Barnaby Rudge

The Audible Dickens Collection

De: Charles Dickens

Narrado por: Jason Watkins

Jason Watkins, the award-winning stage and screen actor best known for his roles in The Lost Honour and A Very English Scandal, masterfully performs this brand-new recording of Barnaby Rudge; first published in 1841, it was Dickens’ fifth title and his first historical novel.

Set against the backdrop of the Gordon Riots of 1780, Barnaby Rudge reflects back on a time of revolt against the British parliament, following the Catholic Relief Act of 1778.

Leading to the death of hundreds and the total destruction of Newgate Prison as well as various Catholic chapels, Dickens was deeply disturbed by this violent moment in British history. Paired with his continuing brushes with poverty and disaster, he decided to instil within the novel, both a sense out outrage at the politicians who recklessly endangered the lives of so many as well as a powerful and progressive moral code for future generations.

About the book

Barnaby Rudge follows the lives of three very different characters: the eponymous Barnaby, a kind albeit slow-witted young man; the romantic and overly idealistic Joe Willet; and the nobleman, son of a leading London politician, Edward Chester.

Their lives, as well as the lives of those they love and despise, are interconnected in this thrilling, mysterious and wholly romantic Dickensian adventure.

Opening with the threat of an unsolved double murder, the narrative quickly turns to blackmail, conspiracy, abduction and revenge. Set against the politically charged backdrop of the late 1700s, the three protagonists weave in and out of poignant historical events seamlessly, and the listener is taken on a dark, gothic and electrifying journey.

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 and various articles, novellas and short stories. These include Hard Times, Bleak House, Oliver Twist, Martin Chuzzlewit, Little Dorrit and A Tale of Two Cities. He lectured and led campaigns for children's rights and education and arguably became the ultimate self-made man.

About the narrator

Jason Watkins is a BAFTA award-winning and Olivier Award nominated stage, film and television actor. He is perhaps best known for playing the lead role in two-part drama The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, for which he won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor of 2015.

He recently appeared in A Very English Scandal, Line of Duty and Inside No 9. He played Simon Harwood in W1A, Herrick in Being Human, Gavin in Trollied and Gordon Shakespeare in the Nativity! film series. He plays Harold Wilson in the forthcoming Series 3 of The Crown.

Public Domain (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

little read Dickens

I had never read this book, never really even heard of it, but I loved it. the story follows all of Dicken's patterns of wonderful characters, loving characters, evil characters. The book is beautifully read

Masterpiece of character development.

I truly learned to love or despise each of C.D,’s characters, as I’m sure was the result he intended. But I found his “Miggs” totally unbearable, and wished her creator had tamped her way down or found means for her early demise. Why do these Gordon Rioters remind me so much of the January 6 insurrectionists ?

Superb reading of a lesser-known classic

The darker elements of humanity are contrasted with the brighter, as usual, in Dickens’ excellent writing. There is, of course, mystery and humor, and a true-to-life raven. The author’s forward introduces his familiarity with birds of that feather, and I feared for his life throughout my first reading. Jason Watkins is an incredible narrator!

Extraordinary performance

Jason Watkins is amazing and I’m hopeful he will do more book narrations in the future!

Great Performance

I am trying to go through all of Dickens novels and went into this as a blank slate. The story had me a bit puzzled at first, as all the threads hadn't come together yet. This isn't going to be my favorite Dickens, but it did really grow on me and make me curious about the history behind the story. What really stood out was the narration. I almost never leave actual reviews on Audible, but this performance was just outstanding.

Gritty, yet Sublime

Dickens’ historically based novels are, I believe, his best. As I get older, I find comfort in knowing that “the good old days” were not necessarily any better than now. Villains and heroes, along with victims, clueless onlookers and flawed humanity manages to inspire and horrify year in and year out since we took up residence on this planet and no one illustrates this better than Charles Dickens, particularly when his story is focused on a very real moment in history. Through the unchangeable innocence of Barnaby, manipulated, clouded, and mortally wounded by unscrupulous supposed friends and convoluted mobs’ maniacal actions, a gracious forgiveness and hopeful light is cast over everyone who suffered through that awful time. Precious few authors can paint with insightful accuracy the varying shades of humanity’s hearts, from Christlike light through all the vacillating shades of gray to suffocating dark. This is one of the most powerful, soul-trying, and ultimately redemptive novels I’ve ever read.

Excellent narration

Entertaining story and characters and the narrator did an excellent job. I highly recommend it.

Brilliant narrator

Excellent writing and brilliant narration. All the Dickens narrators are very good, but this was - along with Alex Jennings - the best.

Long, folksy classic

It was the best of Dickens (descriptive & detailed),
It was the worst of Dickens (rambling), yet I am very content with the effort. It was a great reminder of the height arrogance and the depth of our need.

Standing ovation for the narrator!

Tossing roses on the stage for Jason Watkins!
What a talent - more, more, more please!
Really good book replete with all we enjoy about Dickens, read by an exceptional narrator. Enjoyed enormously.