Little Dorrit

The Audible Dickens Collection

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Length: 40 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

This Audible Exclusive production revisits Charles Dickens’ tragi-comic novel Little Dorrit. Written during the Crimean War, it a story of fortunes won and lost and a masterly portrayal of the failings of Victorian Society, with the ever-present spectre of law enforcement and imprisonment looming over a fearful population.

One of his later works, Dickens’ maturity shines through this masterpiece and a uniquely powerful and touching love story ensues from amongst scenes of heart-wrenching injustice.

About the book

Following the death of his beloved father, Arthur Clennam returns to his home in London in order to reunite with his wheelchair-bound mother.

Narrowly escaping from the clutches of his former fiancée, Flora Finching, Arthur finds solace in the company of his mother’s new seamstress, the innocent and sweet Little Amy Dorrit.

The youngest of three children, Amy works hard to support her father, who, as Arthur learns, has been imprisoned in Marshalsea debtors’ prison since before her time. Without a mother to care for them, Little Dorrit and her siblings reside with Mr Dorrit, and she, being the most caring of them all, takes it upon herself to pay off his debts through her needlework.

Wishing to find out more about their serendipitous connection and how such a girl could possibly have ended up in his mother’s well-to-do household, Arthur sets out to help Amy and uncover the Clennam’s long-held family secrets, a journey which will inevitably alter the course of both of their lives.

About the author

Like Mr William Dorrit, Dickens’ father was held at Marshalsea debtors’ prison, the memory of which haunted Dickens for years to come and eventually inspired him to transform his childhood recollections into a book entitled Little Dorrit.

At a young age, Charles Dickens had to abandon his studies and set to work in a factory so as to support himself.

Despite his short-lived education, Dickens went on to write 15 novels and various articles, novellas and short stories. He lectured and led campaigns for children's rights and education and arguably became the ultimate self-made man.

About the narrator

Juliet Stevenson CBE is an Olivier award-winning actress known for her career spanning theatre, film and television. Her film credits include Bend It Like Beckham (2002) and Truly Madly Deeply (1990). Juliet starred in Robert Icke’s 2017/2018 adaptation of Mary Stuart (Almeida & Duke of York’s Theatre) where she played not only the titular role but also the role of Elizabeth I consecutively, swapping parts at the literal flip of a coin between herself and Lia Williams. Most recently she appeared in series 2 of Riviera. Juliet’s versatility knows no bounds, and she recently collaborated with both Ruby Wax and Deborah Frances-White on a series of new comedy sketches.

Public Domain (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

Excellent!

This was an amazing story, Dickens is a fantastic storyteller. The narrator did a marvelous job!

Stevenson is Brilliant

Juliet Stevenson's rendition nearly eclipsed the genius of the words. Thanks for providing such a treat for the ears!

For the lovers of Dickens

This version of Little Dorrit is fantastic! You will be captivated by the creative voices Juliet Stevenson has put to the characters. She's amazing! She's done other audio books, so I will now go in search of those. Brilliantly done!

The only way to read Dickens

Juliet Stevenson makes the challenging language of Dickens not only understandable but also very engaging. Amazing.

Beautifully Performed!

I loved this reading of Little Dorrit more than I imagined I would. I need to listen to more works read by this reader! 👏👏👏

Ania GT

I’ve listened to hundreds of books, and this book performed by Juliet Stevenson was so far the best.
She really brings the characters alive.
Juliet Stevenson’s performance is in a class of if’s own. I can’t wait to listen to more books performed by her. EXCELLENT!

Amazing performance of an excellent work

Highly recommend this performance of Little Dorrit. Juliet Stevenson gives a masterful performance. Not to be missed.

Superb

Juliet Stevenson brought this masterpiece to life - I couldn't stop listening. Highly, highly recommend!

Wonderfully entertaining

How does Ms. Stevenson do it?!? Make all those distinguishable voices and bring out their character so well! I am especially floored by her characterization of Mr. Panks. I highly recommend this book.

Brilliantly narrated

Juliet Stevenson brings to life this wonderful assortment of Dickens’ characters. Even lesser Dickens is still delightful.