Dombey and Son

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

In this carefully crafted novel, Dickens reveals the complexity of London society in the enterprising 1840s as he takes the listener into the business firm and home of one of its most representative patriarchs, Paul Dombey. A sensitive family drama unfolds between this stern father, his two children, and aloof wife in which time and fateful events bring a slow, inexorable pressure to bear upon the hearts of all. In Paul Dombey we witness the force of social and personal arrogance ("For Dombey is as proud, Ma'am, as Lucifer") wrestling with his own stubborn, but not unredeemable, heart.(P)1996 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Frederick Davidson gives such a splendid dramatization of this family saga, set in London in the 1840's, that it's almost like watching theater." (AudioFile)

An under-appreciated classic

Dombey and Son deserves a spot near the top of Dickens' writings. Dickens addresses the themes of misogyny, love, humility, patience, pride, and forgiveness using a large cast of crisply drawn characters, both major and minor, and several intricately intertwined plot lines. In short, it's 19th century soap opera at its finest. While listening to the narrator, I can almost imagine myself sitting in an oil-lamp lit parlor listening to him read the book to a rapt audience. Ok, yes, Florence is a little too sweet and virtuous, Dombey too intransigent, Walter too noble, Karker too over-the-top nefarious, and the ending a little too neat in its tying-up of the loose ends of the various storylines, but these shortcomings are forgivable. Enjoy!

Quintessential Dickens

Excellent storyline with wonderfully written characters, along with an insightful look into English Victorian society. But I guess that applies to any of Dicken's books. Not my personal favorite, I think because one of the main characters is repellent. Still, I enjoyed it and recommend it.

Absolutely loved it!

This was so, so good . Absolutely loved the performance. Loved how Dickens wrapped up everything at the end. Dombey and Son has made its way right up to one of my favorite novels.

Perfect pair

Dickens and Davidson. I chose this version of Dickens because Davidson is the reader. I have enjoyed numerous narrations by Davidson. Great voice characterizations. Deft dramatization. And that's the reader. Couple Davidson with Dickens's timeless prose and you have a winner. Highly recommended.

Great Narrator and Great Story

This is a poignant story brought to life by a simply superb narrator. The characters are very moving and the narrator conveys a sense of empathy with them which easily transfers to the lucky listener. A very moving and powerful story. I loved the atmosphere and sense of time and setting in this book. Beautifully reading of this absorbing and deep story. Marvellous experience listening to this performance. Thank-you for the hours of pleasure given by this book.

an unexpected favorite

I hadn't heard of this book but I love Dickens and Frederick Davidson's narration. This was a great surprise - one of the best written books I've ever "read"...so many wonderful turns of phrase that I listened to it twice through in a row. The black-eyed Susan Nipper and the odious Major Babstock are unforgettable characters, portrayed in marvelous, loving detail. Frederick Davidson is always great but he outdid himself on this one with his distinct portrayals of both male and female, good and evil characters. A total pleasure!

Masterful narration of a masterpiece

I love Dickens, but it took this brilliant performance by Frederick Davidson to make me appreciate this lesser known work. This is the master craftsman writing at the height of his genius - what a delight!

Great marriage between the reader and book.

Frederick Davidson reading and Charles Dickens writing are a Perfect combination.
Fredrick Davidson's reading is natural and not self consciousness. He knows(knew) the period, the accents and the class system of Dicken's time period This recording is a classic.

dombey

Really good story. Very good narrator. Very good buy.

Going to ask for an exchange

I can't seem to make it through this first few chapters without numbing out. We all have differing preferences so I mean no offense, but I find Frederick Davidson very hard to listen to. His intonation, intended dialect, and mouth noises distract me from the story which I am sure is a good one (my goal is to listen to all of Dickens and I'm finding it delightful until now!).
In addition, he barely makes the female characters believable. I will credit him with creating a fine and consistant atmosphere of arrogance for Mr. Dombey...other than that I need a different narrator in order to find out how it all gets done.