Jane Eyre

What a joy to hear a favorite classic performed with excellence! Nadia May's skill as a storyteller has the listener soon believing Jane Eyre is speaking directly to him or her, "the gentle reader." The story of Jane, orphan governess, and her tragic love, Mr. Rochester, has the same plot as many of today's romances, but Brontæ's masterful use of language and description moves it to a higher plane. Her portrayal of the social milieu of the times and Jane's view of realities and her yearnings to transcend them will give present-day women much to ponder. A timeless work flawlessly presented. T.R. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

April 4, 2016
Whether one treasures this classic piece of literature as an old companion or has no acquaintance with it at all, the listener is in for a treat. Reader Bentinck draws us at once into the trials assailing the orphaned and ill-treated 10-year-old Jane. Bentinck’s soft voice, flawless rhythms, and cultured British accent are exactly what’s needed to guide listeners through this heroine’s wild history of tribulations and jubilations. She portrays men, women, and children of different classes quite convincingly, and illuminates a wide range of nuanced emotions as Jane encounters hunger and cruelty as well as tender friendships at school, then a world of anger, fear, defeat, humor, sarcasm, affection, and exaltation as teacher and governess. The remarkable plot, the carefully delineated characters, and Bentinck’s acting facility make the journey an intriguing and memorable experience.

For a fan of Gothic romances, the opportunity to listen to a new recording of JANE EYRE is not to be passed up. British actress Juliet Stevenson gives a simply splendid narration. She gives clear voice to the spirited, intelligent, fiercely independent Jane and communicates the heroine's full range of emotions. Stevenson reads at a smooth, even pace, adding just the right amount of drama. If the new release of JANE EYRE at the movies moves many to take another look at the novel, Stevenson's masterful narration would be an excellent choice. C.R.A. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


Orphaned, unattractive, and poor, the noble Jane Eyre overcomes her shortcomings through persistency of character and virtue. This production enlivens the classic with eloquent, expressive narration by Wanda McCaddon. She demonstrates a strong command of British accents, which she ably employs for the large cast of characters. She also includes convincing French phrases from the young Adele, which may frustrate the unfamiliar listener, but these are limited and hardly hinder the experience. McCadden's energy is sustained for the whole of this lengthy novel, bringing Bront‘'s endearing narrative to life as Jane finds a home and a man who loves her. T.D.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine