Vanity Fair

Timothy West is the voice of Thackeray himself--author, storyteller, social critic. Crusty, witty and observant, he talks directly to the listener as he follows the lives of that ultimate social climber, Becky Sharp, and her contemporaries in early nineteenth-century England. We see the characters as caricatures through his eyes; we aren't allowed to get too close, so it's appropriate that they aren't individually portrayed in a vocal sense. The abridgment makes it difficult to keep track of minor players and some plot lines, but the essential flavor of Thackeray's satiric masterpiece is retained. This is another of the excellent Highbridge Classics series. J.B.G. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine

July 1, 2013

The characters in this complex 19th-century novel (scheming, amoral Becky Sharp; faithful William Dobbins, etc.) were once so well known that they were used as shorthand personality descriptors by other authors. Becky Sharp is willing to do almost anything for position or money, while family funding supports her best friend Amelia's, gentle, unrealistic soul. Becky marries well and then loses money. Amelia marries well and loses both husband and money. As time passes, their fortunes flip, turn, and intertwine until the two friends are old women. Georgina Sutton's wonderfully flexible voice keeps the reader engaged and the characters well differentiated through all 25 CDs of a very complicated story line--quite a feat. VERDICT Especially recommended for listeners just starting to explore classic British fiction.--I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Community Coll., Ames, IA

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

One of the great Regency novels is brought to life by British actor and narrator Robert Hardy. Filled with misfortune and betrayal, this classic work has no shortage of characters to keep you on your toes. Hardy is excellent at portraying the many personalities--ranging from the sentimental and witless Amelia Sedley to the manipulative and worldly Becky Sharp. The abridgment can feel choppy at times, but Hardy's exuberance keeps the listener on track. It's best to give this audio your undivided attention; otherwise, you may miss the many changes of scene. K.M.D. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine

AUDIOFILE's Golden Voice Wanda McCaddon ignites Thackeray's classic with her apt rendition of the characters' wit, gentle sarcasm, irony, and na•veté. VANITY FAIR features two early-nineteenth-century heroines and their dizzying attempts to create their destinies. McCaddon's pitch and accents capture the subtle nuances of British culture, class, education, sex, age, and social status in the satirical panorama of upper-middle-class life and manners. While never approaching the biting edge of ridicule, McCaddon lends just the right modulation to alert the listener to Thackeray's sardonic intent. As Becky Sharp's station in society evolves, McCaddon clearly articulates the upper class's shallow values, duplicity, and hypocritical morals. Even the practical and mundane are cloaked in truths of human nature. An endearing classic. A.W. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Narrator Joel Froomkin cheerfully brings out the wit of this novel about class and circumstances. Forced by her limited resources to become a governess, Becky Sharp is not afraid to social climb, while her best friend, Emmy, seemingly lives to fulfill the whims of her family. Froomkin's bright tone and light British accent make it seem like he is having a great time sharing the story with listeners. His skill at creating individual voices for the characters and his expert timing make listening to this lengthy audiobook a joy. V.B. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine