A Tale of Two Cities [Naxos]

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Anton Lesser

Length: 14 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

"It was the best of times and the worst of times." In one of the most famous openings of any novel, Dickens masterfully presents the turmoil of the French Revolution, which is the backdrop for a novel of love, patience, hope, and self-sacrifice. This version is read by Anton Lesser, whose award-winning Dickens recordings in their abridged form has now resulted in the opportunity to read the full unabridged text. His singular characterizations led to him being chosen by Peter Ackroyd to play Dickens himself in the major TV account of the writer.

Public Domain (P)2005 Naxos Audiobooks Ltd.

Anton Lesser Rules

Anton's reading is brilliant, bringing to life Dickens' characters in this gripping tale. Never a slow moment.

Exquisite

When Anton Lesser and DIckens come together it is a gift. Even if you know this story, even if you have read it, you will rediscover it through the brilliance of this superlative actor who breathes life into each character with such passion and specificity that you are sure he must be channeling the spirit of each one. He illuminates Dickens. Toward the end my heart was pounding even though I knew the outcome. How is this possible? Because of Anton Lesser.

Classic!

A book that should be in every personal library. Dickens' work should be read and enjoyed by all.

Magnificent.

One of my favorite works of literature wonderfully brought to life by mr. Lesser. Thank you

Brought to Life

Anton Lesser brought this story to life!! I've never heard such a fantastic story teller! it's going to be hard to listen to others after this one!

Absolutely Remarkable!

The performance makes an already wonderful story even more remarkable. The reader switches between male and female voices with such ease that the listener forgets that only one person is reading. It is a long, 19th century novel, but it was easily digested in this format. I was extremely impressed and hated when it ended. If Academy Awards were presented for book reading, Anton Lesser would be a shoe-in to win.

A rich story, with an excellent narrator

It has been over 10 years since I first read A Tale of Two Cities, and I forgot everything but the first few chapters and the very end. I've never listened to a Dickens audio book, but it's a good fit for me - helps me persevere when the chapters feel long and numerous. This narrator was EXCELLENT. He brought so much feeling to the characters and the narrative, the voices were excellent (like Mr. Cruncher's peculiar dialog), just a well-done production. But if your emotions are like mine, don't listen to the last few chapters when you're driving. I kept crying as the story drew to a close!

Simply Amazing

I had always heard of this story, but Lessor's performance takes it beyond anything I could have imagined. The plot is gripping, and rendering of the characters is on-point. I have listened to this book 3 times; the portrayal always yields something new.

Wonderful!

I couldn't agree with the previous reviewer more. Anton Lesser channels Dickens in his reading of this story. The different characters come to life under his skillful narration. When Jerry Cruncher was defending his "other job" to Mr. Lorry I was open-mouthed in admiration.

This book was required reading for me in high school and I resented it until I found, to my amazement, that I really liked it. That was too many years ago to count. I've re-read it since and now I've listened to this wonderful version. This is a book for the ages. It's a far, far better thing.

Fantastic!

This is easily my favorite novel in the world. Anton Lesser reads it with great skill and feeling. I will be looking for more books read by him.