Hard Times

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Anton Lesser

Hard Times is Dickens's most political novel. Set in the industrial north of England, in Coketown, he examines the lives of working people, who are taught by the capitalists Gradgrind and Bounderby to think only of the facts of life and not to indulge in imagination. Gradgrind’s own children have been so educated and as a result are dysfunctional and disconnected from their feelings. Only the travelling circus company of Sleary seems to offer any hope of humanity in Coketown. Hard Times is a deeply moving story written in anger to strike a blow for the victims of the dehumanising processes of industry.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2011 Naxos AudioBooks

Wonderful narrator

Thoroughly enjoyed the narrator and the story. Eight more words are required so I typed that.

One of the best narrators

I can’t say enough about this reader. So immensely good especially with some difficult accents. Also one of Dickens’s most clear narratives. Excellent!

Wonderful

wonderful story and well done narration - love Dickens - highly recommend to anyone

Anton Lesser is THE BEST Narrator ever!

Lesser makes sometimes difficult to read, Dickens, lively and engaging. I will look for the rest of his narrations.

Engaging story very well read

I enjoyed the story and the reader was very talented performing all the different characters' voices even the various women!