JANE AUSTEN: A Concise Biography

Biographies of writers like Jane Austen are often too dense and detailed for the casual reader. This one, complete on two cassettes, is a well-paced narrative packed with substance (even if it offers little more style than an encyclopedia entry). Although it includes some speculation on Jane's possible love affair(s), the story (written by a descendant of Jane's friend Mrs. Lefroy) follows the Austen family line, smoothing out a few unpleasant wrinkles in its subject's life and avoiding controversy. Nevertheless, it's a useful summary for anyone who wants to know something about the creator of those eternally fascinating characters and stories. Pleasant-voiced Anita Wright is a completely satisfactory narrator. S.P. © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/NOV 99]