When you feel a scholarly urge to pick up a classic this season, you may automatically find yourself reaching for a beautiful and sophisticated-looking edition. But might I persuade you to consider downloading the audiobook instead?
Audiobooks are perhaps my favorite way to experience a classic novel, and with good reason. When it comes to making sense of of older—sometimes antiquated—language, many readers find their comprehension soars in this format. Instead of searching for subtext or translating older phrasing we would never use today, readers can rely on talented narrators to bring humor, tone, and meaning to life.
Reading via earbuds also frees your hands for autumnal pursuits like planting mums (or honestly, raking All the Leaves), baking pumpkin bread, or hiking while leaf peeping. Or, you know, doing regular audiobook things like folding laundry and washing dishes.
A fantastic narrator is a MUST for reading classics on audio. Thanks to many of your recommendations over the years, I keep a handful of favorites in my queue, ready for my next adventure in classic literature.
With fall reading and terrific narrators in mind, we’ve curated a list of classics that hold extra appeal when read aloud.
Today’s list features classics from nearly every genre: fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and—because I cannot help myself—TWO deliciously autumnal Austen novels.
Readers, I hope you find your next listen in this collection. Be sure to let us know if your listening experience sparked a renewed love of classic literature or enhanced a novel you’ve read over and over. We’d love to hear!
Cozy up with these classic audiobooks this Autumn
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Jane Eyre
Take one brooding Byronic hero, a mouseish-yet-strong heroine, and a creepy mansion with strange noises in the attic and you’ve cooked up a literary recipe worthy of foggy autumn mornings and cold nights by the fire. One of literature’s finest heroines, Jane is an orphan who becomes the governess for wealthy bachelor Mr. Rochester, learns to speak up for herself, and makes bold choices to secure her future. Her groundbreaking story is a gothic romance, mystery, and psychological thriller all rolled into one; its themes were astonishingly modern for 1847 (which may be why my teenage daughter read it for class and LOVED it). Those who have read it will spot its influence everywhere. I recommend Thandie Newton’s excellent narration for an absorbing and atmospheric experience. More info →
Northanger Abbey
Part coming-of-age classic, part parody, and part social critique, this 1818 novel remains one of Jane Austen’s lesser-read (and perpetually underrated) works. Inspired by popular gothic novels Austen read as a girl, this satirical story blends over-the-top drama and Austen’s sharp wit to great effect. The heroine, Catherine Morland, is a 17-year-old girl with an active imagination and a fondness for sensationalist literature. While visiting Bath with her friends, she falls in love with Henry Tilney, an upper class gentleman beyond her reach as a romantic match. Tilney rolls his eyes at Catherine's vivid imaginings as she allows herself to be swept up in gothic fantasies of her own making. Whether you aspire to be an Austen completist or simply love any novel featuring a sprawling gothic estate, this slim and occasionally spooky novel is worth your listening hours. Juliet Stevenson is a fan favorite narrator for all of Austen’s works, of course, but I also like Emma Naomi’s youthful voice for this story. More info →
The Picture of Dorian Gray
When I think of Oscar Wilde, I think of his farcical plays and sassy quips, like, "I can resist everything except temptation." But he also penned darker fare, like this Victorian gothic exploration of vanity and morality. Obsessed with his own youth and beauty, Dorian Gray locks a portrait of himself away in an attic—but this isn't just any painting. As the years pass, the picture ages with wrinkles and lines, while Dorian's face remains youthful and unfazed. Emboldened by his eternal youth, he engages with virtually every vice available until his conscience catches up with him. With allusions to Shakespeare and highly discussable themes, this classic is perfect for reading with a literary lens. Listen to either Russell Tovey or Simon Prebble narrate Wilde’s novel and get ready to feel like you’re back in your high school English class (and we mean that in the best way!). More info →
Beloved
I love an eerie gothic read for the fall, and Morrison delivers one of the most unsettling, haunting, and macabre stories in the American canon. The story begins in a haunted Ohio home where we meet Sethe, a woman who escaped slavery and fled north. Followed around every corner by the ghost of her baby, Sethe’s attempts to begin a new life are thwarted at every turn—most of all when a young woman shows up at her door bearing the same name as the ghost baby's headstone: Beloved. Take a look at content warnings before you decide how to read this one; some readers may prefer encountering tough scenes on paper. Since Toni Morrison narrates her own iconic work, I enjoyed simultaneously listening to the audiobook and reading the physical copy, simply to catch the brilliance of the author’s craft. More info →
Frankenstein
An ambitious scientist gathers body parts from the morgue, a monster roams the countryside on a dark and stormy night, and frightened villagers run in terror. Of course Mary Shelley’s classic tops fall reading lists, but do you really know Frankenstein’s monster? This book completely surprises many modern readers who think they know the story—and find it to be nothing at all like they expected. Many critics consider Shelley's eerie tale of a dangerously ambitious young doctor and the monster he creates to be the very first science fiction novel, and influential for the horror genre as well. Fewer people know it all started as a ghost story, when Shelley and her husband stayed with Lord Byron and everyone came up with spooky stories to entertain one another. Awakened by a nightmare, Mary later wrote down her creepy story, and it remains a classic to this day. The language in this one gets tricky; this is where the audiobook comes in to help. Downton Abbey fans will delight in Dan Stevens’s narration. More info →
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
Fall reading isn’t just for spooky stories; those of us who love that back to school feeling often read to learn this season. That learning needn’t be scholarly or dry: this classic nonfiction book is riveting. In fact, MMD team member Chelsey cites this as THE book that got her into reading nonfiction and calls it “utterly unputdownable.” Malcolm X lived out the phrase “know better, do better” with intense passion and conviction. He learned from his mistakes publicly and openly, sharing them with Alex Haley in real time for this remarkable collaborative memoir. Beginning with his early days as a troubled youth and following his journey from charismatic criminal to dynamic public figure, Malcolm X fills his story with rich historical detail and intimate personal reflection. For a fabulous audiobook experience, download the version narrated by Laurence Fishburne. More info →
Persuasion
The most serious and romantic of Austen’s works is meant to be read in the fall. Anne Elliot, our quiet and devoted heroine, grieves “to forego all the influence so sweet and so sad of the autumnal months in the country” when her family leaves their estate to escape financial ruin. Running into her former fiance, Captain Wentworth (swoon!) provides plenty of sorrow and pining to fill the fall months. With its themes of love, regret, and fidelity, this is my favorite Austen novel—at least some of the time. Juliet Stevenson is one of my favorite narrators for Austen's works, but two new audio editions are worth noting: Cynthia Erivo narrates a serialized version available on Spotify, and Florence Pugh stars in a dramatized version available on Audible. More info →
The Hobbit
Years ago I had to be talked into reading this one, as fantasy is not my go-to genre. I'm so glad I didn't miss it; perhaps fall is the perfect time for YOU to pick it up? Hobbits are cozy creatures: they love their burrows and their well-cooked meals and their close-knit community. They’d definitely approve of our favorite fall foods like roasted squash and pumpkin bread. In Tolkien’s world, these homebodies are compelled to embark on life-changing quests and fight earth-saving battles. In this prequel to Lord of the Rings, Bilbo Baggins sets off to steal treasure from the dragon Smaug; humorous and dangerous adventures ensue. Andy Serkis (voice of Gollum in the LOTR movies) narrates the audiobook, bringing every hobbit, wizard, and monster to life. More info →
Rebecca
This 1930s classic strikes the perfect balance for spooky fall reading: surprisingly current, and full of spine-tingling tension, Rebecca reads like a contemporary domestic thriller. Du Maurier's approach is unusual: the woman of the title is dead before the action begins; the young second wife, our narrator, is never given a name. She doesn't understand what's going on for a long time, and neither does the reader. By the time you find out what really happened, you may find yourself one of the many readers who feel almost complicit in the crime. This page-turner makes for a great book club pick with discussion fodder galore: marriage, Manderley, and (she says with a shudder) Mrs. Danvers. Listen to the audiobook performed by Anna Massey, but be prepared to jump if someone silently enters the room behind you! More info →
Emily of New Moon
Despite Anne Shirley’s gratitude for living in a world with Octobers, Green Gables feels like a spring destination to me. Thankfully Montgomery supplies us with perfect autumnal reading in her Emily Starr trilogy. These were the first books that I finished under the covers with a flashlight at 2:00 a.m. because I had to know where Emily’s hopes, dreams, and disappointments would lead her. Montgomery wrote this series a bit later in life, and while still sweet and whimsical, they are decidedly less so than the Anne novels. The darker tone makes this coming-of-age novel perfect for fall reading, and the theme of a young girl finding her identity and learning about the world is vividly present in all of Montgomery's works. Fans of the 1980s Anne movies will be ecstatic to learn Megan Follows narrates the Emily books. More info →
Which classic stories came to life for you because of a skilled narrator? Tell us all about your favorite classic listening experiences in the comments section!
P.S. Try these 6 tips to help you tackle a classic novel and 25 classics that are not remotely boring. For cozy classic reading, try one of these novels after you run out of Jane Austen novels, and revisit your school-day English classes in the comments for assigned reading we actually enjoyed.
36 comments
Please tell me where that blanket is from in the cozy pic!
That is my new screensaver 🙂
That IS a nice blanket. I’d love to know where to get it also!
I wish I knew!
Frankenstein and Dracula are my two classics that came to life on audio! I definitely recommend them both for October choices!
Agreed: Dracula is sooooo good on audio, and a perfect October listen/read!
is there a particular narrator you like for this? Greg Wise is who I see on audible.
My husband and I loved revisiting The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by listening to the audiobook recording by Elijah Wood while we were on a driving vacation. Elijah Wood was an excellent reader.
Oh wow! I love Huckleberry Finn and I love Elijah Wood. Thanks for the heads up! (If you get the chance, check out young Elijah in the film Paradise with Don Johnson and Melody Griffith. He was maybe 8 years old and gave such an impressive performance. It’s a good film.)
I also listened to Frankenstein on audio this year. I am now listening to Maggie Gyllenhaal read Anna Karenina (Audible).
Enjoying!
I absolutely adore the audiobook for A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I wish the audiobook narrator, Kate Burton, performed more classics, but it looks like she mostly narrates thrillers.
YES. This was such a great read on audio.
Well, it just so happens that I am listening to Tess of the d’Urbervilles right now! I found a CD set at a yard sale. I had read it already, I am a fan of Thomas Hardy, and I had no real trouble reading the dialect, but how sweet it is to have it read with the correct accent by Eleanor Bron! I am loving it! I love the voice she gives to Tess.
I’m SO glad that you included Rebecca on this list!! It’s been one of my favorites since my mother gave it to me when I was 16.
I think my next read, or re-read, will be Mary Roberts Rhinehart’s The Yellow Room
I have never listened to an audio book. Not sure it is for me as my brain tends to walk down the street easily.
If I were to try an audio book what do I need to get started? I am not overly tech savvy & while I’m interested in trying where/ how do I start? Thanks.
Hi, try you library. My one has audio books onboth cloud and hoopla. They’re easy to access. I am currently listening to the very long count of monte cristorante. It’s very good!
I whole heartedly agree with Rita! My Llbrary has hoopla, as well as Libby, and I have used both apps to listen to audiobooks. Your local library should be able to tell you what they offer and how to download what you need on your phone, as well as some sort of tech assistance, or who you could contact to get help using the app(s). Good luck! I listen for an hour every day when I take my walk! 😁👍
Yes, definitely ask at your library! The library where I work offers audiobooks on Overdrive (Libby app) and Hoopla, and there is generally a friendly, helpful librarian who would love to help you get set up. The good news is that a smart phone and a library card is generally all you need.
And if you are old fashioned like my mother, and still have a CD player, you can borrow audiobooks on CD from the library and try those. My mother listens to them in bed, and I listen in the car.
I took me a few tries before I was hooked . At first my mind wandered a lot …but it’s easy to go back and find your spot .
So great while doing mindless chores or work . I was a house cleaner and painter and listened to hundreds while I worked . Now that I’m retired I listen while I walk or on a long drive and they are my go to when I wake in the night with insomnia .
I use my phone to listen . At the libraries they also have play aways. They are a tiny light container with recorded book inside . You can hang ether around your neck or put in your pocket . All you need for them is a set of earphones and two aaa batteries .
Thanks for the recommendations. I placed a hold for the audiobook version of Rebecca, which I have never read. Looking forward to the experience!
You may have persuaded me, Anne. Audiobooks have always been a challenge for me, but perhaps a classic would work. I’m willing to give it a try and this is a great selection to choose from! 🤗
I LOVED A Tale of Two Cities narrated by Frank Muller.
After several attempts in print, I just finished Pride and Prejudice on audio, and I am looking forward to diving in to more classics in this format. This list was perfectly timed.
I love The Hobbit so much! I have read it three times in print, I should give it a go in audio just to see what I think.
The Haunting of Hill House is the 1959 gothic horror novel by Shirley Jackson and was considered one of the best literary ghost stories published during the 20th century. I love to read it around Halloween. The original movie is one of my favorites. I have fond memories of my brother and I watching it together as children.
I just finished We Have Always Lived in the Castle and it was great! So bizarre and creepy, but really interesting when you read the backstory.
I just finished David Copperfield narrated by Richard Armitage. His voice is dreamy and easy to listen to anyway but he did an amazing job and made the book so fun to listen to!
Im excited to check out these other suggestions.
I love that version- especially the way he says “Lavinia!”
Thanks to all. I will check in with my wonderful local library.
I find I really enjoy audiobooks narrated by a full cast. Any classic recommendations read with a full cast?
I thought I’d breeze through the post and just take a quick look at the recommendations, but I ended up finding a bunch of gems in here! I’ve been meaning to read/listen to Dorian Gray but there are so many audio versions out there. It’s great to have a recommendation from MMD! And one of my favorite spooky classics, Frankenstein, read by Dan Stevens?? Yes, please, and thank you! Megan Follows reading Emily?? Be still my beating heart… might be doing a reread(listen) of those in November. And a recommendation… if you’re looking for an alternate narrator of The Hobbit, try the Rob Inglis version. My kids and I listened to it a few years ago and it was fantastic. Thanks for the recommendations!
Listening to Simon Vance narrate Anthony Trollope’s Barchester Towers and it is such a treat.
Classics usually intimidate me, but I am a completely converted audiobook listener (it’s my main/preferred form of reading these days), so I’m not sure why this hadn’t occurred to me!
My husband and I have a road trip this weekend, so going to see if I can get him on board with The Hobbit 🙂
So thrilled to see that there is an Anna Massey rendition of Rebecca! She is one of my favorite actresses. Fun fact, she starred in a (I think) 1970’s version of Rebecca, with her (at the time) ex husband Jeremy Brett. Thanks for the tip! Michelle t
I have also used audiobooks in a different way with classic novels. When there is something I really want to read but can’t get into, such as Dickens or Shakespeare, reading the paper book and audiobook together seems to ground my concentration and improve my retention. Something about seeing it and hearing it at the same time.
Librivox also has a large selection of audio books for free. Notably, they can only include books in the public domain in the U.S.A. published prior to 1923. But you can find some real gems on here, and the volunteer readers are great! https://librivox.org/
I always wanted to read classics but always got so bogged down with the older English language until I discovered audiobooks! They have been a game changer!!! My first was Jane Eyre and I was forever hooked! I was so excited to finally get to read Pride & Prejudice and other of Austen’s with the beautiful British accent with which they were written & intended to be read. My favorite part about which is when I listen to an accent-read book of any kind (British, Persian, German, etc,), I end up thinking in that accent and even find that my own accent changes slightly!