Camilla, A Picture of Youth

Written by Frances Burney

Narrated by Lucy Scott

Among Jane Austen’s favourite novels, and a key work in the rise of Romanticism, Camilla follows the story of three young sisters, from childhood to young adulthood, and their pursuit of matrimony. Kind but naïve Camilla, the eponymous heroine, is in love with Edgar Mandlebert, a handsome and noble young man, but must suffer a series of frequent misunderstandings that threaten their happy union. Intelligent Eugenia, destined to inherit her uncle’s great wealth, is plagued with misfortune as she is left disfigured by smallpox and has men court her for financial gain only. Meanwhile beautiful but selfish Indiana never finds a fortune for her good looks. Their troublesome journey is accompanied by a cast of memorable characters, such as their rowdy, prankster brother Lionel, the dim-witted Mr Dubster and the scornful Miss Margland.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks
• Release date: Jul 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781781982495

Frances Burney

Frances Burney (1752-1840) was an English novelist, playwright, and satirist. Born in Lynn Regis, England, Burney was the third child of six and began writing at the age of ten. In 1778, Burney published Evelina, her first novel, anonymously. Despite her attempts to conceal her identity—which stemmed from a fear of social condemnation as an upper-class woman—her family and friends soon identified Burney as the author of Evelina, for which she would receive critical acclaim and popularity. Following the success of her debut, Burney would write three more novels—Cecilia (1782); Camilla; Or, A Picture of Youth (1796); and The Wanderer; Or, Female Difficulties (1814)—all of which satirize the lives and social conventions of English aristocrats. Although she wrote plays throughout her career, she was dissuaded from having them performed by her father; Edwy and Elgiva, her only play to be produced, closed after one night due to poor audience reception. Regardless of the hostility she faced as a woman and professional writer, her works were widely read and received praise from such figures as Samuel Johnson, Edmund Burke, Jane Austen, and William Makepeace Thackeray.

Reviews for Camilla, A Picture of Youth

[elizabethdx · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The continuity problems mentioned in previous reviews seem to have been fixed. The narration is wonderful, making it easy to appreciate and enjoy the 18th-century wit and charm. I don’t think I would have enjoyed the book nearly so much if I were reading it alone instead of listening to Lucy Scott’s audio version.

[Freya Jenkin · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The tracks are out of order. Really disappointing and confusing.

[Monica Yumping · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Not in correct order! And the chapters are cut in multiple tracks so it is not like I can easily find the right track to listen to next by just the start of the chapter