How does it compare to audio works by the same author?
Excellent
Advantages:
Enjoyable use of language, and interesting changes in central character
Disadvantages:
May be less appealing to people wanting faster pace
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Driving fom Norfolk to the Midlands on a dull Sunday afternoon, with the car radio fixed on BBC Radio 4 and unable to switch over in case it woke my (sleeping) partner in the passenger seat, I was mesmerised by the first instalment of their production of this book. So much so that I had to rush out and buy a copy, reading it avidly and recalling the embarrassment of my own callow youth - mistakes made, divided loyalties, unconscious growth of personality through behaving as a loved one would wish. The intricacies of growing up are truly timeless, as is the author's perception of character, and I certainly enjoyed this novel. Maybe not for everyone, some of the language/situations being a little outdated, but that need not get in the way of the story.
"Plain Jane" Catherine grows up unspoilt, given an opportunity to mix in appropriate society (= marriage market), makes first "real" friend, meets "TDH" Henry, friend's family overplay Catherine's fortune for their own purposes, try to alienate her from Henry, Catherine's ethical upbringing helps her to avoid falling into their trap, Henry about to propose when father finds out she is not quite so wealthy as he supposes, all seems to fall apart, but Henry withstands him and all turns out right in the end. Moral is, have faith in your better feelings & keep up your standards of proper behaviour, it doesn't matter if other people with lower standards don't appreciate you - they are of no account and we shouldn't be swayed by other people's opinions into acting rudely or improperly.
This is a good example for me of how something enjoyable in a broadcast medium is not disappointing when read in the original. Not quite sure who I'd cast as Henry Tilney, though ...
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