Dombey and Son

The Audible Dickens Collection

By: John Mullan - introduction, Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Owen Teale, John Mullan - introduction

Audible presents an original dramatisation of Charles Dickens' Dombey and Son, first published as Dealings with the Firm of Dombey and Son: Wholesale, Retail and for Exportation.

A literary masterpiece in which Dickens' gift for vivid characterisation is at its best, this is the story of a powerful man whose inability to appreciate those around him leads to his lonely demise and, later, his possible redemption.

This edition features an exclusive introduction written and narrated by John Mullan, professor of English at University College London.

About the book:

Paul Dombey, owner of the shipping company Dombey and Son, dreams of having a male heir to take on the family business. With only one daughter to speak of, his resentment grows and is often manifested through the neglectful if not abusive treatment of his wife, Fanny, and child, Florence.

Following the long-awaited birth of a boy, Mr Dombey triumphantly throws himself into the care and education of his pride and joy, his son, Paul, indifferent to the death of his wife following an arduous labour.

As his daughter grows in strength, beauty and kindness, his son's sickly disposition makes him weaker and weaker by the day. Despite the bond and friendship forged between the siblings, Mr Dombey continues to despise and resent Florence, and after a period of intended rest by the seaside, the family is once more rocked by a tragic death.

A touching and unexpectedly uplifting story of change, forgiveness and familial love, Dombey and Son will keep you gripped, moved and wholly surprised until the end.

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. These include Hard Times, Bleak House, Oliver Twist, Barnaby Rudge, 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.

Public Domain (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

Thrilling!

The reader provides an amazing assortment of different voices for different characters. Dickens provides beautifully insightful and comical comparisons.

Wonderfully complex story

An engrossing story from start to finish. Super narration. The many characters are drawn in great detail. The 19th Century writing is highly approachable.

absolutely wonderful!

this novel, in my opinion, absolutely seals Charles Dickens Legacy as the greatest novelist of the 19th century, if not in history. the interplay of heart-wrenching moments and hilarious moments his really quite genius. the wonderful gallery of characters truly come to life especially given the amazing narration of Owen eale. how one narrator can perform the incredible quantity and quality of the voices of each character is so masterful has to be unbelievable. this is a world-class novel with a world-class performer. if I could give this story handle performance 10 Stars I would.

Love this!

Great reading of a fine classic! Very enjoyable great voices! Well done indeed! I highly recommend it!

How to best experience Dickens!

A lesser known novel but perhaps my most profound experience of the genius and pathos of my favorite writer!

The best book

AmazIng narration ( none better), engrossing story, the best book I’ve ever heard. I didn’t know Dickinson had such a treasure but I’m so glad I stumbled upon it .

Slow starter but...

Rather dull at first but as more and more characters appear it becomes true to the excellence of Dickens' other books. So don't stop listening and you will be rewarded with an interesting and entertaining tale.

Rollercoaster of real emotions and perceptions.

I have lived 70 years full of many emotions... love, loss, physical and mental pain, joy, hate, pride, envy, jealousy, gluttony, bankruptcy, PTSD, surgeries, boredom, frenzied activity... much too much at times... and not enough at other times.

Dickens' ability to show, tell, and emote ALL emotions is supernatural. The man exhibits and shares with us total humaness in both its blazing glory and its demonic evil.

There were times during this audio that I had to take a break from the cruel but reality based episodes portrayed, There were also times when the affirmations of human joy made me realize how fortunate it is to be alive at times.

I am in awe of this writer. Thank you, Audible, for such a splendid narration.

Fantastic Narrator!!

Loved this book and the character narration is amazing. It is quite long but the rich language and classic Dickens character idiosyncrasies are delightful

A Great Dickens Book.

It was marvelous, both the narrator and the story. Dickens at his finest. I couldn't recommend it enough.