Jane Eyre

In Brontæ's classic tale, the passionate, strong-willed orphan falls in love with the mysterious, brooding Mr. Rochester. She leaves him after discovering the secret locked away in his mansion, but can their love survive such a discovery? Emma Fielding, a classically trained British actress, skillfully captures the wide range of emotions, with just the right amount of vocal change to convey the male characters. She's clearly at home with varied British accents. Good liner notes include a brief summary of each side, a biographical sketch of Brontæ and a list of music used in the production. P.B.J. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


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

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.