Bleak House

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Sean Barrett, Teresa Gallagher

Length: 35 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

A complex plot of love and inheritance is set against the English legal system of the mid-19th century. As the case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce drags on, it becomes an obsession to everyone involved. And the issue on an inheritance ultimately becomes a question of murder.

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©2006 Naxos Audiobooks (P)2006 Naxos Audiobooks

Yes!

Great in all respects. One disappointment is that the last words of the book have been cut out!

Classic

This is a classic by Chad Dickens. I enjoyed it very much. Well worth it.

BLEAK HOUSE For The Ages

Dickens longest novel is not only his most impressive, literarily-speaking, but also one of his most unforgettable.
Here read by the marvelous actors Sean Barrett and Teresa Gallagher, you are given a heightened experience of the full text of Dickens ' great masterpiece.
Not a Dickens fan?
Get this, listen to the end.
You will be!

Noelle DePaula
Brooklyn, NY

Dickens Classic-One of my top three Dickens books

Other reviewers talk about the narration and I agree the dual narration is the key to this book as there are many female parts and a male only would hurt the story. There are several Esther Summerson narrations in the book and in my opinion can only be done with a female voice. This is a character driven novel galore with Tulkinghorn, Mr. Guppy, Skimpole, Mr Snagsby, Smallweed, I don't know nothing Jo, It is a classic like Great Expectations and Oliver Twist. I saw the two BBC TV series on Bleak House, but the 1985 follows the book more.
If you are a Dickens fan then this book will not disappoint. Bleak House was anything else but beak to me.

LOVE LOVE LOVE

The narration is a masterpiece in itself. The way the narrators can differentiate each character is amazing and made for easy listening.
I love the story. Esther's humility and kindness; Jarndyce's generosity; Woodcourt's compassion and devotion... Dickens creates lovely people that you wish you knew. Even if they are too perfect, I don't mind. And the 'villains' are fascinating, too!

Brilliant Bleak House

Bleak House is the greatest novel ever written, and here it is brilliantly performed by two gifted readers.

Ailmenet for Attorneys - The Queen of Hearts

Its cadence is so very Romantic Age. All works out somewhat well – and the full bodied words that Dickens uses to take you along for his tale are enchanting. Yet, be forewarned, after the initial tale begins, it tends to dull out for a while. Forebear!

The tale picks up in the second half and Dickens is at his best demonstrating the hypocrisy of the judicial system. The system, of justice, is built to right wrongs. In fact, Dickens teaches us it is a mere theater-place for the diabolical to take advantage of those in need. Woe to those in need. Like all Dickens novels: its there to demonstrate a societal injustice and hope the reading society now knows what needs to be corrected and in a Hegelian way it will come about.

Dickens works, always seem to introduce us to evil men who turn out to be great men, and established men that do not deserve their wealth and status. Yet, the book, for all its worth, is only secondary to meeting the most wonderful of people – our heroine, Ester Summerson. A wonderful person to meet - and have in one’s own life. She is at the center of most of the little side stories that keep the major tale going and one never tires of her kindness and perfect outlook on the world. There are better Romantic pieces but, if you are addicted to 19th century England; this a worthwhile read.

Better than reading the book

This reading by Ms. Gallagher and Mr. Barrett is absolutely spectacular. The book is a treasure, but can bog itself down for the modern reader with its inside jokes and obscure references from the time. These two readers manage to make it understandable just with their tones and emphasis. But they go so much further. I laugh (most of the time) and cry with their hilarious, heartfelt performances. The story truly comes alive, as it never could by text alone. I think this book must have been written to be read aloud, and must be experienced in that way and especially by these two superb actors. Can't recommend highly enough.

Made Me Cry on Construction Site

Usually if I'm moved to tears its 90% author and 10% narrator. Gallagher's treatment of certain characters (especially Charley) brings powerful emotions worthy of Dickens. A rare 50/50 partnership. This in no wise diminishes Barrett's performance. Amazingly well done by both narrators. Highly recommended.

A new art form

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely terrific. Not only is it a great story but the narration with dozens of different voices is like listening to a play. Except the play goes on for days, so by the end the characters are unforgettable and will stay in memory for a lifetime. Bravo to the actors!

What did you like best about this story?

Intricate plot, the way people put together such complex sentences back then.

Which character – as performed by Sean Barrett and Teresa Gallagher – was your favorite?

Grandpa Smallweed was a complete hoot.
The voice of George was perfect.
A young man named Guppy was also spot on.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

After listening to it for the three weeks, I went right back to the beginning and listened all over again. What a classic.