Dombey and Son

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: David Timson

Length: 39 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Dombey and Son is vintage Dickens and explores the classic themes of betrayal, cruelty and deceit. Dombey's dysfunctional relationships are painted against a backdrop of social unrest in industrialized London, which is populated by a host of fascinating and memorable secondary characters. The complete and unabridged novel is brought spectacularly to life by veteran reader David Timson.

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Public Domain (P)2009 Naxos Audiobooks

An embarrassment of terrific Dickens narrators

David Timson is my new favorite Dickens narrator, and I wish to heck he would record more. I thoroughly enjoyed Dombey and Son, all the way through, and that is something to say for a nearly 40-hour book. Marvelous characters and exquisite writing. Captain Cuttle is one of the all-time great Dickens characters, as is Susan Nipper. On the creepy side, there are James Carker, Mr. Dombey's right-hand man, Mrs. Brown, and Major Bagstock, who consistently refers to himself in the third person. Not to forget the Blimbers, who run a school for boys; David Timson's characterization of Mr. Blimber is downright hilarious. And then there are Mr. Dombey's ridiculous sister Louisa Chick, and the bumbling but good-hearted Mr. Toots. It's as varied and vivid a bunch of characters as you find in Dickens, and they are all brought beautifully, creepily, and hilariously to life by David Timson. I've listened to much of Dickens, mostly narrated by Simon Vance, and a couple by Sean Barrett. With Dombey and Son, David Timson joins the Dickens All-Stars. I've already bought his narrations of Edwin Drood and The Pickwick Papers. Please, Mr. Timson, record more!!!

Grammy Worthy Narration

Where does Dombey and Son rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audiobooks I have enjoyed. This was a Dickens book I've meant to read for years but not had the time. Thanks to audible, I was able to enjoy this during a recent bout of the flue. Great characters, interesting story and funny. Many times I laughed out loud. David Timson gets most of the credit for this as his narration was big part of the enjoyment of this book. It's not fair perhaps but I expect Charles Dickens to be extra ordinary. Finding a reader equal to him is a surprise.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dombey and Son?

Mr. Toots is was, for me perhaps the loveliest character and best developed narration. Absolutely brilliant, funny, touching.

What about David Timson’s performance did you like?

David Timson makes Charles Dickens come alive. His acting skills rank at the top of the A-list.

Any additional comments?

For classics, good narration isn't enough. David Timson is to reading what Charles Dickens is for writing.

Best Dickens Rendering

David Timmons was absolutely the most versatile narrator of any Dickens novel I’ve listened to on Audible. It was like a play in the theater you don’t wish to end. It was a fabulous ride in Dickensian fashion with a tidy denouement and WELL WORTH the listen if you have the time!!!!!

Wonderful!

Dombey and Son is not one of Dickens' best, but even mediocre Dickens is a joy!

Wonderful

The narration by David Timson is a Masterclass of performance. Excellent story with unexpected twists and turns.

Best Dickens audiobook

I just finished listening to this for the second time and for now it's my favorite Dickens audiobook. First, the story is top rate Dickens. There are numerous memorable characters. It doesn't go overboard with the sentimentality (although, of course, it does come pretty close). Second, David Timson is the best. There are a number of wonderful voices here, notably Joe Bagwell, old Joey B., J.B., etc,, Carker, and above all, Captain Cuttle. I could listen to David Timson do Captain Cuttle all day. In face, I did listen to David Timson do Captain Cuttle all day, since the Captain takes over the story in a lot of places, and this is a good, long listen. There are a lot of great readers of Dickens on Audible, but Timson is the best of the best.

Very good but not the best

This was a very good book but not Dickens' finest in my opinion. It got a little slow in the middle. Still, very good

Essential for Dickens' Readers

Any additional comments?

If you're like me and have read most of Dickens' popular works, you'd be tempted to bypass this. Don't! Everything you love about other Dickens' characters, you will find matched here in spades - detestable villains, tortured souls, noble spirits, saintly heroes, hilarious sidekicks, arrogant buffoons, and insufferable ignoramuses - and all within the eternal context of sin and redemption, crime and punishment, and the overriding power of love. The book is long, but every bit worth it. And David Timson is probably the best doggone reader I've ever heard. Every. Single. Character. Is perfect. As with the Pickwick Papers, you'll be sad when you have to end.

Exceptional

The story and narration were beyond exceptional. David Timson masterfully told this story in such a way that when the final sentence was spoken, I only felt disappointment that it was over. Bravo Mr. Timson…Bravo.

Awesome!

I LOVE this book!!!!! Dickens is incredible;
What Superb Narration! This is an audiobook that I will revisit again & again