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Review
“[A Tale of Two Cities] has the best of Dickens and the worst of Dickens: a dark, driven opening, and a celestial but melodramatic ending; a terrifyingly demonic villainess and (even by Dickens’ standards) an impossibly angelic heroine. Though its version of the French Revolution is brutally simplified, its engagement with the immense moral themes of rebirth and terror, justice, and sacrifice gets right to the heart of the matter…for every reader in the past hundred and forty years and for hundreds to come, it is an unforgettable ride.”—from the Everyman's Library introduction by Simon Schama
About the Author
Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812, in Landport, Portsea, England. He died in Kent on June 9, 1870. The second of eight children of a family continually plagued by debt, the young Dickens came to know not only hunger and privation,but also the horror of the infamous debtors’ prison and the evils of child labor. A turn of fortune in the shape of a legacy brought release from the nightmare of prison and “slave” factories and afforded Dickens the opportunity of two years’ formal schooling at Wellington House Academy. He worked as an attorney’s clerk and newspaper reporter until his Sketches by Boz (1836) and The Pickwick Papers (1837) brought him the amazing and instant success that was to be his for the remainder of his life. In later years, the pressure of serial writing, editorial duties, lectures, and social commitments led to his separation from Catherine Hogarth after twenty-three years of marriage. It also hastened his death at the age of fifty-eight, when he was characteristically engaged in a multitude of work.
Richard Maxwell teaches in the Comparative Literature & English departments at Yale.
Richard Maxwell teaches in the Comparative Literature & English departments at Yale.
Review:
4.9 out of 5
97.14% of customers are satisfied
5.0 out of 5 stars The best of Dickens' work
Having one of the most famous opening paragraphs in Literature notwithstanding, this long tale stands on three solid pillars… along with a whole host of decorative posts. Pillar one is the historical detail, accurate to the very last aristocraticly-cruel glare over laced collar. The strong, ever-moving plot follows and stitches the bits of London and Paris history together into a finely woven story, one that echoes long-forgotten epic ballads, though in true literary form.The last pillar is the drama, not overly done, not poured so fast that the plot drowns as a spindly seedling in a lake... but patiently unfolding. Dickens caught up fistfuls of the rampant emotion present during that tumultuous time, hearkening forth the bloodcurdling bawls of long-maligned peasants whipped into a frenzy by the madness of mob rule. This review will not reveal all but merely attempt to incite curiosity in readers to entrench themselves in this classic book.It is difficult to remember throughout this story that this is indeed a ’Dickens’ book… an author known for his rather hopeful stories, whose plots tend to lean heavily on the milk of human kindness. Though Dickens excelled in painting humans as they are with his pen, this tome is by far his most macabre in flavor... yet, I knew as I read it that this was due more to the actual events than to the writer, for historical accounts show that despite one or two literary straying from known paths into storytelling, this piece may have almost been a chronological account of the revolution in question.The tale begins as most great stories do, with an innocent person suffering an enormous wrong by greedy overlords bent by decades of excess, wont to do as they please. This ‘beginning’ is gradually revealed as the plot goes along similar to now movies use flashbacks to give background filler. I digress: a young peasant girl falls victim to a particular, tyrannical aristocrat; as she is laboring to give birth to the nobleman’s illegitimate child a local doctor, Alexandre Manette, is called in to assist. Tragically, he is unable to save her or the child, and for some reason instead of merely warning the doctor into silence about the scene he’s just witnessed, the aristocrat ushered the good man into a waiting, blanketed carriage and hustles him off to the worst place in all France: the Bastille prison.Though the man wishes to decry his chains, his name is written down in the prison ledger and he is closeted away in one of the foul, stinking cells of stone. There he remains for 18 years, not knowing how his servants or young daughter are or how to contact them. Eventually one of his former servants Defarge finds him and is allowed to care for the man. Defarge and his oddly cold wife Therese run a wine shop and secretly nurture a blossoming secret revolutionary group referred to as ‘Jacques’, a name taken from an actual French Revolution group, the Jacquerie. Therese has her own dark reasons for zealously provoking rebellion, which are revealed later in the book.Time goes on; Dr. Manette’s daughter Lucie (a lovely, sweet-tempered girl) is cared for by the capable, motherly housekeeper; Lucie is laboring under the delusion that her father is dead. Eventually Tellson’s Bank in London gets word somehow of Manette’s real condition and in order to verify the information (the reason involved money)sends an astute and dedicated employee named Jarvis Lorry to Lucie. He explains that her father is alive and enlists her help; normally a17-year-old girl that that time would have been a traveling liability, but Lorry is clever enough to know that 18 years in the Bastille may have thrown a damper on Manette’s reasoning ability, and that seeing his daughter may slowly snap him out of it. This thinking proves correct.Eventually the seekers find Defarge, whom leads them to a cell where a half-catatonic, wasted Manette sits, making shoes in a compulsory manner, having severely withdrawn into his own mind. Eventually, the sight of his daughter’s golden tresses stirs a small memory in his mind, and he grows to recognize her and know himself again. Lucie and Lorry liberate him and carry him back to England to convalesce in the arms of family and devoted servants. Thus ends the first third of the book, and one of the few happier moments. Two more parts lead these characters into a web of mystery, love and finally, resolve.Notonly for readers but writers, this tome is well worth the time and energy required to read and enjoy the historical drama, well-developed characters and genteel intrigue overshadowed by the hideous wraith of revolution. Few today write as well--or as honestly--as Dickens did here.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
This review is also posted on Crazy for YA: [...]A Tale of Two Cities by Charles DickensLucy Manette's father has finally been found! Well, her financial guardian, Mr. Lorry, knew, but kept it from her to guard her heart. When she finally meets with him above a wine shop, he is mad. His mind is set on making shoes, and he will not rest. When he catches sight of his daughter, he gets slightly better, and eventually, with much coaxing, Lucy--and only Lucy--brings him out of his madness. They help in the trial of Charles Darnay, who is accused of treason. Little do they know that Sydney Carton is the one really running the trial. Lucy is taken on a journey through the bloody French Revolution. Secrets are revealed, and when Lucy was just trying to find peace between the two cities, she is brought into the heart of the Revolution.I’ve decided that I am going to try harder to read all the classics, and I decided this would start my adventure. Why? After finishing The Infernal Devices, I couldn’t stand not knowing who Sydney Carton was, and why Will is somewhat like him. Y’all know Will is my number one book crush, so I had to read this. Anywho, that’s why I read this. Plus I heard it was good. ;)This was very hard to read. It was written very well, but incredibly hard to read. I like to call it “wading through language.” Dickens just goes on and on and on and on. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, I just got a little bored. Even if you get bored with the plot, KEEP READING.*****This is one of those books that nothing really makes sense until the end, so keep reading! I happen to love this kind of book: when nothing seems to fit together, and then once you hit a certain point (usually later in the book), it all comes rushing back like a slap in the face. Everything becomes clear, and then you just can’t stop. SO KEEP READING!!! If you take anything from this review, please keep reading!Anyway, on to the characters. I liked Lucy enough, but Dickens didn’t give her much to do. What she did do, though, I admired her bravery. She’s very caring, something you don’t find in many protagonists, and if they are, you don’t really see it, but here you do. Now, Charles Darnay...I really don’t know what to think of him. I guess he was only trying to escape his fate, not because it was dangerous, but because that’s just not the life he wanted. So I guess I do like him; I would probably do the same thing. Mr. Lorry is one of my favorites, though, just because he’s so loyal, protective, and brave. Sydney Carton: my favorite of the novel (Lucy’s second, Mr. Lorry third). (Surprise!) I can only explain this by the end. ***SPOILER*** My thoughts at the end: “Sydney, you selfless idiot no!!!!” ***END SPOILER***Dickens creates a cast of lovely characters (you know what, I just like them all), uses incredible detail, and everything comes together at the end.
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The media could not be loaded. São edições bem simples se comparadas com o padrão brasileiro, com páginas semelhantes a de um jornal o que torna o livro bem flexível. Mas com um bom material de apoio
love this book please read it
brilliant book. I loved this book favourite dickens yet. Great story doesn’t dawdle moving and educational. Please make your children read it.
Obra maestra
Una de las grandes obras de Dickens, historia dramática con fondo amoroso que sucede en el periodo del Terror durante la Revolución Francesa.
Bad quality cover, but worth the price
For a paperback book you definitely see that the book cover is from bad quality. It is very thin and feels a bit off, however that doesn't mean that it is unreadable. Enjoyed reading the book and would definitely buy again. It is a great purchase for the price. Worth the price 👍
A Timeless Classic that Resonates Across the Ages
Rating: ★★★★★"A Tale of Two Cities" by Charles Dickens is an enduring masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and gripping narrative. Having recently revisited this literary gem, I'm reminded once again of its profound impact and lasting relevance.Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the French Revolution, Dickens weaves a tale of love, sacrifice, and redemption that transcends the boundaries of time and place. The vividly drawn characters, from the selfless Sydney Carton to the resolute Lucie Manette, come to life on the pages, their struggles and triumphs resonating with readers on a deeply emotional level.What makes "A Tale of Two Cities" truly remarkable is Dickens' skillful exploration of the human condition and his keen social commentary. The stark contrast between the two cities, London and Paris, serves as a powerful metaphor for the disparities and injustices of society. Dickens' portrayal of the Reign of Terror is hauntingly evocative, reminding us of the consequences of unchecked power and the fervor of revolution.The narrative unfolds with a sense of impending doom, and Dickens' mastery of suspense keeps the reader engrossed until the very last page. The famous opening lines, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," set the tone for a story that is both epic in scope and deeply personal in its exploration of love and sacrifice.As a reader, you'll find yourself immersed in the intricacies of the plot, rooting for the characters, and reflecting on the profound moral dilemmas they face. Sydney Carton's ultimate act of heroism is a testament to the redemptive power of love and selflessness, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's heart."A Tale of Two Cities" is a literary masterpiece that continues to be relevant in our ever-changing world. Its exploration of the enduring themes of love, sacrifice, and the human spirit ensures that it will resonate with readers for generations to come. If you haven't had the pleasure of experiencing this classic, I wholeheartedly recommend adding it to your reading list. It's a journey through history and the human soul that you won't soon forget.
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A Tale of Two Cities (Penguin Classics)
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