The Cricket on the Hearth

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Jim Dale

Length: 3 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

The holidays are upon us, and this year Audible is very happy to present to our members one of Charles Dickens’ most popular Christmas stories, The Cricket on the Hearth. This holiday classic (original subtitle: “A Fairy Tale of Home”) tells the innocent, picturesque, and charming story of a poor family and their would-be guardian angel; in short, a delightful vision of Victorian Christmas. As always, a great story calls for a great voice, so we’ve brought in legendary actor and record-breaking Audie and Grammy award-winning narrator Jim Dale (The Night Circus). Happy holidays and happy listening!

Public Domain (P)2013 Audible Inc.

Last Paragraph Missing?

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The audiobook is very good - Dale's narration is excellent, but it seems the very last paragraph of the story isn't included. It's a pretty big deal because it definitely puts a spin on the tale.

What did you like best about this story?

Despite the melodrama, I did like John and Mary (Dot) Peerybingle, and the way Dickens sketches out their characters.

Have you listened to any of Jim Dale’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not yet, but I have the Harry Potter books coming in and I thought this would be a nice way to check out his narration style.

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

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Audible, please review the text of The Cricket on the Hearth. As I said above, the very last paragraph is missing from the audiobook - otherwise I would have given the story and overall 5 stars.

Great reading of a classic Christmas tale.

Long ago I purchased the CD version of Jim Dale reading A Christmas Carol and it quickly became an annual listening tradition. When I spotted his special reading of The Cricket on the Hearth for Audible.com I couldn't resist. Neither Dickens nor Dale disappoint with this time-honored tale. Listening to these novellas is a must for the holiday season and you won't be disappointed with this charming story!

Another Jim Dale masterwork

The parallels to "A Christmas Carol" are unmistakeable. The visits of the fairies, the altered nature of the curmudgeon, and the triumph of love are all present. The theme may be similar, but the story is different. Jim Dale does his usual best to bring Dickens' uniquely named characters to life as only he can. I highly recommend!

Underestimated holiday classic

After 'A Christmas Carol' this book is my favorite Dickens Christmas book. It is a wonderfully warm tale full of Dickens usual tropes and melodrama. These include a stranger with a secret, almost farcical misunderstandings, unique characters and the joyful wit and whimsy that has kept his books on people's shelves for a 100 odd years now. This book captures all of that but fails on one important factor: the energy of Dickens writing. Jim Dale narration lacks the joy I expect from a Christmas book by the writer that saved Christmas. The characters do not pop off the page and the magical passages in the book describing the toys Caleb made, or John and Dots relationship never warmed my heart or made me feel wonderment. The ending of the book, we're all the pieces come together, also were anticlimactic for me. The book is still wonderful and I will continue to read it but this version of the book will not be added to my holiday tradition.

Not much happens and kind of slow.

not sure why this is listed as a Christmas story, nothing about that in it. not really much going on and I found myself drifting off. it's ok

Slow starter

I almost out this aside after the 1st hour. Jim Dale is excellent but the story drags. But I was glad that I pushed through. A delightful ending.

Should have read this many years ago

I have always heard that a cricket on your hearth is good luck but I had never read why until now

Dickens Great As Always

I had not heard of this book until now but I love Dickens. As usual he is great. Along with A Christmas Carol and the Life of Our Lord this will be a holiday staple.

Jim Dale is also great as the narrator.

Sweet Story

It took a while to really delve into the story, but once the story was in full swing, it was sweet and endearing.

As for Dickens, wonderful prose. As for Jim Dale, his narration is always lovely to listen to.

The story is so good

Jim Dale once again, brings the characters to life! It’s so enjoyable to hear a wonderful story especially read by Jim Dale !

The Cricket on the Hearth

Allegedly Lenin once walked out during a rendition of this play due to its rather saccharine sentimentality.
However those of us who are devout fans of his works, are used to this side of the great man.
This is possibly his most sentimental of the 5 ‘Christmas’ books.
Jim Dale does a fine job as narrator.
Recommended