The Cricket on the Hearth

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Jim Dale

Length: 3 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

The holidays are upon us, and this year Audible is very happy to present to our members one of Charles Dickens’ most popular Christmas stories, The Cricket on the Hearth. This holiday classic (original subtitle: “A Fairy Tale of Home”) tells the innocent, picturesque, and charming story of a poor family and their would-be guardian angel; in short, a delightful vision of Victorian Christmas. As always, a great story calls for a great voice, so we’ve brought in legendary actor and record-breaking Audie and Grammy award-winning narrator Jim Dale (The Night Circus). Happy holidays and happy listening!

Public Domain (P)2013 Audible Inc.

Delightful.

Any additional comments?

I was intrigued by this short story, never having read it before. It seemed quite dense in that a lot happened in a very short time. Dickens skillfully developed his characters and developed the story through their interaction. I did not anticipate the outcome, and was pleasantly surprised. I enjoyed this novella and would recommend it to all Dickens lovers.

A Cricket Can do all of That?

Great read...Charles Dickens Christmas novels...duh. Thanks, Audible, for the freebie. I'll have another and another and another.

Charming Victorian short

Is there anything you would change about this book?

the story includes a reward for the finder of a lost item…Charles Dickens neglects to say what happened with this handsome reward. The story would have concluded better with this lose end resolved--especially in light of the poverty of one of the characters.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Mystery was solved but the drama of one of the characters involved in the mystery was left unresolved.

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

The variety of charming English dialects - so effortlessly that each character stood out as individuals

Did The Cricket on the Hearth inspire you to do anything?

no - light entertainment to use up a 47 minute commute. No deep thinking required.

Sheer Delight

Thank you, Audible, for this Christmas membership gift.
I don't recall reading such lyricism from Dickens before. His poetry sings. I couldn't refrain from smiling. His words bubbled forth with such joy.
I shall listen to this several times: The gift that keeps on giving.

Lovely story

What did you love best about The Cricket on the Hearth?

It's a sweet romance and I wasn't expecting that.

What other book might you compare The Cricket on the Hearth to and why?

Na

Have you listened to any of Jim Dale’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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

No. The language was hard to follow. I would listen again because I believe I'd understand it better the second time.

Any additional comments?

No

A fossil comes to life again

If you could sum up The Cricket on the Hearth in three words, what would they be?

Be over 50 years from college, it was a delight to "read" this wonderful tale again. I had forgotten (in 50 years) what a wonderful piece it actually is. The presentation is certainly top notch. Thanks.

As good as it gets

Lovely story that I'd never knew existed read by one of my favorite narrators! Different from other Dickens in several ways but I don't want to spoil it. Not a Christmas story per se.

Great story...wonderful narration

Any additional comments?

Thank you audible for this wonderful gift. Have never read this story before and would not have been one that I would have chosen for myself. Jim Dale is wonderful in his narration of this very heartfelt wonderful story.

Jim Dale & Charles Dickens

Jim Dale & Charles Dickens. What more needs to be said. Combine a great author with a great reader and you have a great audiobook.

Great Book!

I enjoyed the book a lot and would like to listen to more of Charles Dickens books. I enjoyed the narrator also. If you have not heard or read it I would recommend it.