David Copperfield

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Martin Jarvis

Length: 34 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

When David Copperfield escapes from the cruelty of his childhood home, he embarks on a journey to adulthood which leads him through comedy and tragedy, love and heartbreak, and friendship and betrayal.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Great Narration!

What can one say about Dickens' masterpiece that hasn't been said already? I'd just like to recommend it to every woman in this day and age who says she's "not a feminist," so that any one who makes this claim can be absolutely certain about what she'd be happy to give up. The guilt and shame that Little Em'ly had to live with for the rest of her life because she allowed herself to feel sexual attraction to someone other than the cousin she had grown up with as a brother... the way Mr Murdstone could freely harass his wives to death with no one to intervene on behalf of them...the way even the stronger, happier women, such as Mrs. Macawber, had to preface every statement of opinion with some self-effacing comment about being only a woman and so perhaps not conversant on these issues - just to name a few examples. What a look this is at a society where women have no power.

Mainly I would like to add to the chorus of praise for this narrator. Martin Jarvis successfully creates a different voice for every character - and any one who's read Dickens knows that is a major accomplishment. He is so good at this that the listener knows instantly who is speaking, even when the narration doesn't immediately identify the character. His voice and skill at evoking emotion are a perfect match for this text. Well done, Audible - can I put in my suggestion that when you are looking for someone to do the unabridged Lord of the Rings, that Mr. Jarvis be first on your list? I can just imagine what he would do with that cast of characters!

David Cooperfield

Found the book to be very enjoyable. Laughed and cried. The narrator for the most part was very good. However, I found when he did some of the female voice, it grated on my nerves. Other than that, very good listen.

Classic Dickens

A great story and very well read. Excellent

This is the One book for all time

A feast. 34 hours of joy. The story, the characters, the language, the performance. All are perfection. Nothing comes close. A heart-wrenching story that spans the length of this boy's life to middle age. The people that he meets are cruel, heartless, kind, ruthless, compassionate; and every one leaves an indelible stain on David's life. It is inconceivable that any author today could match even one page of Dickens' genius with words.

The very finest narrator

Any additional comments?

Like many others here I am writing this review primarily to applaud Martin Jarvis's astounding narration. I felt that it was read by 50 different narrators. Each character was marvellously delineated and individualized. You knew who was speaking the moment the "voice" appeared. I have listened to some very excellent narrations from Audible.com....but without doubt, this was the very finest. Mr. Micawber himself would have trouble coming up with sufficient superlatives for this performance.

Tremendous

Martin Jarvis is a wonder. His narration is flawless and his particular character voices are so endearing and appropriate that I wonder if he makes the text even greater than it is, at it is great.

Fabulous!

Even clocking in at 34+ hours (can you believe it?) I didn't want it to end. I wholeheartedly agree with the other reviewers that say Martin Jarvis is hands-down the best reader of Dickens around. He's certainly the best I've ever heard. As a point of comparison, I love Jim Dale's reading of the Harry Potter books, and Mr. Jarvis rivals (or perhaps even bests) him. Wonderful story, wonderful reader. Who could ask for more?

David Copperfield

What a great work by Dickens, the reader did an absolutely fantastic job. The story kept my attention throughout. I read this book ages ago and was not disappointed listening to it now.

Great story, amazing reading

Martin Jarvis was a pleasure to listen too. This was one of the best read audible books I've ever listened to. Beyond that, the story is wonderful- beautifully constructed and written, and filled with emotion and life.

Best reader ever

I liked this book as a child. Now, as an older nan, I was a bit impatient with David C. Still, the reader was brilliant.