A Tale of Two Cities [Recorded Books]

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Frank Muller

Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." So begins this classic, one of the most beloved novels of all time. Charles Dickens brings the French Revolution to life through such vivid characters as Charles Darnay, the Old Doctor, Sydney Carton and Lucy Manette. The action peaks with the storming of the Bastille, the dreaded symbol of government authority. And the blade of La Guillotine falls again...

(P)1986 by Recorded Books, Inc.

Story is great, recording is... not.

This book would be fantastic re-recorded. Even with the same narrator, who was great, but the quality of the recording is poor. Really distracted from the story.
But what a story! It is a classic for a reason.

Lovely

Long before the Coen brothers told their tales of tragedy and absurdity, there was Charles Dickins. Characters like Cruncher and Striver and even the relentless Madame DeFarge offset the nobility of the erstwhile Sidney Carton.

6 Stars! In every way!

From the rich description to the eloquent language to the heartbreaking story of Charles Dickens’ and sensational performance by Frank Muller, I would give this book my first 6 stars ever!

🏃🏻‍♀️ Plot and pace: I cannot believe this story said so much in such a short time. The plot twined and twisted brilliantly so many times, yet the pace made me live every moment to the fullest that I was left breathless.

🗺 Setting: I expected to be drowned in the sad and gory details of this terrible time of the French revolution, yet the justification and resolution were so clear as to provide a balanced view of this almost necessary evil. This makes it an absolutely relevant gem of literature for all generations to come.

💑 Characters: While all the characters appealed to my mind and senses, none hold my heart so fully as Sydney Carton. I wished with all my soul to help him, to know why and how he had become this way, but suffice it to say... “I wish you to know that you have been the last dream of my soul.”

I enjoyed the book

the book started off slow and confusing. but the last 7 or 8 chapters became more suspenseful. I enjoyed the book. I only listened because I wanted to complete the books from high school that I didn't actually read. it was a sad ending. and im not sure why Cotton was willing to sacrifice himself and be beheaded. the author made it seem as if he was tricked. I'm a little confused. the narrator voice impressions were not differing enough to separate characters.

Absolute literature...and a page turner at that!

This is my first time reading/listening to this famous novel. I was amazed at the gracious style that flowed and was so descriptive yet kept you entertained all the while. These characters became my friends and enemies and were a part of me for the 2 weeks it took to finish this in my car. It has all the excitement of a best seller drama yet at the end of the novel I was changed. That is literature.

The narator is absolutely excellent. His personas assumed throughout the peice were consistent and superb. This is a 10/10 and a must get!

One of the best books ever written...

And this is one of the best audiobooks ever performed.

If you know the book, this improves that knowledge. If you don't know the book, you're in for a real treat. This is a classic with some of the most richly drawn characters in literature.

An excellent book, an excellent audiobook.

A Brilliant Book and a Fantastic Recording

The Book: Dickens is a master with prose. If you have a love of classic literature you will not be disappointed. If you are new to Dickens, you may find his verbose style overwhelming. He tends to use 15 words when he could use 2, but brilliant words they all are. When you find yourself getting lost in yet another long narrative, just sit back and relax, let the fabulous language wash over you.

The Recording: Brilliant! Frank Muller is fabulous.

Maybe my favorite

This may be my favorite audio book ever. It was drive around the block great day after day.

No wonder it is a classic.

Few novels have historic phrases at the beginning and ending of the story. This one does and everything in between is equally wonderful.

Great story with great lessons

Here we have someone who tried to do right and was imprisoned by those in power to keep themselves in power. Then later when freed the same person fights to free another who is condemned just because he's related to someone. Another gentlemen his 'twin' as he's called steps in to save him. The aristocrats think the whole thing is just marvelous while waiting to die. They truly believe that they will be save. This story has some great lessons and if fits in with the 'scarlet pumpernickel.'