PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Emilia Fox's reading sparkles with sophistication and intelligence. Her voice is arched but good humored and carefully pointed, with all the barbs subtly, and sometimes not so subtly, exposed. Character, however, is Fox's real strength. From the outset Mrs. Bennet's voice horrifies us, as it does her daughter, and we feel all Elizabeth's embarrassment at such a mother, not to mention Mr. Darcy's repugnance. Caroline Bingley's voice drips with unction when addressing Darcy, but communicates an acid tone with Eliza. Even Lady Catherine's crotchety hauteur and Mr. Collins's obsequiousness draw smiles. A skillful artist, Fox brings them all to life, rendering accessible to a wider audience all the author's good sense and humor. P.E.F. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 06]