A Tale of Two Cities (version 3)


Read by Bob Neufeld

(4.7 stars; 910 reviews)

A Tale of Two Cities is a novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. With well over 200 million copies sold, it ranks among the most famous works in the history of fictional literature. The novel depicts the plight of the French peasantry demoralized by the French aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same time period. It follows the lives of several protagonists through these events. The 45-chapter novel was published in 31 weekly instalments in Dickens' new literary periodical titled All the Year Round. From April 1859 to November 1859, Dickens also republished the chapters as eight monthly sections in green covers. Dickens' previous novels had appeared only as monthly instalments. The first weekly instalment of A Tale of Two Cities ran in the first issue of All the Year Round on 30 April 1859. The last ran thirty weeks later, on 26 November. (Summary by Wikipedia) (15 hr 5 min)

Reviews

Very well read. Thank you.


(5 stars)

Exhausting work. Totally drained, moved, and edified. Thanks to "Revolutions" podcast for prompting me to come experience this intensely significant, masterfully crafted tale illuminating the historic essence of the French Revolution. Headed back to the podcast to continue with the history of the era and the event.

Bravo from Borneo


(5 stars)

Bravo! Bravo! A truly momentous book, gripping and moving to the end. Chapeau to Bob Neufeld for his sublime reading and by consequence making this book such a fabulous and stirring experience. Dickens' brilliance lies in the way he spends time in developing a plethora of characters in tremendous detail, replete with their own individual stories and often pedestrian and mundane circumstances. This is accomplished quite separate from the main thrust of the plot line. Then, like chess pieces, he moves them into place, each to play their part in the story. This book best optimises this approach and it is a joy to see how each character eventually reveals their role in in the plot. It's breathtaking, moving and an edifying experience to behold.

Wow, a truly inspiring book


(5 stars)

Thank you Bob Neufeld for reading this book. Mr. Neufeld put life and personality into each character which I appreciate. Such a classic book that I did not appreciate as a young person but admire today. What makes this even more impressive is that the brutal French Revolution DID happen and may have had people just like those in the book involved. It made me think again of how people can lose their humanity in wars or trauma. Charles Dickens had a clear understanding of how good and evil can rule the human spirit. A great book.

A Tale of Two Cities


(5 stars)

The Marvel of Charles Dickens writing, clearly shows itself in this book. How He connects small details in different chapters. It is such an insightful book on the French revolution and how the seeds of oppression will rise up in equal and perhaps worse force. The reader was great He gave the book the soberness it deserves to be listened with.

Thrilling


(5 stars)

Thoroughly enjoyable. Read flawlessly by Bob Neuberger. (I listen to anything he narrates). I wasn't a Dickens fan at the start, I appreciate his intricate, layered style and episodic cliffhangers now.


(5 stars)

The man who reads this book is outstanding in his oratory skills. Sidney Carton, the Man least among the characters, but the greatest of heroes. The ending moved me emotionally.

Great Book, Perfect Reading


(5 stars)

The book itself, I think, requires no commentary. It is an essential classic. Bob Neufeld delivers a perfect rendition.

Amazing!


(5 stars)

A wonderful reading of this masterpiece that stirs the heart and mind to all that is good. It has been 25 years since I first read and I plan to not let it be so long next time. Thank you, reader! The only improvement could have been if the sections within chapters were each listed separately. I adjusted the speed to a slightly slower pace--Dickens's writing and imagery is so rich it requires more time and thought for me to absorb.