Dombey and Son

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: David Timson

Length: 39 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

Dombey and Son is vintage Dickens and explores the classic themes of betrayal, cruelty and deceit. Dombey's dysfunctional relationships are painted against a backdrop of social unrest in industrialized London, which is populated by a host of fascinating and memorable secondary characters. The complete and unabridged novel is brought spectacularly to life by veteran reader David Timson.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

Public Domain (P)2009 Naxos Audiobooks

Brilliant narration!!

Better than reading the book? Yes- the narration is so good, it really brings the story alive. This is not one of Dickens great novels, but well worth the listen. Many of the social themes that Dickens typically examines are here, but the central themes are "Papa, what's money," and pride goeth before the fall. The main characters can be a bit tiresome (not Timson but rather Dickens). But there are some truly memorable and wonderful characters in Domby and Son, and Timson does a great job of inhabiting them. The novel's really bad guy, James Carker, has just the right resonance of condescension and swarm. Captain Cuttle is masterfully inarticulate, and Major J.B. Bagstock is equally masterfully a conceited windbag. You will much enjoy!!!

Sublime reading of a poignant & powerful novel.

Timson's reading is filled with distinct and fitting charcter voices, backed up by an intimate understanding of one of Dickens best and most overlooked books. This is definitely the version to listen to.

Magnificent

David Timson's rendition of this classic is simply the best audiobook performance I've ever heard and,at this point I've probably heard thousands. His incredibly subtle and varied read brings Dickens' funny,sad,evil and richly human characters to full life. I'll listen to this one over and over to bathe in the artistry of these two masters.

Excellent theatrical reading

I really enjoyed the story and the narrator did a wonderful job. So many characters bought to life.

Wonderful narration!

Timson’s narration is exceptionally good, voicing many varied characters in individual and compelling ways. It make this good but not-quite- great Dickens novel a singular treat.

Great performance!

David Timson did an excellent job. Each character is instantly recognizable by its voice as read by Timson.

Another Dickens Classic that will not disappoint

This is a gem of a novel and in my opinion one of Dickens top 5 novels. For those who enjoy Dickens it has it has all the classic characters from a evil school master Mrs. Pipchin, to a underhanded business manager Mr. Carker who Dombey trusts. A maligned daughter Florence and a second wife Edith who stands up for herself. Although it is Dombey and Son it is more about the women who make up the main characters who stand up to Dombey, or aid him. I recommend this especially for women. The narration is also terrific by Timson. I would look for his work in the future.

My favorite Dickens so far.

I only have a couple more to listen to and my favorites are Dombey and Our Mutual Friend. The former is a real tear jerker especially the relationship between father and daughter. The book has the typically large cast of interesting characters and exciting plot developments,
intertwined with informative descriptions of Victorian life and environment. Dickens description of the railway construction was especially interesting.
David's narration is excellent with an impressive array of voices and accents.

Wonderful

Dickens was a genius and this book demonstrates it once again. Great story, simply wonderful characters, driving plot. Ok, a bit melodramatic at times, but it is a nineteenth century novel, and written for installments publication, remember. Greatly appreciated and recommended.

Lesser-Known Genius

This is not one of Dickens' more famous novels and not one with which I was familiar. The maturity of storytelling in this novel is outstanding among Dickens' works. On a standing with 'Our Mutual Friend' in its lyrical beauty, it is less stark than that tome despite its themes of familial neglect and rejection. David Timson's reading is - as always - flawless. I would highly recommend this title to anyone.