Nicholas Nickleby

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Alex Jennings

Length: 34 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

Exclusively from Audible

One of Dickens' early works, Nicholas Nickleby combines comedy and tragedy in a tale of triumph over adversity that is interspersed with Dickens' moving condemnation of society's mistreatment of children and the cruelty of the educational system. Young Nickleby struggles to seek his fortune in Victorian England, yet succeeds despite social injustice, in a story that mirrors Dickens' own rise from poverty to great success.

One of eight children, Dickens came from a very poor family, with his father eventually being sent to debtor's prison. At the age of 12, Dickens was forced to start work in a blacking factory in order to help clear the family debt.

Dickens depicts a funny version of his own mother in the character of Mrs. Nickleby, his feelings towards her dark and complex. He never forgave her for trying to keep him working against her husband's wishes.

Hailed as a comic triumph with a cast of incredible characters, it firmly established Dickens as a 'literary gentleman'.

Full of typically Dickensian elements, the book is well suited to dramatic adaptation.

It is widely regarded as one of the greatest comic masterpieces of 19th century literature and continues to entertain its fans to this day.

Narrator Biography

Three-time Olivier Award winner actor Alex Jennings has had an extensive career with the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre. His recent stage performances have included Willy Wonka in 2014's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory the Musical and Professor Henry Higgins in the 2016 Australian 60th Anniversary production of My Fair Lady. In 2006 he played Prince Charles opposite Helen Mirren in The Queen and has had other roles in films such as Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), Babel (2006) and The Lady in the Van (2015). His television work has included the BBC TV series Cranford (2007) and long running legal drama Silk (2011-2014). In 2016 he featured in the Netflix series The Crown and the ITV series Victoria. He has narrated many audiobooks including Attention All Shipping by Charlie Connelly, which in 2008 was chosen as one of the top 40 audiobooks of all time.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Alex Jennings is an extraordinary narrator

What did you love best about Nicholas Nickleby?

Dickens is famous for his idiosyncratic & grotesque minor characters and NN is no exception. They are superbly brought to live by Alex Jennings, who is a comic master. I didn't think anyone could have made Mr. Mantalini real, but he is the highlight of this audiobook.

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

I'm truly sorry that Jennings hasn't read the Pickwick Papers or another of the more comic Dickens novels. I just paid for Our Mutual Friend, but what I wouldn't give for a David Copperfield!

Wonderful tale, wonderful reader

This is a delightful reading of a Dickens classic. The reader dramatises the characters tremendously well, speaks clearly, and infuses Dickens' work with life and colour.

After listening to this book for several weeks during my commute, I was grieved to be leaving the characters behind when it ended.

Thoroughly enjoyed

The detail taken to present each character by the narrator added so much to the enjoyment of listening to the story. Alex Jennings did an amazing job.

Such a Pleasure

Alex Jennings brings this wonderful book to life with his wonderful reading. Dickens extraordinary ability to distill the essential elements of the human condition in beautiful succinct prose left me spell bound. I look to listening to it again. For what its worth, Jennings reading of of "Pompeii" by Robert Harris is also a very good reading of an excellent book.

One of the best

This is certainly one of the best audio books that I have ever listened to. Besides the classic Charles Dickens story, the narrator is stupendous with his many different accents and delivery.

Superb!

Alex Jennings’ performance of Nicholas Nickleby completely captivated my imagination. I listened to one of the final chapters as I drove home from Walgreens after buying toothpaste… I nearly had to pull over to the curb from weeping.

I can’t imagine a better narrator of the book. There are tons of characters and Jennings’ portrayal makes each distinct… comical, dastardly, virtuous, pitiful, maddening… an entire world created for your listening pleasure. (I haven’t heard it, but I suspect Simon Vance’s performance of Nickleby is also excellent - his narration of “Dance to the Music of Time” was beyond wonderful.)

Mostly a “reader” of classics on Audible, I also enjoyed Anne Bronte’s Tenant of Wildfell Hall narrated by Alex Jennings and Jenny Agutter. Alas, I see that Jennings’ narration of Crime and Punishment is an abridged version… if it was unabridged, I’d buy it today.

Spectacular surprise

It has been a number of years since I read most of the more famous of Dickens' works. It's obviously time for a reread, or relisten, but based on recollections, this is my favorite Dickens' to date, and probably in the top 10 of all books I have read or listened to. No doubt this is partly a function of the amazing job by Alex Jennings, who brings great energy and wonderful characterizations of most of the players. But the novel itself is remarkably modern in its insights, language, humor, farce, melodrama and at times a sense of the absurd. Really worthwhile and fun!!

Dickens, a genius!

If you could sum up Nicholas Nickleby in three words, what would they be?

Extraordinary story! Only Dickens can write so well you can "see" the characters. His character development is one of the greatest I have ever read! I'm so glad I "read" this book. I also bought the English movie version and can't wait to see it now!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Nicholas Nickleby?

I loved when he saved Smikes.

Which scene was your favorite?

The romantic one.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The scenes in the school house.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book!

Fabulous Narration

A true classic work by Charles Dickens. The narration was absolutely great and listening to this wonderful writing brightens your day.

Amazing book and excellent reader!

If you could sum up Nicholas Nickleby in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, captivating, entertaining

What did you like best about this story?

Some of the vivid characters

Which character – as performed by Alex Jennings – was your favorite?

John Browdie, followed closely by Mr. Mantalini. AMAZING!

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

I laughed and cried. The book was fabulous!

Any additional comments?

Don't miss this one! I can't believe it took me so many years to finally read it.