemies. Each letter writer is performed by a different actor, eliminating the potential for confusion and making this a lively and dramatic listening experience. Flute, clarinet, and piano add an elegant touch, enhancing the flavor of time and place.
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Honestly, I’m sure that this isn’t the best of Austen’s work but it’s really so much fun that it doesn’t matter. Highly entertaining and with all of the keen and comical observations of human nature we love.

So Much Fun

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Very witty book, great characters. Quite different to the usual Jane Austen but I found it a nice change. Lady Susan is atrocious but amusing.

Loved it!

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Its a joy to listen to such eloquence. Repeated 3 times before i could fully take it in

Live it, love it

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A brilliantly crafted epistolary novel - or rather novella - which grips from start to finish in all its twist and turns (although much more overtly cynical than Jane Austen's other works), and a positive dream team of readers. Especially Harriet Walter who plays Lady Susan herself with verve and conviction. I wish it were longer. Just fantastic.

An exceptional audiobook

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Beautifully performed, clearly enunciated to capture the period, delivered at a good pace . Supported by well chosen music for mood setting.

Lady Susan

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