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Little Dorrit  By  cover art

Little Dorrit

By: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Ian McKellen, Kenneth Cranham, Sophie Thompson, Margaret Tyzack, full cast
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Publisher's summary

Hailed by George Bernard Shaw as Dicken's "masterpiece among masterpieces" for its social indictment and sense of humanity, Little Dorrit is both an examination of Victorian England and a surprising love story.

This BBC Radio 4 dramatisation recreates the author's mid-19th Century London, in particular the East London area of Marshalsea. Drawing upon his own father's imprisonment in Marshalsea Debtors' Prison, Dickens placed the institution firmly in the heart of the novel when telling the story of Amy Dorrit.

The youngest child of debtor William Dorrit, Amy is born in Marshalsea prison. She and her father are befriended by Arthur Clennam, whose mother employs "little Dorrit" as a seamstress. The fortunes of the Dorrits undergo an extreme change when William inherits a fortune, and the family moves to Italy.

Back in England, Arthur Clennam finds himself the victim of a massive fraud and ends up in Marshalsea. There he is found by Little Dorrit, whose fortune has had no effect on her generosity and humility. Arthur realises that she loves him, but it is not until the Dorrit fortune is lost that the two of them can be united at last.

Peopled with Dickens' usual host of memorable characters, the author's mix of satire and genuine sentiment has made this one of his best-loved works.

Public Domain (P)2008 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

What listeners say about Little Dorrit

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Good story

Very nice story by great awesome, Charles Dickens
If you are interested in literature please consider Reading this

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Dickens is brought to life.

Ian McKellen, the only cast member I recognize, and the others do a fine job at bringing the novel to the radio. It's made me interested in the novel itself. Music, sound and all are done extremely well. Plan to check out more of Dicken's works.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Dickens comes to life

BBC full-cast dramatizations are usually a treat, and this one is no exception. If you are interested in experiencing Dickens in a manageable form --- some unabridged readings are in excess of 30 hours long --- this might be a good choice. I enjoyed it very much.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

another great dickens adapation

i thoroughly enjoyed this dramatisation. i have already listened to it twice. it captures the essence of the book without getting too wordy or tedious. i am also currently listening ro the unabridged reading of the book.

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  • MD
  • 12-15-15

Great Dramatization

I love this book, this story. The cart is so wonderful. The acting, the narration, the direction, the music, all are brilliant. A great work of art. Every time I listen to it, I fall in love with it. Kudos! Great production!

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1 person found this helpful

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must have in your library! great book for all ..

To all of Charlie's Dickson fans or who is just starting a collection of great books. what a great audio the characters are great for each dickson's fans you won't be disappointed... a great book for all who like dramatized books.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

NZ 2009

I enjoyed listening to this dramatised version of Little Dorit, made it easy to visualise the story and the setting. Easy Listening

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1 person found this helpful