David Copperfield

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: B.J. Harrison

Length: 38 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

"The most perfect of all the Dickens novels." (Virginia Woolf)

David Copperfield is the tale of a boy who loses his parents at an early age, escapes the torturous conditions of working for his pitiless stepfather, and eventually determines to make something of himself. With a little luck and a lot of help along the way from some of the most colorful characters ever penned, David overcomes to achieve all for which he aspires. Featuring an unforgettable gallery of characters, including the cantankerous Miss Betsey, the merciless stepfather Mr. Murdstone, the obsequiously penniless Mr. Micawber, and the treacherous Uriah Heap, it is a tale so luxuriant in setting, so fabulous in character, and so pure in intent that though it was written 150 years ago, we still cheer with David during his triumph and weep with him in his suffering.

"Like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favorite child. And his name is David Copperfield." (From the preface by Charles Dickens)

Public Domain (P)2013 B.J. Harrison

Dickens read the way it should be!

My favorite Dickens novel (also the author's) I have read at least twice. The narrator was excellent to the point that the novel was brought to life. The narration was close to flawless and I would recommend this version to anyone who wants to enjoy a truly great novel read professionally.

Wonderful Classic Book

It’s long, but worth the time. Dickens has a variety of interesting and eccentric characters. It’s well written and a good escape from daily life.
The narrator is amazing in his ability to bring life to each character with consistent and unique voices. Well done!

A masterpiece

This is Dickens best novel. By far. The childhood half is breathtaking... staggeringly great narration..a true 5 star audiobook..

Bravo Dickens and B.J. Harrison!

Likely, enough has been said these many decades of the enduring story of David Copperfield and the literary genius of Charles Dickens. I prefer to focus my review on the performance of B.J. Harrison. Mr. Harrison breathes exquisite life into each of the many characters in this 38+hour never-boring tale, giving every single one his or her own distinct...and quite suited... accent, cadence and personality. Mr. Harrison's portrayal of Mr. Macawber is always lively and often comical ("HEEP!"). And his portrayal of Uriah Heep brings out his treachery and sleaze in every sentence he utters ("umble"). Mr. Harrison does justice to all of the female characters as well, never sounding forced or silly, even Dora. I am so enjoying finally diving into the classics, having mostly avoided them unless forced upon me in college. And my joy is in no small part due to the amazing talents of Mr. Harrison. Each time I pick a new classic, I first search to see if Audible has a B.J. Harrison version. If so, lucky me! For I know he will make it even better!

Such a book!

BJ Harrison is a terrific voice actor for such a fine book. Thanks so much.

Edifying and interesting

This tale shows life just as it is - avarice is just that and not exalted. I appreciate how some of the experiences of David Copperfield encouraged me in my own life. The reader is excellent and does well at giving characters their own voices as well as having excellent vocal variety.

A treat!

What I love best about Charles Dickens' work as a whole is the style. Once you get adjusted to it, it becomes highly enjoyable. There are some very funny moments in the book and the narrater, B.J. Harrison, does a fantastic job with all the vocal characterizations. Everybody's voice is distinct which helps keep the many persons of the story separate and keeps the story clear. Copperfield's Aunt, Betsey Trotwood, is my favorite character, apart from David himself, she has some of the best lines in the whole book, particularly when addressing Uriah Heep. It takes some time for the story to pick up, but it is worth the wait and well worth a read.

I was expecting a plot, not a memoir...

If you are reading/listening to David Copperfield as a Dickens fan to learn more about Dickens, then you will probably like this book a lot. While I enjoyed Great Expectations, I didn't know that David Copperfield is a very long memoir of a fictional character. In most cases I knew what to expect (it didn't take any real powers of perception). So I slogged through it, and can now say I read/listened to David Copperfield.
On the bright side, B.J. Harrison does a fine job of narration.