The Pickwick Papers and Oliver Twist

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Length: 51 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

All the youthful vigor and exuberance of Charles Dickens is on display in his first two novels. Dickens was only 25 years old upon the completion of his first novel, The Pickwick Papers (1837), and 27 when he finished his second, Oliver Twist (1839). It is in these early novels that we first encounter the energy of his humor, satire, and keen observational powers. Within 10 years, Dickens would be regarded as the literary genius of the Victorian Age. But it all started with these two novels.

The Pickwick Papers is a comic tour de force, its centerpiece being the Pickwickians who travel about London and the surrounding countryside investigating various peculiarities. The amusing characters and hilarious incidents have become literary staples.

Oliver Twist reflects much that is autobiographical in Dickens' life experience. The novel is notable for the authors' realistic portrayal of criminals and their brutal, sordid lives, as well as for exposing the cruel treatment of the many orphans in London in the mid-19th century. In many ways, this tale was the signature depiction of London by Dickens that has become world famous, and which would be the template for the remainder of his long career.

Listeners should be aware that The Pickwick Papers runs 33 hours and 42 minutes, at which point Oliver Twist begins and continues for an additional 17 hours and 31 minutes.

Public Domain (P)2015 Audio Connoisseur

Wonderful Novels, But Narrator Is Difficult

While Dicken's first two novels are presented well in this recording, the narrator leaves something to be desired. His voice--while at first engaging--is too resonant for long-term enjoyment. I feel that this resonance, despite the narrator's use of accent and tone for the various characters, takes away from the enjoyment of the novels. Additionally, while the musical introductions for most chapters--particularly in The Pickwick Papers--are a lovely touch, the text can be difficult to hear over them. Overall, I would recommend other recordings for quality--those produced by Naxos, as an example--but for the price, this recording is a wonderful investment.

Not Dickens best, but well read

I got this one because who doesn’t love a two-for-one? I quite liked Great Expectations. Glad I read that first. Had I done these titles first, I wouldn’t have gone back to Dickens.

While Sam Weller is a terrific character, even he can’t save this story. I kept checking the time remaining, hoping I was close to the end. Never was close enough.

For Oliver Twist, the writing and story was marginally better. Its good to know that Pickwick was his first, and Oliver his second, Dickens clearly improved over time. I must say that he clearly heavily relies on the use of the words “countenance” and “rejoin,” to a disdainful extent. I may ruin the two stories for you just by pointing them out.

The narration/performance was well done, even if I’d have preferred he not try a squeaky voice for Oliver. Not my favorite reader, but better than many.