Audio Book Review: Emma

The perfect audio version of Emma exists—and it's a radio play!

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve made it a point to listen to all of Jane Austen’s completed novels in order of publication. I’ve cooked many a meal and driven many miles with Marianne and Elinor, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, and Fanny Price. What I’ve learned in this adventure is that not all audio books are created equal. 

The narrator of an audio book can make or break the book. For the first couple of novels, I selected versions with Rosamund Pike as the reader. For Mansfield Park, I chose an audio version narrated by Frances Barber, who did a fine job. But my most recent read (ahem, listen) was an Audible Original version of Emma, adapted by Ana Lea as a radio play. Emma Thompson serves as the narrator and a cast of characters keep the action lively and interesting. 

I like all of Jane Austen’s novels, but I have a few that are clear favorites. And let’s just say this, Emma doesn’t usually make that cut into favorite status. When I read the novel, the Emma in my head often comes off as silly and self-important, thinking she knows more about people than she does—which in a way is kind of the point of the novel, so maybe that’s the way she’s supposed to come off—but most of the time when I read Emma, it takes me a while to finish because I keep putting it down and picking up other books because I get irritated with her. 

But Ana Lea’s radio play adaptation of Emma is a beautiful adaptation of the novel and the voice actors add nuance and humanity to the characters that you can’t ignore. While our heroine is the same old Emma, assuming she understands what is best for everyone, her portrayal in the radio play helps cynical readers like me see that while she’s often wrong in her assumptions, they come from a desire to help the people she loves. 

For me, another strong point for Lea’s Audible Original adaptation was the use of sound effects. If characters are walking outside, you may hear birds chirping in the background or the sound of a passing carriage. Music and the sound of a crowd provide ambiance for balls and gatherings and help to give the listener a full audio experience. Someone isn’t simply reading the novel to you; you’re experiencing the novel with the characters. 

If you’ve long tried to read Jane Austen’s novels and not been able to get into them, try Ana Lea’s Audible Original adaptation of Emma. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss! 

The Bookery Rating: 

📙📙📙📙📙

Ana Lea’s Audible Original adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma is a treat for the ears and the imagination!