The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 30 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby is closely modelled on the 18h-century novels that Charles Dickens loved as a child, such as Robinson Crusoe, in which the fortunes of a hero shape the plot. The likeable young Nicholas, left penniless on the death of his father, sets off in search of better prospects. His meandering route to happiness includes work as a teacher at Dotheboys Hall, where the brutal Wackford Squeers ill-treats his impoverished pupils, and a spell as an actor with the absurdly melodramatic Crummles troupe. Nicholas's many adventures give Dickens the freedom to follow the eccentricities of a vivid gallery of characters, exploring themes of class, love, and self-awareness with exuberant comedy and biting satire.

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

Humor and Sarchasm from an early Dickens work

Would you consider the audio edition of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby to be better than the print version?

Unquestionably. Vance is a master narrator

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby?

Nicholas' encounters with Mr. and Mrs. Squears.

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

No tears or excessive joy - Dickens' sense of irony keeps the reader on an even keel in the face of disaster or great joy. This is one of teh reasons I endorse Dickens to my children. His stories are not epic but his perspective is worldly beyond his years.

Any additional comments?

The very next audiobook I purchased was David Copperfield because I was not ready let go of Simon Vance's narration.

Super read

A great book
Well read
Except Lord Verisopht’s “ye-es”
Might better be pronounced as a smooth two syllable word beginning with a high note rather than a glottle pause.

Very good!

Charles Dickens has a mastery of language and his gift for storytelling is always a wonderful pleasure to read or hear!

loved it much more than expected!

Any additional comments?

Nicholas is a wonderful character: brash and hot-headed, he often gets himself in trouble. But his courage, unerring loyalty and faultless goodness always get him out again. Like all of Dickens' books, this one contains an unforgettable array of characters, including great villains such as Ralph Nickleby (a foreshadow of Ebenezer Scrooge), Wackford Squeers and Sir Mulberry Hawk; as well as the hilarious, outrageous, flamboyant, foul-mouthed Mr. Mantalini. Simon Vance's performance was compelling; each character was rendered perfectly. I adored this audiobook and will listen again!

Best Dickens

What did you love best about The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby?

Good story and characters I could love (and hate) as well as believe.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The title character of course. We get to know him best.

Which scene was your favorite?

No spoilers! But there are plenty of good scenes.

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

Too long to think of it. But I always looked forward to my next walk to listen more.

Dickens at his finest, beautifully read

Where does The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best audiobooks I have read

What other book might you compare The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby to and why?

Bleak House

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

Performance by Simon Vance is outstanding. He brings different characters to life with his vocal portrayals.

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

Engrossed. Over 30 hours of listening but thoroughly engaging

Perfect!!

Awesome adventure...awesome narrator to take you there! 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

Dickens by the fire--what could be better?

What did you love best about The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby?

The best of Charles Dickens--a story I hadn't heard before, read beautiful with all of the accents and humor shining through. The villains are very bad and the heros are very good, and all of the plot strings come together in a happy ending. The timeliness of Dickens's stories is icing on the cake--yes, there are morals here for our times, and advice for how we face the "fiscal cliff".

What other book might you compare The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby to and why?

If you love Charles Dickens, you might also try the Bronte sisters. Wuthering Heights, for instance.

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

many voices and accents. I love the characters!

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

A moment, not so much, but a character--I love Newman Noggs.

Any additional comments?

I'm now on a roll with Dickens through the Holiday season, and perhaps with all things British and
19th century. Dark times spawn great literature.

Great Dickens

Great, engaging story. Dickens at his best. 30 some hours well worth it. Nicely performed. The one exception is a rather awkward change of voice for Ralph Nickelby and Smike starting around chapter 50. Perhaps it was meant to signify age, but it didn’t quite work.

Excellent Narration

Another Charles Dickens great! Filled with great characters and character development. I always get lost in another time in hi books. Greatest Narrator of all time. Bravo