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A Tale of Two Cities
- The Audible Dickens Collection
- Narrated by: Simon Callow
- Length: 15 hrs
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A Tale of Two Cities
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Publisher's Summary
This Audible Exclusive production revisits one of Dickens' popular novels: A Tale of Two Cities. In Dickens' driving narrative we see many themes that permeate life today as well as characters who provide a window into the past. This, coupled with Simon Callow's expert narration, is a treat for those new to Dickens and lifelong fans alike. Featuring an exclusive introduction written by Callow, whose passion for Dickens shines through.
This release marks the start of the Dickens Collection, an exclusive series of unmissable performances available throughout 2018.
About the book
'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.'
So begins Charles Dickens' most famous historical drama: a gripping tale of war, social injustice and the choice between darkness and light. After being unjustly imprisoned for 18 years, French doctor Manette is released from the Bastille jail in Paris and embarks upon a journey to London in the hope of finding the daughter he never met. Young Lucie Manette is a pretty and dutiful girl who soon attracts the attention of two very different gentlemen. Now reunited with the father she believed to be dead, happiness appears to be within reach. But as they are all drawn back to the bloodstained streets of Paris, misery and the threat of La Guillotine loom once again.
In Callow's introduction, we discover how Dickens' own volatile personal circumstances of the time are mirrored in A Tale of Two Cities. He tells of Dickens' personal feuds and explains why this novel sees Dickens at his most theatrical.
About the author
With his father incarcerated, Charles Dickens had to abandon his studies at a young age and set to work in a factory so as to support himself. Despite his short-lived education, Dickens went on to write 15 novels, 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. Dickens had strong values, and they pervade A Tale of Two Cities, which can be seen as not only an inspirational text but one which will continue to stand the test of time.
About the narrator
Simon Callow is a multi-award-winning actor, writer and theatre director. He is best known for his performances in Amadeus, Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Simon has vast stage experience and clearly loves what he does. His fervour began at a young age working as box office staff, and it wasn't long before he made the transition from behind the scenes to centre stage - never looking back.
Callow is also known for his literary talents and has published various biographies including those of Oscar Wilde, Charles Laughton and Orson Welles. He has narrated over 20 audiobooks and brings his wealth of experience and characteristic charm to this exciting performance.
What listeners say about A Tale of Two Cities
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jenni Paxton
- 22-12-2023
One of the best books ever
this should be on everyone's essential reading list.
simon Callow is wonderful as the narrator
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 23-11-2023
Simon Callow is wonderful
Could listen to him all day. Thoroughly recommended would purchase another narration done by him
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- ML
- 16-12-2023
Excellent narration, fantastic story
Coming late in life to Dickens and this book, my first experience of it being read by Simon Callow couldn’t have been better. He’s excellent at bringing the distinct characters to life - particularly with more colourful characters like Jerry Cruncher, Sidney Carton, Stryver, Madame Defarge, etc. Really enjoyed it, and had no trouble picturing the scenes while listening along.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 13-09-2018
Dickens wisdom again
Not an easy listen - I sometimes became a little lost, but it all came together in the end and was infinitely rewarding - as Dickens always is.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 23-07-2022
was dubious
Bookclub choice and a bit dubious I'd enjoy it but I did, great storyline. it was really good to read up about each character partway through also helped put it all in perspective.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- James Allen
- 15-02-2021
Sublime
Simon Callow's reading of this wonderful, captivating work of genius is itself a work of genius: dramatic genius. Whether it's Miss Pross or The Vengeance or Stryver, all characters are given their full value. This book was as good as anything I have ever read or seen or heard. Astounding. Mr Callow deserves the highest praise for his efforts.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Victoria Williams
- 11-06-2023
Perfect narrator for a truly great novel
One of the supremely great novels of English literature and Simon Callow has Dickens' cast of characters running through his veins. Wonderful, pitch perfect performance of a sublime book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 11-12-2023
Incredible narration
Beautifully dramatized and presented by the narrator to bring this tale to its satisfying and moving conclusion.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Prue Raos
- 16-05-2018
It's been a grand few weeks
This story resonates through time. Simon Callow provides such insight in his reading. Listening to Dickens in the car has been transformative : I look forward to my commute because I can think about the characters and feel close to the storyteller and the narrator. Listen to this because it takes all the tedium out of driving and replaces it with a chance to seriously reflect.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- SB
- 06-08-2019
Narrators voices great, yawns off-putting
It is a beautiful story, well worth the read/listen. The narrators voices and accents were read well, however he frequent yawned which broke the flow
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1 person found this helpful