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.

A GOOD SHORT STORY

this book is well worth the read. It's short, but such a lovely story. Never thought of crickets like this, in our country.

A time less tale

We loved the story, chirp, chirp, chirp. if you have ever read Cricket on the Hearth you will most certainly enjoy this fine narration. All of the characters come to life in this cozy novella.

Priceless

A new favorite for my holidays. Cutting honest and life truths with humor and love. Narration is perfect!

Fantastic

Love this story and narration and listen to it every Christmas season. Jim Dale is amazing!

One of the best stories about Men and Women ...

I had not heard of this story until this week. It is part of a series of Christmas stories told by Charles Dickens that includes A Christmas Carol. It is very well read by Jim Dale, of lasting Harry Potter fame.

The Cricket on the Hearth is very moving and quite touching.

Some women of the modern era wonder how their counterparts of earlier days were able to be "traditional" housewives looking after hearth and home. I believe this story provides some great insight into the relationships of wives and husbands that is worth attending to, if only for the understanding.

Wonderful

Jim Dale never disappoints and what a sweet tale! I think I might just be a new favorite!

Dickens & Dale - who needs more?

The plot of The Cricket on the Hearth lacks the amazing creativity of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, and is a little contrived, but it’s still Charles Dickens, master of characterizations, and grand master of the English language. Overall, the story is very, very good, and Jim Dale, an astonishingly good narrator, helps it along a lot. I’m very sure I enjoyed this more because I listened to Mr. Dale's performance instead of reading it.

Charming Dickens Story

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

I love Dickens amazing use of language.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Cricket on the Hearth?

When the stranger's identity is revealed is one of the most memorable moments.

What about Jim Dale’s performance did you like?

Jim Dale is one of my favorite performers. He puts such energy and passion into his performances. His voices are perfect for each character and even the inanimate objects.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Love and friendship conquer all.

Any additional comments?

I recommend this to everyone. For Dickens fans, it is a must listen.

Made me smile

What made the experience of listening to The Cricket on the Hearth the most enjoyable?

Jim Dales characterizations

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Cricket on the Hearth?

The end when Dot won't let John come to her until she's had her say.

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

This was the first except for one or two short excerpts from Harry Potter. I can't really compare since this was a full narration and I got to listen to the range of Jim Dale's characterizations.

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

I definitely smiled a lot.

Any additional comments?

I really liked John and Dot, most especially John, and the voices Jim Dale gave them. The other characters were good, but John and Dot were definitely the stars of the story and the performance.

Horrible

What disappointed you about The Cricket on the Hearth?

Bad narration, bad story, turned it off after the first chapter. It was on the bargain book aisle and I think I still paid to much.