A Tale of Two Cities Audiobook, by Charles Dickens Play Audiobook Sample

A Tale of Two Cities Audiobook

A Tale of Two Cities Audiobook, by Charles Dickens Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Martin Jarvis Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 9.50 hours at 1.5x Speed 7.13 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: January 2009 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781572707641

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

45

Longest Chapter Length:

38:19 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

06:39 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

19:05 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

189

Other Audiobooks Written by Charles Dickens: > View All...

Publisher Description

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” It was the French Revolution. Unjustly imprisoned for years in the Bastille, Dr. Manette is reunited with his daughter, Lucie, and safely transported from France to England where they hope to return to their quiet lives. However, they are summoned to the Old Bailey in the trial of Charles Darnay, a young Frenchman falsely accused of treason. Strangely enough, Darnay bears an uncanny resemblance to another man in the courtroom: Sydney Carton, a dissolute barrister. It is a coincidence that saves Darnay from certain doom more than once.

The storming of the Bastille, the death carts with their doomed human cargo, and Madame Defarge, who knits beside the guillotine, are portrayed with drama, romance, and heroics that culminate in a daring prison escape in the shadow of the guillotine.

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"This is an excellent example of Victorian literature at its best with compelling characters, detailed descriptions of settings, fascinating historical background, and a rip-roaring plot full of deception and ridiculous coincidence. Modern novels are too often like modern movies; they start with an imaginative premise, build suspense for the first half, and fade at the end. In /A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens starts with a hodgepodge of disparate plotlines, develops them along with his characters through the middle of the novel, and brings them together with a flourish at the end."

— Steve (5 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Beginning and ending with some of English literature’s most famous lines, Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities thrives on tension and conflict, all set against a bloody backdrop of the French Revolution…Through the senses, Dickens transports us deeper and deeper into another era with each turn of the page. Smell the acidity of red wine as it spills on the streets and ominously stains the faces, hands, and feet of peasants who lap it up in desperation; feel the competing emotions of heartache and hope as one of Lucie’s suitors stands trial; hear the cries of the raging mob and the clangs of their weapons as they storm the Bastille; see the glint of the guillotine as it falls swiftly to its victim below. The novel’s sense of urgency and intimacy will draw you in and propel you through one of the most tumultuous times in history.”

    — Oprah’s Book Club
  • “What can be said about a book which provides us with the single finest opening line in English literature, outside of Genesis 1:1 in the KJV? Dickens was, without any doubt whatsoever, the finest writer of historical literature / romance fiction of the nineteenth century.”

    — AllReaders.com

Awards

  • Oprah’s Book Club Selection, 2010

A Tale of Two Cities Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.13114754098361 out of 54.13114754098361 out of 54.13114754098361 out of 54.13114754098361 out of 54.13114754098361 out of 5 (4.13)
5 Stars: 33
4 Stars: 15
3 Stars: 6
2 Stars: 2
1 Stars: 5
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " An interesting story about the French Revolution. Written like your favorite soap opera, but a little confusing at times. "

    — Taylor, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Quintessential novel ... shady characters, murder, true love, sacrifice, and a surprise ending. Biblical themes throughout. "

    — Aaron, 2/18/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A classic piece of literature that is worth its reputation in this readers mind. I couldn't stand the afterword for the most part though, and thought that Koch was overreaching on some of the themes of the work. "

    — Justin, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Rather difficult to get in to but in possession of an exciting finish. "

    — Elspeth, 2/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This is one of those books that you know about but you haven't read...well,now I have. I have always liked Dickens, ever since I came across his works. There is definitely a challenge in his language, but it was definitely worth the effort. A very powerful novel displaying the cruelty as well as tremendous bravery and self-sacrifice that mankind is capable of. "

    — Jim, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Well, that wasn't half bad. "

    — Joshua, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of my favorite Dickens book. "

    — Kendra, 2/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Starts rather slow but then is full of twists and turns and beautiful, bittersweet moments. If you are looking for an exciting classic (does such a thing exist?) then this is definitely the one to pick up. "

    — Katy, 2/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Classic. Read this several times throughout my life. "

    — Sarah, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " So beautiful. It felt like I was reading poetry. Sydney Carton my heart aches for you. "

    — Niamh, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A truly beautiful piece of literature with some of the most memorable lines. Truly moving "

    — Theresa, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read it years ago when I was young for an English lit class. Would love to read it again. A wonderful story. "

    — Ellie, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked the book, but I felt like it was pretty confusing because Charles Dickens would go back and forth in time quite randomly (in my opinion). Other than that, the story was interesting. "

    — Danielle, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Assigned during my freshman lit course in high school, I fell in love with this book. Easily on my top list of favorite books, this should definitely be on everyone's bucket list. "

    — Samara, 12/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite Dickens- I re-read every few years "

    — Vicky, 12/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Way better than I expected. Having to read it for school took some enjoyment out of it but it was still incredible. "

    — Darby, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read this in high school and couldn't stop crying. "

    — Judie, 12/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of the best endings of any story ever. "

    — Kesha, 12/11/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " A truly beautiful piece of literature with some of the most memorable lines. Truly moving "

    — Theresa, 12/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " seriously one of my favourite books by one of my favourite authors. "

    — Annie, 11/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Rather slow in places, but it all ties up beautifully towards the end. "

    — c, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " An interesting book that most certainly kept my attention. But one word of advise: take it slow. Required reading for school forced me to read it quickly, and you don't quite get the entire aura of a serial writer. "

    — John, 11/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book is a great book to start your dickens journey as its not very long but totally gripping from start to finish. If you don't think you 'do' dickens then try this . A love story but not of the usual kind but the love between a father and daughter and friend with friend . "

    — Joanne, 11/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " When I started this book, I thought that it was going to be tough going. I was so wrong. The story in this book just carries you through. I wish this book had been in my life before but now it is here, it's stuck. Wonderful. "

    — Gemma, 11/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I was a little underwhelmed- but I still have the lingering feeling that this book is (or was) very important beyond face-value. "

    — Claire, 11/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I don't like the wordy-ness of Dickens, nor his flowery language so I did not enjoy this book; however, it's a very clear look into the French Revolution and a good critique of both sides in the conflict. "

    — Mercedes, 11/2/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Had to read it for school and I was not expecting to like it at all and I loved it. I honestly think this could be my favorite book ever. The way the plot just falls together at the end is amazing and unexpected. This book is truly a work of art. "

    — Patricia, 8/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The final two pages are arguably the greatest ending ever written. "

    — Brennan, 6/26/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " love it ....most amazing novel I have ever read it..Charles dicknes have reached to the max when he was writing it. how do he describe suffer and hope, poor and hopeless people. gentlemen how have paid prices and do sacrifices. chapters love most is the jackle and 2 promises "

    — Rana, 6/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I wanted to like this, because it's a classic. However, Dicken's wordiness had me longing for my next read. I keep seeing reviews that make me think I need to try Great Expectations. "

    — George, 6/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book was intriguing and drew me in, but also took a little while to get interested. "

    — Merilee, 4/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Some classics read well every time. "

    — Mark, 2/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Read this book long long ago. "

    — txtrvlgal, 9/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I had to read this book for a class, so that took out some of what could have been enjoyable. But by the end I loved it a lot! At first it can be dull and slow moving, but if you carry on and force yourself to keep reading it will be well worth it! "

    — Olivia, 8/15/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " When I started this book, I thought that it was going to be tough going. I was so wrong. The story in this book just carries you through. I wish this book had been in my life before but now it is here, it's stuck. Wonderful. "

    — Gemma, 7/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " The final two pages are arguably the greatest ending ever written. "

    — Brennan, 7/7/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Great story, but it's really Simon Prebble's narration that's garnering the fifth star from me. "

    — Georgiana, 7/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " yes its classic, and brilliant, but did he need to use so many words? seriously he probably could have gotten his point across just as well, and perhaps more eloquently if only he had an editor, but he seems to love the sound of his own voice. "

    — Paul, 6/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Dickens is dry and unoriginal. "

    — Kevin, 5/25/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Took awhile to get through this book but was well worth the effort. The characters were complex and well developed,the storyline held all the elements of a great historical novel, and of course it was superbly written. I did cheat and read Spark notes first so I had a basic overview. "

    — Suzan, 5/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Drudgery. Dickens does a good job of establishing a sense of place and time and exposing socioeconomic inequities, but there are way too many uninteresting characters with too little to do. I was hoping for something more focused and dramatic. "

    — Phil, 4/23/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Really a second read, but had forgotten how much work it is reading Dickens...still enjoyed it. "

    — Marjie, 12/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Epic in scope, but lacked a personal connection to draw me in. The last famous last words of Carton rang hollow for me. I wish I could believe in that sort of sentiment. "

    — Alexia, 10/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Charles Dickens never disappoints. This was a sort of reread from my school days, but I never really finished the book. A good story line, interesting characters. It seems that Dickens was not a fan of the french revolution, but it was a brutal fight, full of revenge. I liked the book very much. "

    — Pat, 10/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I hate Lucy Manet, but the other characters are really interesting, especially Sydney Carton. Love Dicken's hatred of the law & Mr. Manet "recalled to life." A somewhat cursory view of the French Revolution with some too-extended metaphors, but it is still one of Dickens' best. "

    — Amy, 9/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my old favourites ... "

    — Jo, 9/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read it because it's my son's favorite book. I had to work to stay with the book as the many characters unfold slowly. It was well worth the wait as the book comes together so completely in the end. "

    — Kjwill5165, 8/4/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This isn't the exact edition which I had read, but it was as close as I could find. At any rate, I loved the book a great deal. "

    — Eric, 8/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked this more then I thought I would but Christ almighty, Dickens, this could have been HALF as long and still just as effective. "

    — Caitlin, 7/2/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My all time favorite book!!! Ingenious! "

    — Merrilee, 6/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My all time favorite book!!! Ingenious! "

    — Merrilee, 6/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read through DailyLit emails, a great way to read or re-read the classics. "

    — Lillie, 6/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I read through DailyLit emails, a great way to read or re-read the classics. "

    — Lillie, 6/28/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I hate Dickens, and have always had a serious dislike for this book. Wrote a paper on it even. Boring. "

    — Brenda, 6/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I hate Dickens, and have always had a serious dislike for this book. Wrote a paper on it even. Boring. "

    — Brenda, 6/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What a book! What an ending! "

    — Shams, 6/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " What a book! What an ending! "

    — Shams, 6/25/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my faves, read many many times. "

    — Maria, 6/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " need a lot of vocab skill to understand this book.. for me of course. but after all, it's gorgeous! "

    — Dyah, 6/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " One of my faves, read many many times. "

    — Maria, 6/22/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " need a lot of vocab skill to understand this book.. for me of course. but after all, it's gorgeous! "

    — Dyah, 6/22/2011

About Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was born in Landport, Portsmouth, England, the second of eight children in a family continually plagued by debt. A legacy brought release from the nightmare of debtors’ prison and child labor and afforded him a few years of formal schooling. He worked as an attorney’s clerk and newspaper reporter until his early writings brought him the amazing success that was to be his for the remainder of his life. He was the most popular English novelist of the Victorian era, and he remains popular, responsible for some of English literature’s most iconic characters.

About Martin Jarvis

Martin Jarvis, OBE, has recorded more than 150 Just William stories for the BBC. These have become international audio bestsellers. He won the Theatre World Award for his starring role on Broadway in By Jeeves; his West End appearances include works by Ayckbourn, Frayn, Pinter, and Wilde. Screen successes include everything from Stargate Atlantis, Doctor Who, and Numb3rs to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the Oscar-winning Titanic.