• The Mystery of Charles Dickens

  • By: Peter Ackroyd
  • Narrated by: Simon Callow
  • Length: 1 hr and 46 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (44 ratings)

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The Mystery of Charles Dickens  By  cover art

The Mystery of Charles Dickens

By: Peter Ackroyd
Narrated by: Simon Callow
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Publisher's summary

In this BBC Radio adaptation of Peter Ackroyd's spectacular one-man show, Simon Callow portrays both Charles Dickens and many of his best-loved characters, from Mr. Micawber and Bill Sikes to Oliver Twist and Nancy. Readings from his novels interweave with the author's own words and an incisive, compassionate narrative. Dickens' idyllic childhood in Chatham was swapped for his family's penurious existence in London. With his father imprisoned for debt, young Charles was deprived of an education and forced to work in a blacking factory. Such experiences molded him into the fiercely industrious, ambitious writer who would later claim that his characters talked to and touched him. Full of fascinating insight, the play illustrates how Dickens never quite managed to escape the dark shadows cast by his earlier life. Featuring material not included in the radio broadcast, this production is prefaced with an introduction by Callow himself.

©2012 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2012 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

What listeners say about The Mystery of Charles Dickens

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Another "WOW!" book!

Another very interesting and informative book about one of the most famous writers of all time! Loved it. AND, of course, I love to listen Simon Callow. He is Dickens personified!

Highly recommend!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Astounding performance

Callow is Dickens. If you love the works of Dickens or only have a passing acquaintance with his key characters, this is an amazing work. I have read the full Dickens biography by Peter Ackroyd and that is also wonderful but this work brings Dickens and his characters to life.

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Avoid this one

An over-acted, self-indulgent production. Worst audio program I’ve ever listened to. I don’t recommend it.

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