Bleak House

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Hugh Dickson

Length: 37 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

The case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce has ground its way through the courts for generations. At its heart are Ada Clare and Richard Carstone, who find love - and terrible loss - through their involvement in the endless battle.

Meanwhile, her friend Esther Summeson, who believes she is an orphan, gradually discovers the truth of her identity. The court case throws out a web ensnaring all who come near it, including Lady Dedlock, the menacing lawyer Tulkingham, detective Bucket and tragic little waif Jo.

Secrets emerge, crimes are committed and love affairs bloom. But will anyone ever benefit from the case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce?

©2008 BBC Audiobooks Ltd (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Terrific Audible Book

The performance by the reader, Hugh Dickson, is unbelievably good. I hated for the story to end and to have to say goodbye to all those wonderfully named Dickens characters.

A story that stands the test of time beautifully read

One of Dickens's best novels - so timely and timeless both. The narrator is superb. Each character - and there are dozens of them - distinctly rendered in accent and tone. I was sorry to leave these wonderful characters.

Loved it! Long but worth it.

What made the experience of listening to Bleak House the most enjoyable?

Bleak house takes its time to develop the characters.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the humor and irony implicit in the English judicial system.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was Dicken's description of an old couple in their dotage throwing pillows at each other's head to get the other's attention.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The book is filled with wry wit and some full-on humor, but it also is long. It evokes a variety of emotions, all good.

Flawless book; reader should get a medal.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Sometimes you read a book that makes you just a little *better.* Bleak House is one of those books. The plot begins slowly and builds carefully, which will delight a good listener. The characters are memorable, believable, and varied. And what Hugh Dickson does with this reading is astounding: his Mr. Smallwood, his George, his Esther are just amazing. It's not just the perfect accents but the temperament, idiosyncracies and moods he brings out. What a book. Thanks, Mr. Dickens, and thanks, Mr. Dickson.

What other book might you compare Bleak House to and why?

Maybe Les Miserables, for the rejection of legalistic and heavily moral religious institution in favor of compassionate action. Maybe some of Trollope's more deeply felt books... Phineas Redux, Dr. Thorne. A little Charlotte Bronte.

What does Hugh Dickson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hard to say, but I often thought about that as I listened. His brilliantly repulsive Mr. Smallwood I couldn't have created on my own. Likewise the stalwart George.

Ok story, good reading ,bad audio

The reading was very good, but the audio quality was awful. Softly spoken passages were hardly audible even at full volume.

Variable sound level

From screaming lines to whispers. Volume leveling would have worked wonders to help the listener through the book. Good book and reader was good at acting each part but could not understand some words due to volume levels. I have the enhanced audio version so quality was highest.

excellent reading

The narrator has enhanced my enjoyment of Dickens' words with his well considered, dramatic, but not over-the-top or comic-book like interpretation.

Fantastic Narration of my favorite Dickens novel

The dramatic narration by this British narrator is absolutely superb. Perfect tone. He knows how to read Dickens and gives life to the sharp, hilarious wit in the prose. And the novel itself is a masterwork in my opinion.

five stars for Hugh Dickson's narration

Hugh Dickson's voice is so versatile. How he keeps the voice of each character, including every minor character straight is miracle. But each character shines through uniquely...

Excellent narration

Hugh Dickson does a fabulous job narrating this Dickens classic. Although I've read the book before, I picked up some additional nuances when listening to this audio version.