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Bleak House  By  cover art

Bleak House

By: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Hugh Dickson
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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.

What listeners say about Bleak House

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Audio Theater

The book is a classic and Hugh Dickson does a wonderful job of it. I have not heard the others, but Hugh does not disappoint and its enjoyable the whole way through. It's a long journey, so choose wisely.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

This book is brilliantly written. I can see why some say its Dickens best. Truly a masterpiece.

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Satirical, poignant, Dickens at his best!

I had low expectations of this book and was admittedly daunted by its size. Let me now say, it could be my favorite Dickens novel -- and it was worth every minute I invested in listening to it. The narrator was simply outstanding and the novel was absolutely brimming over with plot -- suspense, murder, mystery, romance, love, devotion, death, tragedy, treachery, humor, and of course, biting satire. There were scenes that made me laugh out loud and scenes that actually made me cry. There were countless unforgettable characters and some of the most touching relationships and dialogue I have ever read. For anyone who loves Dickens, this is vintage -- and the narration was simply perfect. Highly recommended!

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Can't go wrong

This reader brings the myriad characters/narrators in Bleak House to life. His rendering of their distinctive accents and intonations helps the listener follow the book's twists and turns of structure and plot.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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...

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Enthralled

I've only listened to seven hours and I am so in awe of Hugh Dickson. Years ago I took a course on Dickens novels and I wish I had had this resource at that time. Amazing narrator!!!!!!!

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

My first Dickens experience

This was my first Dickens book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The reader was excellent, and did a great job differentiating between characters. What a great way to make a long commute enjoyable.

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5 people found this helpful