The Austen Experience: Persuasion Read Aloud

Now, here is something fun to get you past hump day with a true Austen experience: a video of Greg Wise, who played the cad Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility, reading the letter scene from Persuasion. (Did I just use Austen’s name and “hump day” in the same sentence? Oh no! I’ve done it again!)

Billed as a “more seductive coffee break,” the Carte Noire Readers website–apparently subsidized by a coffee company and Penguin Classics–features several British actors reading classic love scenes (from Penguin Classic editions, of course) in romantic setting and with a tempting wink. And a mug of steaming coffee set nearby. While many will appreciate the view of Mr. Wise reading, I much prefered to imagine the scene instead. I confess listened without watching.

But oh, to have such a person read a snipped from Charlotte Collins!

Enjoy your Austen Experience, even if it lasts only duration of a coffee break.

8 thoughts on “The Austen Experience: Persuasion Read Aloud

  1. Thank you so much for sharing this! While I love P&P for it's humor and heroine, I have to say that Persuasion feels so much more romantic to me. This passage is in my top 10 list of all time.

    And the reader! Ohhh, I've loved him since I saw him in S&S (even if he is a cad).

  2. I actually saw this on Witless Exposition's FB wall (We've been friends for a while) and instantly HAD to listen to it because…well just because. Before listening to it I had forgotten how much I love this book and have decided to read it once again, but perhaps with Greg's voice in my head instead of my own because he is absolutly amazing. *sigh*

  3. YUM! If I recall correctly, it was during the filming of S&S that Emma Thompson and Greg Wise began dating, and I believe they're still together! (It does fuel my occasional musings about an alternate history where Willoughby and Eleanor end up together…)

  4. *girlish giggle* Isn't that a great site? I've been fantasizing all day about who I'd want to read Charlotte Collins to me…while I'm in a bubble bath.

  5. It's true, it is difficult to allow yourself to acknowledge success. I think even when (positive thinking!) Charlotte Collins gets picked up by a publisher, you may not see yourself as "successful" until you are on a bestsellers list, for example, or nominated for an award.

    Either way, I think you should be very proud of yourself!

  6. Oops, posted the comment on the wrong post. Sure you can work out where it was meant to be!

  7. Hi Jennifer,
    Nice to meet you on TSA! I am a fan of Jane Austin's books. I have the movie Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightley and it's a favorite of mine. Congratulations on writing your first novel!! Wish the best for you with it. 🙂

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