From its sharply satiric opening sentence, Mansfield Park deals with money and marriage, and how strongly they affect each other. Shy, fragile Fanny Price is the consummate "poor relation." Sent to live with her wealthy uncle Thomas, she clashes with his spoiled, selfish daughters and falls in love with his son. Their lives are further complicated by the arrival of a pair of witty, sophisticated Londoners, whose flair for flirtation collides with the quiet, conservative country ways of Mansfield Park.
Written several years after the early manuscripts that eventually became Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park retains Jane Austen's familiar compassion and humor but offers a far more complex exploration of moral choices and their emotional consequences.
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"I only discovered Jane Austen when I was in my forties and read Pride and Prejudice. I couldn't believe I'd missed out on such fantastic writing for so much of my life! Since then I have read and re-read all her books, although P&P, Sense and Sensibility and Northanger Abbey have to be my favorites. I love her humour and wit, and her brilliant characterisation. Elizabeth Bennet has the starring role, but I do have a soft spot for Mr Collins in Pride and Prejudice (and he was wonderfully portrayed in teh BBC TV series.)"
— Gill (5 out of 5 stars)
McCaddon is the ideal choice to present this classic...a nineteenth-century 'tell all' just as impossible to resist as the tabloids in the check-out line.
— AudioFile" This book - like Northanger Abbey - left me hanging at the end. You are so invested in Fanny's story and life and then the conclusion to her long suffering journey is given scant attention. I want wedding details and Fanny's reaction. Still it is Jane Austen and it was early 1800's and maybe those things just weren't talked about - even though everything else was! "
— Joanne, 2/20/2014" The best romance the world of literature has to offer. Witty, sparkling, endearing, satirical, honest, lovely... "
— Jayna, 2/18/2014" I absolutely love Jane Austen. I can never get tired of reading her. "
— Marcela, 2/18/2014" Wonderful book--you don't have to look for all the different books because they're all there! The drawings are wonderful and seem to be period-authentic. And it looks good on my shelf! I don't love all the books she wrote, but at least half of them I do. Well worth the investment. "
— Janisu-chan, 2/18/2014" Least favorite so far. I was put off by Fanny, she wasn't a strong character. This book dragged a lot and I didn't like who she ended up with. Meh. "
— Diana, 2/18/2014" The most disappointing Jane Austen novel I've read. Fanny is without a doubt her worst main character because of her absolute lack of agency. She is frail as glass and her problems become annoying rather than endearing. Do not read this novel. "
— Miles, 2/17/2014" Another great Jane Austen novel. "
— Krista, 2/16/2014" I had to read this book for book club and I absolutely hated every second of it. But I also am probably one of the least likely people to like Jane Austen or anything similar. "
— D'arcy, 2/15/2014" Reading any of Jane Austen's books takes you on a journey. Imagine owning this complete volume, this my friend is a treasure and a great privilege. "
— Marren, 2/12/2014" I really enjoyed Mansfield Park. It's funny that even I got sucked into the Mr. Crawford-Fanny match and found her reluctance almost annoying for a while. I just love how Jane Austen commentates on society, morality, love, etc. "
— Lauren, 2/11/2014" although I have read one of the stories so far. "
— Lesha, 2/9/2014" My favourite author. Of course I love it! "
— Helen, 2/8/2014" I enjoyed this book. Not my favorite of Jane Austen's, but good none the less. It ended kind of abruptly. It was a little jarring how the end was all of a sudden there and switched point of views. Frannie, the main character, really needs some confidence and a stronger backbone. She does stick to her decisions, which is good. "
— Erin, 2/5/2014" I loved it, and certainly enjoyed it much more than Pride and Prejudice, though of course how could one not like that book?I skipped the dull introduction and got on with the story. Jane Austen's characters are so unforgettable; she is a master of characterization and use of language. I loved Fanny Price and Edmund Bertram's character of goodness and purity, and I could very much relate to both. I am glad after 413 pages they finally ended up being together. Great book! "
— Justin, 2/4/2014" Apparently I just can't get into Jane Austen. "
— Ivan, 2/3/2014" loved the twist. I was actually surprised! but I do wish Fanny's happy ending wasnt rushed in the last chapter. I hate that it felt all squeezed into the last chapter. I didnt like that. "
— Natalie, 2/3/2014" Austen is a genius and brings all her characters to life! That's why we love her work so much. And with all the strict rules of that era it's interesting to see how people "courted and dated" lol "
— Dahlia, 1/31/2014" I read this book because each Saturday my friend and I watch a movie. We alternate who chooses and she has been wanting to watch two of the Mansfield Park film renditions. I vetoed it until I'd read the book. This was the one Jane Austen novel that I did not know the plot to. I wanted to read at least one of her books without knowing what would happen ahead of time. I found Fanny to be much different from other Austen heroines. I had a hard time liking Fanny. It wasn't until the second volume that I felt something more than frustration and pity for her. She is not my favorite Austen heroines, but I admire the way that she stuck to her principles. I was happy that she shared her misgivings in regards to the Crawfords even if it took until the last chapter. I loved what a challenge this book was though. It has been much too long since I have had to exert much of an effort in understanding a book. I look forward to reading more of Austen; while I prefer Victorian authors, (The Bronte sisters, Elizabeth Gaskell, etc.) Austen has a certain elegance that these authors lack. "
— Martha, 1/31/2014" I wanted to like Fanny, but she was so pathetic. I wanted to like Edmund, but he was so selfish. There were plenty of characters that I didn't want to like, and I succeeded in disliking them as well. I still liked reading the book, but I think it is my least favorite Austen novel to date. "
— Julianna, 1/29/2014" This is actually my favourite Jane Austen book, I love it and read it about once a year. "
— Roberta, 1/29/2014" Jane Austen has such a rich understanding of her culture, making her books a romantic escape from reality for us, and a unique insight into human psyche, making her novels culturally relevant to us. Love anything by her! "
— Karen, 1/23/2014" Jane Austen is my favorite female author. She knew how to build character like no other. They are all must reads for every avid reader. "
— Linda, 1/19/2014" Austen is a genius and brings all her characters to life! That's why we love her work so much. And with all the strict rules of that era it's interesting to see how people "courted and dated" lol "
— Dahlia, 1/18/2014" I kept trying to find a listing for just "Emma", but was unable to find one. I finally chose this because it has some of my favorite Jane Austen books in the collection. "
— Carole, 1/18/2014" I think I must read her novels over again once a year. There is nothing so dear to me as entertaining social commentary. "
— Becca, 1/14/2014" It took a long time for me to get involved and interested in this novel. I started out reading it for school and it was very dull at the beginning. However, as the plot became more interesting I started to read it more for pleasure and I ended up loving it! "
— Sam, 1/13/2014" I'm not sure why this tends to be the least-liked Austen novel...perhaps because her humor is in shorter supply here. This is a serious, complex book, and does have (like Emma) parts that drag. But I thought that Fanny was a very real character and I enjoyed reading about her. This one might take a bit more knowledge of the Regency Era to be able to appreciate as much as other Austen novels. "
— melody, 1/13/2014" re-reading for Austen in August "
— Jan, 1/12/2014" What is there not to like about Mansfield Park? It was great!! It had a storyline that made me wonder how everything was going to turn out. Edmund was one of my favorite characters in any of Austen's works. Most people think of Fanny as too timid, shy and unpassionate. But not everyone in the world is a witty, lively Elizabeth Bennet. There are all sorts of people on the earth and we should appreciate them all, animated or not. "
— Rachel, 1/10/2014" Loved the period, ecellent book and writer. "
— Winston, 12/31/2013" A Jane Austen classic. It's interesting and incredibly written. The expressions are unparalleled. Again, the finale is not only disappointing, but disgusting. Otherwise, it's a great novel. "
— Ðнна, 12/25/2013" Jane Austen's works all in one edition. It can't get much better than this. "
— Esther, 12/24/2013" I love her many written arts. I love her stories and the strong women, for those days, she portrays in her work. "
— Susan, 12/24/2013" Not my favorite of her books, but I thought it was worth a shot. It seems as if the story line took an exceptionally long time to develop. "
— Cari, 12/23/2013" When poor Fanny Price is taken in by her aunt and uncle, her needs are often forgotten, especially in comparison to her cousins, Maria and Julia. But, in the end, Fanny's sterling character is found to trump those of greater priviledge. "
— Debra, 12/21/2013" Seemed quite slow at first, then really sped up in the last 100 pages or so. Although I was sure of what was going to happen, this book kept me doubting. "
— Freya, 12/20/2013" I really like Jane Austen... so this is a must :p "
— Itzam, 12/17/2013" Really not my favorite Jane Austen book. Fanny was such a goody-two-shoes! "
— Trina, 12/13/2013" My least favorite of Jane Austen. I found reading this a bit of a chore. "
— Rhonda, 12/13/2013" I wanted to like Fanny, but she was so pathetic. I wanted to like Edmund, but he was so selfish. There were plenty of characters that I didn't want to like, and I succeeded in disliking them as well. I still liked reading the book, but I think it is my least favorite Austen novel to date. "
— Julianna, 12/5/2013" I love Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters... "
— Bibi, 12/4/2013" Finally finished reading Persuasion! I loved it, but not as much as Pride & Prejudice! :D "
— Samantha, 11/29/2013" Love to read and reread these Austen novels. Pride and Prejudice was my favorite for the longest time, but Persuasion is now my favorite. "
— Marnie, 11/28/2013" This is weird to be on the list instead of all of the books being listed separately. But, since I've read them all, I've marked this as read - big * "
— Debbi, 11/27/2013" Not my favorite Jane Austen. Can't relate to Fanny Price "
— Deb, 11/27/2013" I adore Jane Austen but Fanny was not my favorite character. I found it difficult to truly know her. "
— Kathryn, 11/16/2013" I really wanted to like this book, and in fact enjoyed most of it. But, I did not like the ending, and I rooted for something different to happen. The last few chapters feel like Austen didn't know what to do, so just threw in some random off-page action. Disappointed. "
— Victoria, 11/9/2013" Well written with impressive human insight and good recreation of daily life of the time, both for the rich and the not so well off. Delicious to read when you're feeling kind of quiet yourself. "
— Webcowgirl, 11/7/2013" I love all of the books and read through them all the time. "
— Derenda, 11/5/2013" I'm on a bit of a Jane Austen kick right now. I enjoyed Mansfield Park, but Fanny Price is too wimpy and frail for my taste. "
— Miki, 10/18/2013" Review first published on Many A Quaint & Curious Volume "
— Cheryl, 9/8/2013" Everybody's least favorite, but the one I like best. The least "Austen"-y of her major works. "
— Nick, 9/6/2013" I love this book...it's abosolutely beautiful and smells of leather. I still haven't finished all the stories, but it's one of the three leather-bound books in my collection. The other two being Shakespear and The Complete Collection of Sherlock Holmes. "
— Jenna, 8/28/2013" This book is so great and Im all for the lovey dovey stuff that it talks about. "
— Mikayla, 8/19/2013" I wimped out and didn't finish it! I just can't finish Jane Austen. "
— Madame, 8/15/2013" Loved it, but I wish I could find a film that does it justice. "
— Tami, 7/24/2013" My 2nd fav Austen romance novel, can relate to Fanny very well. "
— Kimberly, 7/4/2013" At first I really hated this book. It seemed to take ages to get anywhere and I found the heroine incredibly irritating. However, it all turned around at the end to the point that I was sad it was over. "
— Kate, 6/19/2013" So rich, much denser that her other novels "
— Teresa, 6/1/2013" Best of the bunch is def pride and prejudice!! "
— Mei, 4/26/2013" One of my favorites, Fanny is a wonderful character. "
— Melanie, 3/23/2013" I found it hard to finish so I guess this says something. On the other hand it's Austen so... 3 stars. "
— Iliada, 2/27/2013" Suffered through a hundred pages before acknowledging defeat. Couldn't take any more. "
— Colm, 1/7/2013" If you have never read a Jane Austen book in your entire life, you have never truly read anything. That is all I will say. "
— Jannelle, 12/21/2012" It takes me a long time to read Jane Austen stories but I still really enjoy them. I think I'll move on to something quicker this time. I do not have much time for reading these days and this really did take forever to get through. "
— Lisae, 12/21/2012" I love Fanny Price! She's one of my favorite heroines, she doesn't fit the stereotypical heroine we see every day...you know, tough, hard-headed, etc. She's sweet and kind and I think a refreshing change! "
— Rachel, 11/6/2012" I am a sucker for happy endings and Jane Austen never disappoints. Among my favorites are Pride & Prejudice, Persuasion, and Mansfield Park! "
— Janalyn, 9/30/2012" I loved this story. I really connected with Emma because I can be so much like her at times. This was my first Jane Austin book. It was a great introduction. "
— Lori, 9/26/2012" I can see why this is probably the least popular of her books. Still loved the witty dialogue and superb characterization... but unfortunately didn't love any of those characters. "
— Jessica, 9/20/2012" Dude, Fanny Price rules, fuck the haters! "
— Lindsay, 6/1/2012" It took a long time for me to get involved and interested in this novel. I started out reading it for school and it was very dull at the beginning. However, as the plot became more interesting I started to read it more for pleasure and I ended up loving it! "
— Sam, 5/1/2012" I am a true Jane Austen fan. I love reading these stories over and over. Truly classic romances for every woman to read and love. "
— Danica, 4/11/2012" A wee bit dark for Jane Austen. "
— Jr, 4/9/2012" As always, Austen's writing is impecable "
— rochi, 3/17/2012" LOVE Pride and Pejudice, enjoyed Sense and Sensibility, didn't care for most of Mansfield Park and currently reading Emma. Emma is not as likeable character as I remember.... "
— Kate, 3/6/2012" Pride and Prejudice is the only interesting of hers "
— Anna, 2/12/2012" I can understand why this is one of Austen's less popular novels. Some of the characters are a bit too amoral, simply to make Fanny Price all the more principled; Austen wants to show that virtue is rewarded, making this an odd companion piece to Samuel Richardson's 'Pamela'. "
— Benjamin, 2/2/2012" The most disappointing Jane Austen novel I've read. Fanny is without a doubt her worst main character because of her absolute lack of agency. She is frail as glass and her problems become annoying rather than endearing. Do not read this novel. "
— Miles, 1/28/2012" Good story. Could've used a more indulgent ending. "
— Cecilia, 12/2/2011" I liked it...but didn't love it. A lot of the story dragged on and on. It would have been better edited down by a 100 pages or so. "
— Mallory, 11/29/2011" I have owned and read and re-read this book a million times. It's my go-to book! "
— Peggy, 10/22/2011" This, perhaps tied with Emma, is my least favorite Austen. Fanny is too perfect to be believable as a character--her only flaw is that she's a complete doormat. "
— Melissa, 10/12/2011" Chose this version, but in fact I read each one separately. Austen's best undoubtedly are Persuasion and Pride and Prejudice. The latter I first read i the 7th grade. The former I re-read about ten years ago. What a master. "
— Deborah, 9/13/2011" A good read from Jane Austen "
— Soniya, 8/29/2011" Suffered through a hundred pages before acknowledging defeat. Couldn't take any more. "
— Colm, 8/20/2011" A literary work from a Classic Writer, reflecting the culture and society of England through strong and etched characters. But the storyline is similar to a typical Bollywood movie, and filled with detailing, which lead me astray! "
— Vini, 7/13/2011" Fanny Price is tiresome. She is NOT a heroine. "
— Factorfictn, 6/27/2011" This is the ultimate collection for any Jane Austin fan. It is gorgeous and look amazing on the shelf!! "
— Shellie, 4/2/2011" This is the ultimate collection for any Jane Austin fan. It is gorgeous and look amazing on the shelf!! "
— Shellie, 4/2/2011" This is the ultimate collection for any Jane Austin fan. It is gorgeous and look amazing on the shelf!! "
— Shellie, 4/2/2011" This is the ultimate collection for any Jane Austin fan. It is gorgeous and look amazing on the shelf!! "
— Shellie, 4/2/2011" Love the novels, but this collection of Austen's works was so big and heavy that I found it awkward to read. I donated it to the library. "
— Cristiana, 3/8/2011" Love the novels, but this collection of Austen's works was so big and heavy that I found it awkward to read. I donated it to the library. "
— Cristiana, 3/8/2011" Love the novels, but this collection of Austen's works was so big and heavy that I found it awkward to read. I donated it to the library. "
— Cristiana, 3/8/2011" Love the novels, but this collection of Austen's works was so big and heavy that I found it awkward to read. I donated it to the library. "
— Cristiana, 3/8/2011" Amazing book set, beautiful and well bound. Love having them all together in one compilation and what a set! <br/>Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors of all time! "
— Telisha, 3/5/2011" Amazing book set, beautiful and well bound. Love having them all together in one compilation and what a set! <br/>Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors of all time! "
— Telisha, 3/5/2011" Amazing book set, beautiful and well bound. Love having them all together in one compilation and what a set! <br/>Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors of all time! "
— Telisha, 3/5/2011" Amazing book set, beautiful and well bound. Love having them all together in one compilation and what a set! <br/>Jane Austen is one of my favorite authors of all time! "
— Telisha, 3/5/2011" An excellent collection, though lacking Austen's unfinished and unpublished work, it nevertheless beautifully presents all of her novels in a nice form. For details on individual novels, please see their respective reviews. 5/5 "
— Kereesa, 3/2/2011" An excellent collection, though lacking Austen's unfinished and unpublished work, it nevertheless beautifully presents all of her novels in a nice form. For details on individual novels, please see their respective reviews. 5/5 "
— Kereesa, 3/2/2011" An excellent collection, though lacking Austen's unfinished and unpublished work, it nevertheless beautifully presents all of her novels in a nice form. For details on individual novels, please see their respective reviews. 5/5 "
— Kereesa, 3/2/2011" An excellent collection, though lacking Austen's unfinished and unpublished work, it nevertheless beautifully presents all of her novels in a nice form. For details on individual novels, please see their respective reviews. 5/5 "
— Kereesa, 3/2/2011" I've read Pride & Prejudice and am now reading Sense & Sensibility. Along with reading these books, I am also collecting 2 versions each of the films. I enjoy them that much. "
— Ryver, 2/25/2011" I've read Pride & Prejudice and am now reading Sense & Sensibility. Along with reading these books, I am also collecting 2 versions each of the films. I enjoy them that much. "
— Ryver, 2/25/2011" I've read Pride & Prejudice and am now reading Sense & Sensibility. Along with reading these books, I am also collecting 2 versions each of the films. I enjoy them that much. "
— Ryver, 2/25/2011" I've read Pride & Prejudice and am now reading Sense & Sensibility. Along with reading these books, I am also collecting 2 versions each of the films. I enjoy them that much. "
— Ryver, 2/25/2011" I absolutely adore Jane Austen, I have read this entire book at least 20 times. "
— Elle, 2/20/2011" I absolutely adore Jane Austen, I have read this entire book at least 20 times. "
— Elle, 2/20/2011" I absolutely adore Jane Austen, I have read this entire book at least 20 times. "
— Elle, 2/20/2011" I absolutely adore Jane Austen, I have read this entire book at least 20 times. "
— Elle, 2/20/2011" Highly impractical pocket for seven must-reads that deserve nice linen bindings.. At the time of publishing, e-books were not yet available. Nowadays, choose those to save on your holiday luggage.. "
— David, 2/15/2011" Highly impractical pocket for seven must-reads that deserve nice linen bindings.. At the time of publishing, e-books were not yet available. Nowadays, choose those to save on your holiday luggage.. "
— David, 2/15/2011" Highly impractical pocket for seven must-reads that deserve nice linen bindings.. At the time of publishing, e-books were not yet available. Nowadays, choose those to save on your holiday luggage.. "
— David, 2/15/2011" Highly impractical pocket for seven must-reads that deserve nice linen bindings.. At the time of publishing, e-books were not yet available. Nowadays, choose those to save on your holiday luggage.. "
— David, 2/15/2011" bought it at a Spiritualist fete for £1. For all of her books, not a bad price. Unfortunately, it's also about a bazillion pages which makes it difficult to hold, and the font is awfully tiny. "
— Megan, 2/4/2011" bought it at a Spiritualist fete for £1. For all of her books, not a bad price. Unfortunately, it's also about a bazillion pages which makes it difficult to hold, and the font is awfully tiny. "
— Megan, 2/4/2011" bought it at a Spiritualist fete for £1. For all of her books, not a bad price. Unfortunately, it's also about a bazillion pages which makes it difficult to hold, and the font is awfully tiny. "
— Megan, 2/4/2011" bought it at a Spiritualist fete for £1. For all of her books, not a bad price. Unfortunately, it's also about a bazillion pages which makes it difficult to hold, and the font is awfully tiny. "
— Megan, 2/4/2011" The best collection of books! Whatever mood you are in,t here is an Austen novel to compliment! "
— Rosie, 1/16/2011" The best collection of books! Whatever mood you are in,t here is an Austen novel to compliment! "
— Rosie, 1/16/2011" The best collection of books! Whatever mood you are in,t here is an Austen novel to compliment! "
— Rosie, 1/16/2011" The best collection of books! Whatever mood you are in,t here is an Austen novel to compliment! "
— Rosie, 1/16/2011" Jane Austen's works all in one edition. It can't get much better than this. "
— Esther, 1/12/2011" Jane Austen's works all in one edition. It can't get much better than this. "
— Esther, 1/12/2011" Jane Austen's works all in one edition. It can't get much better than this. "
— Esther, 1/12/2011" Jane Austen's works all in one edition. It can't get much better than this. "
— Esther, 1/12/2011" I love Jane Austen. This is one of the few I keep on my shelf to re-read when I'm in the mood "
— Frances, 1/8/2011" I love Jane Austen. This is one of the few I keep on my shelf to re-read when I'm in the mood "
— Frances, 1/8/2011" I love Jane Austen. This is one of the few I keep on my shelf to re-read when I'm in the mood "
— Frances, 1/8/2011" I love Jane Austen. This is one of the few I keep on my shelf to re-read when I'm in the mood "
— Frances, 1/8/2011Jane Austen (1775–1817) is considered by many scholars to be the first great woman novelist. Born in Steventon, England, she later moved to Bath and began to write for her own and her family’s amusement. Her novels, set in her own English countryside, depict the daily lives of provincial middle-class families with wry observation, a delicate irony, and a good-humored wit.
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.