MANSFIELD PARK

Jane Austen's classic social comedy concerns the coming of age of young Fanny Price, who grows up at Mansfield Park among a large family circle. Maureen O'Brien turns in a graceful, exemplary reading. Her greatest accomplishment may be the softness and subtlety she brings to the narration, traits that sharpen Austen's satire. O'Brien's rich characterizations also attest to her intelligent understanding of the book. She resists the trap of overdrawing the innocent Fanny and the scolding Mrs. Norris, whom a lesser reader would have made into the caricature of a busybody. Instead, O'Brien makes her a family nuisance who seems never less than human. G.H. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award © AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC/JAN 00]