A Tale of Two Cities
The Audible Dickens Collection
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A Tale of Two Cities
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Narrated by:
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Simon Callow
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Written by:
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Charles Dickens
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Simon Callow - introduction
About this listen
This Audible Exclusive production revisits one of Dickens' popular novels: A Tale of Two Cities. In Dickens' driving narrative we see many themes that permeate life today as well as characters who provide a window into the past. This, coupled with Simon Callow's expert narration, is a treat for those new to Dickens and lifelong fans alike. Featuring an exclusive introduction written by Callow, whose passion for Dickens shines through.
This release marks the start of the Dickens Collection, an exclusive series of unmissable performances available throughout 2018.
About the book
'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.'
So begins Charles Dickens' most famous historical drama: a gripping tale of war, social injustice and the choice between darkness and light. After being unjustly imprisoned for 18 years, French doctor Manette is released from the Bastille jail in Paris and embarks upon a journey to London in the hope of finding the daughter he never met. Young Lucie Manette is a pretty and dutiful girl who soon attracts the attention of two very different gentlemen. Now reunited with the father she believed to be dead, happiness appears to be within reach. But as they are all drawn back to the bloodstained streets of Paris, misery and the threat of La Guillotine loom once again.
In Callow's introduction, we discover how Dickens' own volatile personal circumstances of the time are mirrored in A Tale of Two Cities. He tells of Dickens' personal feuds and explains why this novel sees Dickens at his most theatrical.
About the author
With his father incarcerated, Charles Dickens had to abandon his studies at a young age and set to work in a factory so as to support himself. Despite his short-lived education, Dickens went on to write 15 novels, various articles, novellas and short stories. He lectured and led campaigns for children's rights and education and arguably became the ultimate self-made man. Dickens had strong values, and they pervade A Tale of Two Cities, which can be seen as not only an inspirational text but one which will continue to stand the test of time.
About the narrator
Simon Callow is a multi-award-winning actor, writer and theatre director. He is best known for his performances in Amadeus, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Simon has vast stage experience and clearly loves what he does. His fervour began at a young age working as box office staff, and it wasn't long before he made the transition from behind the scenes to centre stage - never looking back.
Callow is also known for his literary talents and has published various biographies including those of Oscar Wilde, Charles Laughton and Orson Welles. He has narrated over 20 audiobooks and brings his wealth of experience and characteristic charm to this exciting performance.
Public Domain (P)2017 Audible, LtdWhat listeners say about A Tale of Two Cities
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 01-06-23
Mind blowing!
A tale of terrible times told so beautifully- the climax one can guess yet it has you surprised. Heartily recommend to all. It’s a story for all times. We grapple with the same issues over and over again.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 24-09-19
Absolutely brilliant!
Thoroughly enjoyed it. There are times when I feel as if I was walking on the bloodied streets of Paris! People often talk about the opening lines of this book and granted they're now almost unbeatable. But for me, it's those last 2 lines by Carton ....
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 10-09-23
Republic of Liberty, equality, fratenrity, death!
The narration is very good. Just avoid the first introduction chapter since it contains some unnecessary spoilers.
It is bit natural to presume that a classic, acclaimed book written in 19th century might be outdated, slow and not-so-enjoyable. But this book can put those suspicions to rest. It has a solid plot with many surprise twists at recurring intervals. It has a vast array of characters that are either likeable or admirable. All the loose ends of the story are neatly tied in the emotional conclusion.
Considering the novel was written in 1859, at times, it is a bit difficult to follow Victorian English. But it is not too much of a hassle to google few terms.
I liked the comic character called Jerry Cruncher who is shown to have whimsical notions like his wife is praying against him to the God. The British courtroom scenes are depicted with great sense of humour through his lens.
As part of setting the context, the book chronicles the cruel, insensitive reign of french nobility, through the character of an unnamed aristocrat 'Monseigneur'. There is vivid description of the ruthlessness and immoral behaviour. He is someone who is not perturbed even by the death of a child due to rash driving of his carriage.
As you can't help but feel enraged with the impoverished conditions of starved citizens and total indifference of the ruling class; the eventual explosion of anger feels inevitable. After the 1789 revolution, the same characters are shown to indulge in mob justice and guillotine gaining the centrality in the affairs of redcaps.
Just one exchange from the book is illustrative.
A little wood-sawyer, having closed his shop, was smoking his pipe at his shop-door.
“Good night, citizen,” said (a character), pausing in going by; for, the man eyed him inquisitively.
“Good night, citizen.”
“How goes the Republic?”
“You mean the Guillotine. Not ill. Sixty-three to-day. We shall mount to a hundred soon."
One would have read the history of french revolution in school. But Dickens is able to put a face on each of the main stakeholders and thus we can appreciate the volatile and dangerous situations french citizens faced during those decades.
Some unforgettable lines from this book.
“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
"Then tell Wind and Fire where to stop,” returned madame (Defarge); “but don’t tell me.”
If you ever plan to read a lengthy classic english book, it is worthy to invest your time in this book.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- A K.
- 11-02-21
the narration is rather difficult to understand
i could not understand most of what jerry cruncher spoke. the accent, though I'm not sure of its authenticity, was very garbled and hard to understand.
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