A good story ruined by the narrator

The narration of this classic made the entire experience PAINFUL. Although capable of reading, the narrator was not capable of dialogue -- something experienced Audible listeners have come to rely upon. So what happens is this: is it a man? is it a woman? which character is it, pray tell? Only those who have read the book in the past and are familiar with the plot line are able to tell.

I hope Audible will avoid these disasters -- I am wondering how it was selected.

29 people found this helpful

A classic story deserves a more adept reader

How did the narrator detract from the book?

With material that is so well known the reader should check the material. There were so many mispronounced words that I could hardly follow the story in places. Ms. Agliotta needs to get a dictionary and learn how to use it.

15 people found this helpful

Interesting plot, beautiful language, blah reader

This was Anne Brontë's only novel, and it's very well written, and makes some very surprising and interesting statements regarding marriage and women's rights, and lack thereof. Her protagonist is not perfect, and of course that makes the book even better. The flashback within the plot by means of the reading of a journal was also interesting. I was frustrated by the fact that a plot summary here included things that happen very late in the book. Basically was a spoiler.

If you're thinking about listening to this book, choose one by another reader. I had listened to an Anne of Green Gables book read by Mary Sarah, and was so not pleased, that I remember her name! But this version was I sale, so I chose it. Never again! I don't care if they offer a book for a penny, I will NOT get it if it's being read by this reader. She has an odd accent, and reads very quickly, so that voice inflection and emotion are lost to efficiency. I got the impression that she didn't understand what the characters were feeling sometimes. She also mispronounced several words... really odd.

This novel ideally should be performed by 2 readers. A man for the narrative of Gilbert, and a woman for the narrative of Helen's journal. I was very confused as to why a woman was reading a first person account written by a man, and it really took away from several passages.

Overall, this is a well-written, interesting view into 19th century perspectives on marriage and morality, with some lovely turns of the English language, but, choose another narrator.

8 people found this helpful

Good novel with poor production

It's a solid, though occasionally depressing, story. However, the production or audio quality is poor with frequent changes in sound and voice modulation. It does not seem professionally produced as most Audible titles.

11 people found this helpful

Wish I liked it more

As a proto-feminist story, where a woman over-rides a jerkwad husband in order to direct the course of her own life and is not eternally punished by the Invisible Hand, this book was probably quite the scandale in its day. And I adore scandale, so I wish I liked the whole thing more. But by modern standards, it really seems to be the story of a headstrong prig and the twerp (not her husband) who loves her. Reading it through a historical lens, it's a very interesting look at a woman verging on independence, and her effect on a small rural town. And it's not a painful read.

It is however a painful listen. Lordamighty. Shaky use of character voices and bizarre attempts at differentiating regional accents. Can't tell if it's a bad microphone, or she just moved around too much for the sound tech to compensate. Weird cuts that repeat the same line over. Sloppy. Kind of a disaster. If you can get this cheap, and really want to hear this story, go ahead, her voice quality is at least good (hopefully she'll get some coaching before she tries this again). But 12 or so hours is a long time to be driven nuts by this one.

4 people found this helpful

BRONTE CLASSIC

Any additional comments?

I am glad that I listened to this book, it was more than I expected. Bronte wrote like she thought. You can't do anything while you read this or you don't get the wonderful mental pictures she writes for you. She is not my favorite author of this timeframe but as a classic, this one is worth the time you will put into it.

12 people found this helpful

story shines despite recording issues

the audio quality was often poor and irregular, with the s sounds being particularly harsh, volumes fluctuating often between chapters, and lines jarringly repeated for either clarity or performances sake. however, if the audio issues had been mitigated, the performance itself was nicely done, and the story told in a heartfelt fashion that suited it very well. overall I only hope that further recordings with this reader have better equipment, more apt to capture her performance, and better editors, to avoid the pitfalls of unnecessary repetition.

3 people found this helpful

CLASSIC NOVEL BOTCHED BY A WRETCHED NARRATOR!

Audible sort of, um, lost my first review. I know they got it because on Day 2 when I checked, they said it was being looked at. That was over a week ago. Now, the best they can do is tell me to rewrite it! Mary Sarah Whatzername is still a terrible reader who is still in a hurry and doesn't know how to pronounce paroxysm and a number of other good English words! I agree with the other reviewer who suggested this narrator had to "use the facilities" and they wouldn't let her out of the recording booth until she finished the book! It's two hours shorter than the other version I just finished listening to.

So here you are, audible! I will give dear Anne Bronte's masterpiece a good review under the other version. In listening to that version with male and female narrators including Ms. Agutter, a number of new truths came out that I completely missed in Ms. Agliotta's breathy, hurried rendition. Every word is beautiful!

This was $1.95 absolutely wasted!

10 people found this helpful

This novel is a good read but lacks a good reader

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I had not earlier read any novels by any of the Bronte sisters, so I cannot compare this novel with those of Emily and Charlotte, But I was very favorably impressed by Anne Bronte's writing.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall?

Helen’s situation grows steadily worse despite her best efforts to fulfill her role as a wife and mother. Her husband misses no opportunity to inflict cruel and constant emotional abuse upon her. Yet when he is suffering his terminal illness, she returns to nurse him to the end.

What didn’t you like about Mary Sarah Agliotta’s performance?

She consistently spoke much too fast, requiring me to go back over portions to ensure I had understood correctly. Also, she lacked the ability to produce audible differences in the voices, which made it difficult to distinguish adequately between speakers.

Was The Tenant of Wildfell Hall worth the listening time?

This is a very dark novel which starkly confirms the disadvantageous position in society of women, as well as their shocking lack of legal protection. If the author’s intent was to arouse in me a strong emotional reaction to Helen’s situation, she certainly succeeded. But her vivid descriptions of the outdoors brought the scenes to life in color and radiance, providing a welcome relief of cheer and hope, and relieving the sadness of Helen’s plight

Any additional comments?

Even though there is much sadness in this novel, Helen's devotion to what is right and her strong Christian beliefs bring her through tragedies to a fulfilling ending.

2 people found this helpful

Incredible Journey. Poignant Read!

Would you listen to The Tenant of Wildfell Hall again? Why?

Yes, to remind myself of the capacity for dignity and courage in difficult situations.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I am moved by the journey and courage of the heroine, Mrs. Graham -- a woman caught in an abusive marriage - that finally finds the courage to free herself and her child through dignity and art.

What about Mary Sarah Agliotta’s performance did you like?

The narrator captured the bittersweet emotions, gut-wrenching tensions and difficult realities of this time through her restrained passion and warmth of tone. She seemed to really understand what the characters were going through.

If you could rename The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, what would you call it?

Have no improvements on the title.

Any additional comments?

This is one of my favorite classic books, though not so well known.

6 people found this helpful