David Copperfield

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Martin Jarvis

Length: 34 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

When David Copperfield escapes from the cruelty of his childhood home, he embarks on a journey to adulthood which leads him through comedy and tragedy, love and heartbreak, and friendship and betrayal.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Dickens himself would be thrilled

Dickens was well known in his day for giving lively, dramatic readings of his books--how he would have been delighted with Martin Jarvis's performance! Each of the colorful characters has an instantly identifiable voice, and all the nuances of class and region are beautifully done. Even the voices of the women are incredible--especially Dora's. As I listened, I could easily picture David's tiny, slight, blue-eyed "child wife." Bravo, Mr. Jarvis. I'll be looking for more of your performances!

His Favourite Child

"'Good day, sir,' said my aunt, 'and good-bye! Good day to you, too, ma'am,' said my aunt, turning suddenly upon his sister. 'Let me see you ride a donkey over my green again, and as sure as you have a head upon your shoulders, I'll knock your bonnet off, and tread upon it!'

It would require a painter, and no common painter too, to depict my aunt's face as she delivered herself of this very unexpected sentiment, and Miss Murdstone's face as she heard it. But the manner of the speech, no less than the matter, was so fiery, that Miss Murdstone, without a word in answer, discreetly put her arm through her brother's, and walked haughtily out of the cottage; my aunt remaining in the window looking after them; prepared, I have no doubt, in case of the donkey's reappearance, to carry her threat into instant execution."

The above is taken from chapter 14: MY AUNT MAKES UP HER MIND ABOUT ME, which I found so funny that I listened to it over and over again so I could take in every nuance of this speech delivered by one of the novel's most colourful characters, albeit she was one of several.


This is Dicken's epic and semi-autobigraphical story about young David Copperfield, born six months after his father's passing, who suffered a miserable childhood during which he was abused by his mother's tyrannical new husband Edward Murdstone and his sister, who separated him from his beloved mother and sent him to a school where punishments were handed out violently and frequently. When David's still young mother passes away, Edward Murdstone, far from showing any compassion, puts nine-year-old David to work at a menial job in a factory in London, where he is left to fend for himself on a meagre salary. David eventually decides to escape and makes a long difficult journey to seek out his great aunt Betsey Trottwood. This wonderful character takes David under her wing and gives him a loving home and an education until he is ready to pursue his studies toward a respectable career. As a young man, David falls in love repeatedly and eventually becomes obsessed with Dora Spenlow, a young lady he is determined to marry one day. The novel takes us through many twists and turns and introduces a great number of fascinating characters, some most likeable, some delightfully wicked, with many plot lines which are all resolved toward the end of the novel, when David, now a well-known writer, has gained in maturity and found his heart's desire.

We all know that Dickens was verbose and he did not disappoint in that respect with this novel, which he considered to be his favourite child. I too found much to like with this story and was delighted with the overall light tone and David's good nature even as he went through incredible difficulties.

I strongly recommend this version wonderfully performed by Martin Jarvis.

Phenomenal narration

Of the more than 100 audiobooks to which I've listened, Martin Jarvis's reading is the best I've heard. He captures Dickens's characters as though he were putting on a master class in acting. But he manages to leave the reader/listener room to imagine the characters, too. There is not a missed note in the entire performance. There were many great characters, but I enjoyed Jarvis's rendering of Mr. Micawber the most. This is well worth the listen.

AMAZING NARRATION

Martin Jarvis does justice to this wonderful , rich, and engrossing story.

A Book Reading or a Performance?

Charles Dickens wrote a wonderful tale in "David Copperfield," but the reader of this book has turned it into a vivid performance with his voice. The variety of characters he creates with his inflections, dialects, and pitch are wonderful to hear. I heartily recommend this reading!

Excellent!!!

The book stands alone as quite a grand work of fiction. I would like to specifically talk about the narrator. Martin Jarvis was spectacular!!! I do believe he could make even the most boring book spell binding. His variety of voices for each character and way of expressing for them really makes this book that could be monotonous with a lesser narrator very enjoyable. I highly recommend it!!!!!

Excellent. 5 star plus

I listen to a lot on audible. The narrator is awesome. nails each character's voices and brought them to life and so memorable. Really, one of the best narrators I've come across on audible. Great book if you haven't read it. It's a classic and you'll know why when you listen to this. It's long, but couldn't wait to keep listening to it and was sad when it was done.

Best Narration Ever

The masterful narration makes the listening an absolutely charming experience. Mr. Jarvis is to be applauded!

Can’t believe I didn’t know this story

I thought I was familiar with all the Dickens works but had missed this one. It is the best in my opinion and this audio version perfect . The narration really brought it to life and I enjoyed every minute.

loved it

This is a great classic. The man who does the reading is brilliant at capturing the essence of each character by using different voices for each character.