Barnaby Rudge

The Audible Dickens Collection

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Jason Watkins

Length: 31 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Jason Watkins, the award-winning stage and screen actor best known for his roles in The Lost Honour and A Very English Scandal, masterfully performs this brand-new recording of Barnaby Rudge; first published in 1841, it was Dickens’ fifth title and his first historical novel.

Set against the backdrop of the Gordon Riots of 1780, Barnaby Rudge reflects back on a time of revolt against the British parliament, following the Catholic Relief Act of 1778.

Leading to the death of hundreds and the total destruction of Newgate Prison as well as various Catholic chapels, Dickens was deeply disturbed by this violent moment in British history. Paired with his continuing brushes with poverty and disaster, he decided to instil within the novel, both a sense out outrage at the politicians who recklessly endangered the lives of so many as well as a powerful and progressive moral code for future generations.

About the book

Barnaby Rudge follows the lives of three very different characters: the eponymous Barnaby, a kind albeit slow-witted young man; the romantic and overly idealistic Joe Willet; and the nobleman, son of a leading London politician, Edward Chester.

Their lives, as well as the lives of those they love and despise, are interconnected in this thrilling, mysterious and wholly romantic Dickensian adventure.

Opening with the threat of an unsolved double murder, the narrative quickly turns to blackmail, conspiracy, abduction and revenge. Set against the politically charged backdrop of the late 1700s, the three protagonists weave in and out of poignant historical events seamlessly, and the listener is taken on a dark, gothic and electrifying journey.

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 and various articles, novellas and short stories. These include Hard Times, Bleak House, Oliver Twist, Martin Chuzzlewit, 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.

About the narrator

Jason Watkins is a BAFTA award-winning and Olivier Award nominated stage, film and television actor. He is perhaps best known for playing the lead role in two-part drama The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, for which he won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor of 2015.

He recently appeared in A Very English Scandal, Line of Duty and Inside No 9. He played Simon Harwood in W1A, Herrick in Being Human, Gavin in Trollied and Gordon Shakespeare in the Nativity! film series. He plays Harold Wilson in the forthcoming Series 3 of The Crown.

Public Domain (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

Gritty, yet Sublime

Dickens’ historically based novels are, I believe, his best. As I get older, I find comfort in knowing that “the good old days” were not necessarily any better than now. Villains and heroes, along with victims, clueless onlookers and flawed humanity manages to inspire and horrify year in and year out since we took up residence on this planet and no one illustrates this better than Charles Dickens, particularly when his story is focused on a very real moment in history. Through the unchangeable innocence of Barnaby, manipulated, clouded, and mortally wounded by unscrupulous supposed friends and convoluted mobs’ maniacal actions, a gracious forgiveness and hopeful light is cast over everyone who suffered through that awful time. Precious few authors can paint with insightful accuracy the varying shades of humanity’s hearts, from Christlike light through all the vacillating shades of gray to suffocating dark. This is one of the most powerful, soul-trying, and ultimately redemptive novels I’ve ever read.

Masterpiece of character development.

I truly learned to love or despise each of C.D,’s characters, as I’m sure was the result he intended. But I found his “Miggs” totally unbearable, and wished her creator had tamped her way down or found means for her early demise. Why do these Gordon Rioters remind me so much of the January 6 insurrectionists ?

Superb reading of a lesser-known classic

The darker elements of humanity are contrasted with the brighter, as usual, in Dickens’ excellent writing. There is, of course, mystery and humor, and a true-to-life raven. The author’s forward introduces his familiarity with birds of that feather, and I feared for his life throughout my first reading. Jason Watkins is an incredible narrator!

Extraordinary performance

Jason Watkins is amazing and I’m hopeful he will do more book narrations in the future!

So glad I stumbled across this work!

At times heart-breaking, sometimes so sad and scary, but generally ending happily, this lesser known work of Dickens is superb. Coverage of the Gordon Riots is so intense and well imagined. The narrator’s voice captures the emotion and mood of each scene very well. Another wonderful work by my favorite author. Now if only it would get a modern television adaptation…

Wonderful narrator

Jason Watkins is an incredible narrator. Will be looking for more of his work.

An absolute powerhouse of a novel!

Grim and dark, yet peppered with Dickens’ humour, mystery, heroism and romance, this gritty history of The Gordon Riots is incredibly difficult to put down. Somewhat unique among Dickens’ novels for the nature of the titular character and the portrayal of a bird as a significant character it is an extremely powerful historical drama exceptionally well narrated by Jason Watkins. Not to be overlooked among Dickens’ best novels.

Great Narration, Very Interesting Story

Dickens is the best! And this narrator is superb! Very complicated story with lots and lots of characters, but that's typical for CD. Took a while to see where it would all fit together, but it does and there's a place and purpose for everyone. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Sad times with strong personalities on all sides of the conflict. Also, a great history lesson.

History repeats

Hard to believe a few loud mouth individuals with an evil agenda of hate could lead thousands of stupid people to insurrection. Different times I guess. Can’t imagine that happening in THIS day and age. 🙄

very relevant today

This should be one of Dickens' more notable works ( though they're all good.) I had not even heard of the Gordon riots, and was surprised at how well the story described rioters of today. The performance is superb, and there are fun characters as usual.