David Copperfield [Trout Lake Media]

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Peter Batchelor

Dickens called David Copperfield his "favourite child," and many critics consider the novel to be one of his best depictions of childhood. Set in early Victorian England against a backdrop of great social change, Dickens acutely observed the phenomena of the Industrial Revolution and used them as the canvas on which he painted the novel. Many consider David Copperfield to be the author’s finest work.

Public Domain (P)2013 Trout Lake Media

Wonderful Listening Experience

Would you listen to David Copperfield again? Why?

No, I already know the outcome, but as I read it, I did replay several scenes because they were so delightful.

What other book might you compare David Copperfield to and why?

not sure because this was my first experience at listening to fiction. I usually listen to history, biography or other non-fiction

What does Peter Batchelor bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

wonderful expression...he does the voices of the different characters that brought the book alive. I can't believe how much of a listening "page turner" it was..because of Dickens's always-interesting and entertaining characters. Had I simply read the story, I don't think I would have imagined a lot of the characters's voices...This narrator was really perfect for this novel.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

well, you can't because it is so long.

Any additional comments?

This was my first time listening to non-fiction. I do a two hour commute every day (both ways) and I can't recommend this book enough. At first I was concerned that maybe I would forget the previous day, so I checked out a copy from the library to review sometimes a little bit before the next time...but I only had to do that a couple of times.I even did my weekend 3 mile runs with this in my iPod! Another first for me...I highly recommend this book.. In fact, I am going to purchase another Dickens book read by this narrator.It is one of my favorite books so far from audible...and I've been a member for over three years.

Fitting rendition of a classic

Peter Batchelor does more then justice to Dickens' epic fictionalised memoir. As a first-person narrative it is ideally suited for the intimacy of the audiobook format, and Batchelor is throughout at one with the material, his deep baritone rolling on with unflagging verve through the yarn's decades. Unavoidably he recedes a little on the female parts, particularly the vapid ingenue Dora, but his range and variety on the male characters is vast. My favourite was the Cockney climber Uriah Heep, but the country boatman Dan Peggotty's tones were rich and dark as gravy on the ear. Dickens' themes of upbringing and maturity are woven densely through the story, which is studded with moving moments as well as richly comic scenes, mostly involving the hapless Mr Micawber. After 32 hours the end left me wanting more.

Absolutely wonderful.

The only negative that I can give this audio book is that I didn't listen to it sooner. Peter Bachelor is a marvelous narrator. He devoted himself so wholely to each character's personality that I forgot it was but one person that narrated. I believe this story to be Charles Dickens finest work. It ran through all of my emotions and I am better for have listening to it.

Awesome book and performance!!

Very well read. Very well written. A true delight to listen to while I work.

First time I've heard Peter Batchelor narrate

Such a great story and perfectly read by Mr. Batchelor. I loved all the characters and each personality was brought out by his consistent characterization voice. Especially Uriah Heap! I could just picture his sniveling slimy self in the voice used to portray him. Even the women's voices were matched well to the character. Thank you Mr. Batchelor for bringing alive an old favorite! I will certainly look for other books read by you.

Listeners won't be disappointed even if you've heard the story many times!