Jane Austen

As with any good abridgment, this one leaves you wanting more. This is a highly enjoyable glimpse into the life of an ordinary woman of extraordinary talent. It's a pleasure to meet someone as down-to-earth as this lady and, by extension, her large and affectionate family and circle of friends. We also get a brief view of the countryside and people reflected in her writing. Aside from the musical interludes, which are a bit hectic and jarring, the production is fine. Teresa Gallagher handles the reading with a deft lightness that is exactly right for the material. She has wonderful, clear pronunciation and a sweet tone that make her a perfect match for this little gem. D.G. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine