David Copperfield

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 33 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

David Copperfield is the quintessential novel by England's most beloved novelist. Based in part on Dickens's own life, it is the story of a young man's journey from an unhappy and impoverished childhood to the discovery of his vocation as a successful novelist. Among its gloriously vivid cast of characters, he encounters his tyrannical stepfather, Mr. Murdstone; his formidable aunt, Betsey Trotwood; the eternally humble yet treacherous Uriah Heep; the frivolous, enchanting Dora; and one of literature's great comic creations, the magnificently impecunious Mr. Micawber - a character resembling Dickens's own father.

In David Copperfield - the novel he described as his "favorite child" - Dickens drew revealingly on his own experiences to create one of his most exuberant and enduringly popular works, filled with tragedy and comedy in equal measure.

©1923 Public Domain (P)2009 Tantor

The Best

What made the experience of listening to David Copperfield the most enjoyable?

I read this book 30 years ago and it remains my favorite book by Dickens. Listening to it made it come alive.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

Simon Vance is the best narrator that I have heard yet. He has so many voices that it was easy to keep all of the characters separate. His characterizations of Uriah Heep and Mr. Micawber were worth the price of the book.
Outstanding!

Narration that bribe the story to life

Simon gives a superior performance. As Dickens provides us with such vivid characterization, so Vance gives distinct voice to each charscter, so that each comes to life. The voices mature as the story advances. Among the many Audible books I have "read," this is one of the finest.

A Wonderful Surprise

When I decided to listen to David Copperfield I had no idea what a treasure I would find with this book. Superbly narrated the story sprung to life with all the characters that only Dickens can create. David Copperfield is now one of my favorite literary friends I was sad when it ended I will miss him.

Challenging

I was afraid of not remembering these many characters. The reader gave each person such a wonderful voice they were very clear in my mind. Lov d he ending!

Masterful

A true classic, masterfully written by Dickens, masterfully read by Simon Vance. I’ve listened to it at least four times so far, and I expect to listen to it dozens of times more. This book contains most of my favorites of Dickens’ characters, ESPECIALLY Miss Betsy Trotwood, Dr. Strong, and Mr. Thomas Traddles!!! A colorful, humorous, and insightful masterpiece that everyone should experience.

Enjoyed it until the end!

If you could sum up David Copperfield in three words, what would they be?

A wonderful story

What did you like best about this story?

The language and character development.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

Agnes

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I don't read for long periods of time, but this was something that I would look forward to on my drive.

Any additional comments?

No

Worth every second

This is an opportunity for time-travel to the Victorian time, thinking of sharing this pleasure of a story with the people of that era, awaiting for Dickens’ weekly or monthly installments, and amazed by Vance’s extraordinary bringing the characters to life with his interpretation. How is it possible for a person to read a book aloud like that!

still a favourite

I loved David Copperfield when I first read it as a youth. I loved it even more this time around. Simon Vance's narration is superb, outstanding.
If you have never read or listened to a Dickens book before and are unsure where to start, you cannot do better than David Copperfield

David Copperfield

If you could sum up David Copperfield in three words, what would they be?

A classic Dickens novel.

Would you recommend David Copperfield to your friends? Why or why not?

Even if you know the story from film/TV adaptations, I think it adds a deeper perspective to actually read the book.

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

I think Simon Vance's reading does justice to the variety of characters in this novel.

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

As I was basically familiar with the story beforehand there were no great surprises but I think in the novel David's credulousness stands out more and forces the reader to question and re-question whether this is for better for for worse.

Amazing book, wonderfully read

I kind of want to start over and listen to the whole thing again. This was a very moving book, and to find that the story is somewhat autobiographical is fascinating. It was incredible to listen to as well. Such a great performance, such animation in the different voices. Each character was brought to light so uniquely. Loved this!