A Tale of Two Cities

"A Tale of Two Cities" is the best selling book of all time and Charles Dickens is easily one of the world's most iconic writers. Add the great narration that we've come to expect from Simon Vance and you have an Audible Classic that one will thoroughly enjoy.

Charles Dickens did a great job when he wrote this book and the sales of book over time does tell you why. This is one of those timeless classics that you can't help but enjoy. The pace of the book itself languishes a bit and will not be appreciated by everyone. The slower pace however is used with good effect as it is used to set up the book pretty well. If you're a fan of good imagery, it is painted very well in these 'slow' moments. When the pace does pick up however, it picks up fast and extremely well with a lot of exciting action.

The novel talks about the plight of the French commons brought upon by the French ruling class, the subsequent revolution and then the often times senseless revenge the French commons take on the former French ruling class. Parallel to this is also mentioned life in London during the same period. It follows the lives of several protagonists through these events.

Simon Vance does a very great job bringing life to the story. I found myself enjoying his narration quite well. This book had a relatively large cast and and the way he was able to bring life to each individual character is impressive to say the least.

I seldom re-read or re-listen to novels. Rarely do I find a novel where the gravity of the writing makes me NEED to return to it again and again. There are, however, exceptions to every rule and Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities is definititely an exception. This is a top-tier novel narrated by a top-tier narrator. LIke Tolstoy and Hugo, Dickens is able to mix a story that is epic in historical scale, while also keeping it an intimate book. Dickens examines the challenges, both personal and political, that emerge out of the struggle between subject and state. This is a beautiful story beautifully told.

Not disappointed at all in any way. Once this is your type of title, you will enjoy.

The opening description. I am a fan of good, simple poetry.

Excellent! In my book of favorite narrator's (up there with Roy Dotrice - Game of Thrones Series).

Hmm, objectively, none. Each tale has its own set of characters and character development, which contributes to a whole. At least from my limited POV.

Wish the book was longer! Reading and listening was an awesome experience with this title!

I cannot pronounce the French names and places, so hearing them made it come alive. I have tried to read the classic a couple of times, and got bogged down in the beginning with "all those descriptive words"! Hearing it made it so much more interesting!

Cotton - love and faithfulness; Barnay - a hero.

I have not.

I could not listen in one sitting! I had to put it down and read a book...then I went back to it and was thrilled that I did. I did not expect the ending!

I had just finished Les Mis, so here I was back in the French Revolution - at the wine shop - different time period! Now I know why it is a classic. I have learned much about life in Paris!

After a really tedious beginning, the story delivers an amazing finish. Dickens delivers a powerful, timeless, message about good, evil, sacrifice, and horrific political choices.

Yes, this is a classic and in this day and time with income inequality getting further apart this book is pertinent today. Don't pass this one up.

The first chapter and the last paragraphs are my favorites!

He has the voice that draws you in and makes you hold your breath while he tells the story of the French Revolution and the extremes that happen when people are ignored. He is a master!

This is a great cry! Sidney Carton is one of those antiheroes that you love, who breaks your heart by being the most noble of all the characters in the book.

Don't miss this book! Simon Vance reading Dickens? Nothing gets better than this!

A good story. It also starts you thinking more about history and our time and place.

No, too intense, and at times too slow.

He does a great job with the voices and really brings the characters to life.

This is the best audio book I have listened to so far. Simon Vance is a master reader and his subject material is well written. The unlikely hero Sidney Carton is believable and likeable. You really get a feeling for the build up of the revolution and the effects on all stratas of society.

Sad and glad ending at the same time.

I have just finished listening to The Man In the Iron Mask. While the themes are different and Charles Dickens story is more moralistic it was good to follow up a novel of Louis the IV with France 2 generations later.

Simon Vance read the Man In the Iron Mask and I was so impressed by this reading that I looked for other books read by him. He is very good at creating substantial differences between characters.

This book moved me greatly. There is humour but the storylines of people imprisoned brought home the horror of the situation-Dr Manette in the Bastille. Charles Darney in the Concierge and the nobleness of the unlikely hero Sidney Carton.

I Highly recommend this book

I loved everything after the year 1789. I did not quite understand where the novel was heading until that year in the novel. Up until this point the novel contains a lot of details that the reader assumes come into play later, but it wasn't until the last third that the intention became clear to me.

Carton. I also liked the Manettes too.

Simon Vance is a rock star. No particular character stood out to me.

Not exactly, but the last third was about as intense as you'll find in a classic of this sort.