CONFESSIONS OF A JANE AUSTEN ADDICT

It's easy listening to this funny, clever story about Courtney Stone, a woman with only her Jane Austen novels to keep her company as she wallows over a broken engagement--until she wakes up in the nineteenth century in the body of Jane Mansfield, an English woman looking for a husband. Courtney's sarcastic nature is brought to life by Orlagh Cassidy, who is spot-on in her portrayal of the confusion and detached amusement Courtney feels in the body of someone living nearly 200 years ago. Likewise, Cassidy expertly distinguishes the other characters, immersing listeners in the time period while still maintaining the perspective of her 21st-century character. Though it's difficult to hear this wonderful production come to a close, this time-bending story ends just as it should. B.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]