Kathleen

I'm so glad I chose this version of "A Christmas Carol" to listen to over the holidays. Simon Vance does an impressive job of making each of the characters distinct and easy to recognize, without overly dramatizing the reading. Even though I've previously read the story, and we've all seen countless film versions, I found this unabridged reading to be quite satisfying and entertaining to listen to! I know it’s one I’ll listen to over and over again…at any time of year.

Little Dorrit may not be the first title to come to mind for many lovers of Charles Dickens’ work. Nevertheless, this book is a superior offering with a little of everything – romance, mystery, drama and adventure, all highlighting social plight, poverty, wealth, the frustration of endless bureaucracy, and the ability to filter out what is really important in our lives. All these themes resonate as deeply today as they did at the time Dickens wrote them. And although some may find this story a little more slowly developed than, say, Oliver Twist or Great Expectations, it is well-worth the listen.

I am especially enthusiastically about this title due to Anton Lesser’s SUPERB reading of it. Mr. Lesser is a masterful narrator whose voice expertly captures all the male voices, including the wily quick-spoken Mr. Pancks, the irascible Flintwinch, the jovial and kind-hearted Mr. Meagles, and the earnest sincerity of Arthur Clennam. His female voices range from the shy and quietly gentle Little Dorrit, through the childlike outbursts of Maggie, to a tremendously amusing and breathless Flora! He gives just the right dramatic and comedic pauses, bringing the text marvelously alive to your imagination. Never have I heard a narrator capture ALL the voices, male and female, so richly and accurately and with such great acting skill. I cannot praise him highly enough!!

This is a beautifully told story and one I will revisit. Please save one of your monthly credits back for this very worthwhile classic, brilliantly read by one of the finest audio talents of our time!