David Copperfield [Trout Lake Media]

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Peter Batchelor

Length: 32 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Dickens called David Copperfield his "favourite child," and many critics consider the novel to be one of his best depictions of childhood. Set in early Victorian England against a backdrop of great social change, Dickens acutely observed the phenomena of the Industrial Revolution and used them as the canvas on which he painted the novel. Many consider David Copperfield to be the author’s finest work.

Public Domain (P)2013 Trout Lake Media

Mixed Bag

I had read some Dickens years ago, but didn't care for his style. When I saw this Audible version was less than $1 I decided to give the author another try with my older ears.

I did enjoy several portions of the story, but some stretches of narration were painfully dull. I was often frustrated with the main character, but saw him mature over the course of the story. I definitely grew to like several characters, and was happy to see some early subplots come to their own conclusions. Some are critical of the neatness of the novel's end, but it did not bother me. It was interesting to learn this is Dickens' favorite, and that there are many autobiographical elements.

Will I read more Dickens? Probably, but in paper version. It might be easier to appreciate his writing that way. And I don't have to worry about being tested on it!

The man reading this edition has a very low voice, causing me to drift off at times. Some of the character voices became blurred in my mind. Also, there were multiple spots where the sound quality was poor, as if they did some spot editing. One chapter was repeated almost in its entirety! But at 97 cents, I can look past that.

The BEST author! The BEST narrator!

What did you love best about David Copperfield?

Just finished Bleak House, as well ,which was excellent but David Copperfield is Dicken's best. And Peter Batchelor is wonderful bringing all these amazing characters to life.

Superb!

Excellent classic piece of literature that anyone who loves good literature will enjoy! I have never before been brought to tears so often reading/listening to a novel. Dickens’ talent at developing characters is second to none.

Epic story & engaging reader!

Peter Batchwlor brings Copperfield to life with his lively reading replete with accents and character voices. I highly recommend this version!

Long Time Coming...

Would you listen to David Copperfield [Trout Lake Media] again? Why?

This was a wonderful book, wonderfully performed. I was engaged from the start and wonder how I missed reading this book years ago.

What was one of the most memorable moments of David Copperfield [Trout Lake Media]?

I loved the part about Dora, the child bride. She was absolutely unique!

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

Peter Batchelor does a great job of differentiating characters through his changing accents and pitches. Well done!

Engaging story; imperfect audiobook quality

I really enjoyed David Copperfield. Not as good as Bleak House, but still one of Dickens's best.

The reading was very good. The quality of the recording, however, was not. I regularly noticed switches in volume and, I believe, recording sessions (even within the same sentence) in which the narrator's voice altered. For .99 cents, I won't complain too much!

Really good

Such a charming story. The m so glad I finished it. There were places where I almost stopped listening because I wasn’t sure if the whole book would b worth my time but I’m glad I didn’t.

Audio quality notes: there were a few times when the audio was hard to hear and in chapter 56 the narration was faint but the dialogue was really loud and I kept having to turn my volume up and down.

Excellent performance, but one nit

Wonderful book and superb performance. The sound engineering, however, had some issues — inconsistent volume and tone, with occasional places where the book was shouting or screeched. But a terrific audiobook anyway by any standard.

Best reader for best book. .....

I really enjoy Dickens, and this is his best. Great reader with lots of voices.

Well performed Classic

Batchelor is great! story stirs vivid life and childhood memories. Finished book while moving and created some strong emotions. It's no pirate tale and war story, but a gripping read just the same.