Moll Flanders

In her fictional autobiography, Moll Flanders passes through just about every option open to a woman of the eighteenth century: seamstress, aspiring individual, fallen woman, wife, mother, incest victim, thief, deportee to the American Colonies. Her story is written with breathless directness by Defoe and is read in an equally straightforward fashion by Janet Suzman. The literary conventions of the period required characters to explain their emotions in detail, and Suzman enters into the spirit of these extended explanations, adding depth to Defoe's clunky prose with her vivid tone and pacing. However, these passages create the production's only weakness: Some circumlocutions are extremely dated, and other explanations sound forced when read aloud. G.T.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

Defoe's tale of a tawdry, wayward, and criminal little wench known in some circles as Moll Flanders rolls out of the lips of the talented Jan Francis as vividly and luridly as any tabloid confessional of the modern day. Francis unhesitatingly unfolds Moll's progressively more sinful lifestyle with assurance and contrition, spiking conscience with a pleasant undertone of illicit pleasure. Listeners will also enjoy a colorful vision of life in days past--a simpler time of stricter morals and a more stringent social code. While Moll unflinchingly exposes her sins, both large and small, we hear her conscience grow increasingly strong as she ages in this fine performance by Francis. D.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

This recording of Daniel Defoe's 1722 novel features a too skimpy abridgment of the tale of the irrepressible title character, born in London's Newgate Gaol. It is read by an accomplished British actress, and its cover features a not-so-stately photo of the buxom actress, costumed as Moll for an English television series. Kingston reads with expression but without ornamentation, choosing not to give unique voices to the different characters. It works well here, since Moll is really a one-woman show, and so much of the performance depends on how well the narrator handles her. Kingston's voice exudes a comfort with this wonderful fictional heroine. D.B. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine

This recording of Daniel Defoe's 1722 novel features a too skimpy abridgment of the tale of the irrepressible title character, born in London's Newgate Gaol. It's read by accomplished British actress, Jan Francis and is part of Hodder's Classic Collection, with a stately English painting gracing the cover. Francis reads with expression but without ornamentation, choosing not to give unique voices to the different characters. It works well here, since Moll is really a one-woman show, and so much of the performance depends on how well the narrator handles her. D.B. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Infamous Thief and Serial Bigamist Marries Own Brother! No, this isn't a tabloid headline, but one of Moll Flanders' many adventures. Moll is a delicious, challenging role, and Frances Barber takes it on with obvious relish. As a first-person narrative, the story adapts wonderfully to the audio format: Barber sometimes laughs throatily at her own escapades, adding to the intimacy and naturalness of the reading. Barber also produces other characters' accents faithfully and is especially good with her working-class landlady and her Scottish highwayman husband. This eighteenth-century romp is leavened, as always in Defoe, with serious moral reflections, and when it comes, Moll's repentance seems as heartfelt as her earlier joie de vivre. Although the abridgment is expert, the post-production on this recording could be cleaner. T.M. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

This tale provides an interesting and unique insight into life in London in the early 1700's. Moll Flanders recounts the numerous adventures, mishaps, marriages and affairs that dot her 70-odd years of life. Frances Barber reads this tale in a clear, crisp, British accent, which reflects Moll Flanders's education and class. As the story progresses, Barber's reading loosens up and conveys more emotion and vitality, adding to our enjoyment. M.B.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Moll Flanders was, according to the long title of this work, "twelve year a Whore, five time a Wife (whereof once to her own brother), twelve year a Thief, eight year a transported Felon in Virginia," etc. Virginia Leishman's rendering of this novel is virtually flawless; it's well modulated, with no mispronunciations, stumbles or pauses. Still, it must be said that she seems overly controlled, too flat, more suitable for Jane Austen's well-appointed sitting rooms than for Moll Flanders' rumpled sheets. Earthiness, sensuality, high drama in the storytelling are needed to breathe excitement into an exciting narrative. T.H. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Georgina Sutton brings her narrative talents to the dramatic morality tale of Moll Flanders. The audiobook of this classic novel follows the rakish life of a low-born young woman as she fights to raise herself to a higher position in English society. This involves multiple marriages, the abandonment of her own children, and regular bouts of theft and prostitution. Moll is at times both scandalous and downright disheartening, but Sutton's portrayal keeps the listener on her side throughout the entire wicked tale. Sutton's precise blend of emotion and bluntness fits the main character perfectly. The listener is carried along with Sutton's depiction as if hearing a Newgate prisoner tell her own licentious story. V.B. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine