A Tale of Two Cities (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

Dickens writes with an amazing understanding of the times and of human nature. His characters are true to life and reveal the perversity and noble news of man in all its glory. So many beautiful passages, so quotable, so memorable. Unchecked by Christian divine Providence, ugly revenge in society is all that remains to direct the human heart.

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.

Back in my high school English classes, I often didn't care much for the assigned reading. However, one book that I did really enjoy at the time was Charles Dicken's 1859 classic A Tale of Two Cities. Having not read it since, I decided to pick it up again and see how it stood up. I once again enjoyed it, but not as much as I did back then. This is, largely, because I'm not the same person as I was back then (thankfully), leaving one of the main threads of the book to speak to me less than it did then.The novel spans from 1775 and the outbreak of the American Revolution and its effects in London to 1793 and the height of the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution in Paris. As is typical of Dickens, there are a lot of characters. The main four are Sydney Carton, English lawyer and ne'er-do-well, Charles Darnay, a French noblemen who dislikes the actions of his class and lives in London and - it just so happens - looks just like Carton, Dr. Alexandre Mannette, just released from 18 years of unjust imprisonment in the Bastille, and Dr. Mannette's daughter Lucie, who helps him recover, later marries Darnay, and is the subject of Carton's unrequited love.Of these main four, Carton and Dr. Mannette are interesting characters. Carton struggles with trying to make something of his wasted life, and with his affection for Lucie. Dr. Mannette and his return to himself is likewise an interesting character arc. Unfortunately, Darnay and Lucie are less compelling. Darnay is mostly just kind of "there" with no real highlight except for his confrontation with his evil uncle the Marquis, and an unfortunate lapse in judgement that leads him, a member of a noble family, to go to Paris in 1792. Lucie doesn't stand out much. She cares for her father and, later, daughter, and is the object of Carton and Darnay's affections. She doesn't really have much character of her own.The secondary character are almost universally compelling. The Defarges, a winemaker and his wife in Paris, are leaders of the revolutionary patriots, with complex stories of their own. Madame Defarge, in particular, pretty much steals the scene whenever she shows up. Jarvis Lorry is a banker and friend of the main characters, and he's brave, savvy, loyal, and more world-wise than most. Jerry Cruncher and Miss Pross aid our heroes, and each have moments of brilliance. An unnamed seamstress appears late in the book and has more pathos in her short appearance than many books have between their two covers.A Tale of Two Cities being Dickens, there are a ton of plot twists an unexpected revelations. Sometimes they seem to be a stretch, but, well, that's just how Dickens works, and pretty much every twist in fact is connected to a previous character or scene that comes back to be vital to the story. So, while it might be hard to believe that all these connections and surprises can fit into one story, Dickens makes them exciting and does a good job of justifying them in the buildup.Dickens' language is fantastic. His description of the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror is particularly excellent. There are times he veers towards the wordy - though, by 19th century British standards, not especially so - but so often there are great lines, descriptions, phrases to be found in his prose that it's well worth it.So, as I said at the opening of this review, I liked A Tale of Two Cities this time around, but less than when I read it in high school. The main reason, I think, is that a major part of the novel revolves around unrequited love. Now, you can imagine why this would be a topic that captures the attention of a teenage boy. It certainly did for me. However, at this stage of life, after being with my wife for over fifteen years, I am amply requited (is that even a real word?). So, some of the raw emotion of the book just doesn't work for me the way it did back then (which, really, I'd call a good thing, personally). This might not matter to anyone else, but it took me a while to put my finger on just why I wasn't as into A Tale of Two Cities as I was the first time I read it, and I think it's interesting how a book can speak to the reader in different ways depending on where they are in their own lives.I listened to Simon Vance's reading of A Tale of Two Cities. Vance is one of my favorite narrators, and he does another fantastic job with this book. He does great voices for each character. He has such a broad range it can be hard to believe at times that the elderly man of business Jarvis Lorry, porter and honest tradesman Jerry Cruncher, and the gentleman Charles Darnay are all being voiced be the same narrator. I definitely recommend Vance's reading to audio book fans. Also, by odd coincidence, I had just read Vance narrate another tale of the French Revolution before this book - Rafael Sabatini's Scaramouche, which was also a great book, well-narrated.A Tale of Two Cities is a very good book, and a well-deserved classic. I recommend it to anyone curious to give Dickens a try. The plot is exciting, the language is compelling, and most of the characters are very interesting. I may not like it quite as much as I did as a teenager, but I still think A Tale of Two Cities is an excellent book, well worth reading.

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

An episode of horrific European history, entwined with adventure, intrigue, loyalty and love amongst many other elements. Probably the best from the master of stories.

Una de las grandes obras de Dickens, historia dramática con fondo amoroso que sucede en el periodo del Terror durante la Revolución Francesa.

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 👍

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.