Persuasion is a wonderful story. I'm seamlessly transported to a different time and place. Mike Read's narration did not work for me. His tone didn't work for me and his voices were not distinct. I found his narration too slow for me at 1x speed as I typically listen at 2x, however his voice did not carry well as the speed was increased.

My latest listen is Persuasion by Jane Austen narrated by Mike Read.

Mike Read has such a deep, beautiful, and easy to listen to voice. I found he talked slightly faster than other narrators which I quite enjoyed. I did not find his voices to be super distinct though. For someone who knows the story well, that is not the end of the world. To those new to the story that might be a tad confusing at times. Mike Read was also the first male narrator I have ever listened to while “reading” Austen.

Persuasion is one of Jane Austen’s more popular novels. It is a story about a 27 year old woman who gets a second chance at love. During the Regency period, 27 was an incredibly old age to be unmarried at.

I received this audiobook from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. All opinions are 100% my own.

Objectively, I know that Persuasion could be better. This is probably Austen’s first or second draft of the story, as she sadly passed away before being able to finish polishing her sixth book. However, I stand with Janeites that say that, had it been revised, this would be Austen’s best work. The improvement in her writing is obvious: the settings feel more alive, the plot lines are more numerous than her previous works, and her satire and social commentary reach peak levels in this book. Even when the story isn’t as fully fleshed as her other books, Persuasion has taken a big part of my heart and become my second Austen book.

Why? Because the story and the characters are lovely. Anne Elliot stands very close to Elizabeth Bennet as a favorite Austen heroine. Captain Wentworth and his professions of love on his letter? STOLE MY HEART. The mutual pinning and the way Austen contrasts how men and women (and society) view love in her time? MAGNIFICENT. Also, Austen’s sarcasm takes a BIG LEAP on this one. I was cracking up at some scenes/conversations. Persuasion is truly a good time.

While Persuasion can’t surpass the place of Pride and Prejudice in my heart, I hold it as what I wish my writing to be and a great example of a second-chance romance.

In terms of the audiobook, I really enjoyed Mike Read’s narration. I listened to the audiobook in 1x, 1.25x, 1.5x, 1.75x, and 2x speeds and I think his voice carries well in all of them. He did a good job distinguishing characters and keeping a soothing voice for the story, which I feel matches completely the tone of Austen’s book. As much as I praise his work on this narration, I did feel myself getting pulled out of the story at some points, which hasn’t happened when I listen to female narrators, but that might just be my preference. Overall, a great audiobook that wouldn’t disappoint anyone who got it paired with one of Austen’s most mature works.

I read Persuasion many years ago and was rather underwhelmed by it but revisiting it in this audiobook has revived my opinion and I've realised it is a much stronger novel that many of Austen's others. This more mature perspective isn't as witty as Emma or Pride and Prejudice but in Anne Elliot i think we have a more considered heroine and Captain Wentworth is less of a flawed hero than Darcy.
I loved this audio version. Mike Read has the perfect soothing voice that draws you in and engages your interest. The pace is perfect, not so slow that I got frustrated but not so fast that it was difficult to keep up. It was an interesting choice to use a male narrator but I think it really worked. I felt my engagement with the novel improved from having that 'distance' from Anne so I could view her thoughts and actions a little more objectively.
Loved it and look forward to receiving my hardback copy of this seasons edition book on Thursday with its gorgeous papercut cover,

i was unfamiliar with Jane Austena book Persuasion before listening to this audiobook This had a slightly different feel but the character wit, valies and .social class complications that we have grown to know, expect and love from an Austen book was there. I did have a hard time getting into this book.because of the narrator. Classics can be hard to read and get lost in. This narrator didn't help that fact..I found his tone, inflection and reading to be a bit serious and harsh.

Persuasion is my favorite Austen and this narration is a DELIGHT! You can really hear the longing/angst/regret of the heroine and the romance is sooo good. Interesting choice to have a male narrator, but I think it worked.

I adore Jane Austen and have read each book a few times. While I have never listened to an audio can say that I have now. And was bored to tears. While the narrator has a beautiful deep voice that would work well for other classics I just dong think he worked here. He was flat and monotone.

Persuasion is one of my favorite novels, I know it backwards and forwards, yet I found it difficult to follow this narrator. I think a female voice would have lent itself better to the storyline. While the narrators voice is full, resonant, and lush, it lacks shades of color that would bring excitement to the story. His British inflection is extremely strong for American audiences. While this may work well for British audiences, even I who am extremely comfortable with British accents, was grasping at times to understand the words. However, the use of a male narrator might make it easier for men to give this lovely story a chance.

Unfortunately, I am unable to review this title as I am having issues with the app and cannot listen to the book. Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

This narrated version of Jane Austen was a great listen. I hadn't read this prior to listening to this version, but I was pleasantly surprised at how great this novel is! It is one of Jane Austen's less popular novels, but I have no idea why! The story and characters are classic Austen!

Persuasion is one of my favorite Austen reads, so I was delighted to see that this new audiobook version was available.

This new audiobook, narrated by Mike Read, provides a whole new (and very unique) experience of this beloved novel. However, though Read is a good narrator, I just couldn’t engage as much with Anne as I did when reading this book in print or listening to a female audiobook narrator (both of which I’ve done for this story).

Persuasion is Austen’s most maturely written novel and her writing gave Anne such life, so I wish that would have been just as apparent in this audiobook narration - but it just seemed devoid of the book’s original charm.

Persuasion by Jane Austen is a classic for a reason. Austen's work is timeless and perfect place to start when delving into classics. Persuasion is my second favorite work by Austen and is the ultimate second chance romance story. Anne Elliot is Austen''s oldest protagonist and Persuasion feels more mature than her previous works.

The audiobook narrated by Mike Read is a great way to engage in this timeless classic. I highly recommend this!

I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.