A Tale of Two Cities

The Audible Dickens Collection

By: Charles Dickens, Simon Callow - introduction

Narrated by: Simon Callow

Length: 15 hrs

Publisher's summary

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, Ltd

Fantastic Narrator

Such a high quality production! This gentleman really feels out emotional timing and carries this book in a superb way. I cried during the ending: he was that great at communicating Dickens’ tone. A must listen!

mostly liked

I did like the dramatization of the reader, However, the transitions between loud and soft made it difficult to listen to with other noises.

Terrific!

I have not bother to think about this book since junior high schoolI have not bother to think about this book since junior high school. Such a great story of man and Justice.

Loved this book!

Well read and the voices were lively! My first time reading this book and loved it

Excellent narrator

If you’ve never read this before I recommend skipping the introduction to avoid spoilers, but the extra information on the overly dramatic nature of this, my favorite Dickens novel, was enlightening. Simon Callow reads with great expression and I thoroughly enjoyed this audio version.

It’s a classic for a reason.

How can a book that I know exactly how it’s going to end grab my emotions as if I’ve never heard the story before? Beautiful story. Beautiful performance.

A review of one book

Did I enjoy a tale of two cities?

Somewhat.

First I will speak on the story, the book as it was written by dickens. I read my physical copy of ATOTC first and foremost, but listened to the audiobook from time to time when driving, etc., so I feel most confident in my opinions regarding this. To be blunt, the narrative was not very gripping; yes I rooted for Charles and all, but never was I on the edge of my seat. In characters, however, is where dickens shines. You will know why Charles does what he does, I promise. He creates extremely believable humans that do not act out of character or do things rashly. Every action and reaction has a thought process and a life story influencing it. ATOTC contains the most adeptly crafted character motivation I have ever seen. However, this comes at a price: nothing will ever be done quickly. Dear god, if dickens does not spend a chapter to impress upon readers exactly why Mr. Lorry took out the trash. This makes the book a slow burner, as everything must be explained in such a prolonged, but immersive way. Prose is something dickens had in excess: nearly every sentence drips with metaphors or symbols or allegories or allusions. Also, it is not uncommon to find, usually at either bookends of a chapter, a truly profound quote. Dickens nonchalantly describes all of humanity, in all it’s obscene variety, in a paragraph. The story was too slow, not grueling, but I was quite ready to turn my last page. Overall, if you like prose and characters explaining themselves into the ground, this is a must read. If you like good plots- skip it.

The audiobook:
Narrator was amazing 90% of the time, truly giving dickens’s profoundness a voice. But at times he was literally impossible to understand. Especially mr. cruncher: nothing he said was discernible.

Over overall: read it, use the audiobook to strengthen the read

Simon Callow is fabulous!

Simon Callow is an incredible performer. He makes this story and the language of Dickens come alive.

Wow

Sometimes a classic is a classic for a good reason. Dickens is so well known that it’s possible to forget what an unsurpassed story teller he truly was.

Excellent performance.

The story is well known and Simon Callow’s reading and interpretation are superb. Highly recommended.