A Tale of Two Cities (Collins Classics)

brilliant book. I loved this book favourite dickens yet. Great story doesn’t dawdle moving and educational. Please make your children read it.

I struggled with the first third of this novel but I was determined to read at least one Dickens through to the end. I cannot pretend that it was my most enjoyable read but I am glad that I competed it and would recommend it.Most of it is set in the years preceding the French Revolution and the most dramatic and engaging parts of the story occurring during the height of those events; so the historical setting was of interest and persuaded me that this was the novel to tackle.It is of course, great writing, full of witty observations, characterisations and wry humour. There are some stand out passages and quotes that made it worth the effort. But for me, Dickens is always going to be, a bit of an effort. I really can't put my finger on it. It isn't that I struggle with the language of the 19th century novel but really until the last quarter of the book, I felt like an observer, never wholly involved in the plight of the protagonists. It's all very clever stuff but to me, often feels self indulgent, a few too many overly convoluted sentences. I know a lot of confirmed fans will disagree strongly with this statement but it is my honest impression. If you have avoided Dickens and are now considering making a start with A Tale of Two Cities, do persevere if you find it a bit of a slog at first, it is worth it. But don't beat yourself up if you don't manage to stay the course either. Took me the best part of 40 years to manage it and I read Milton for fun!A note on this Kindle copy: no obvious typos or formatting issues to report. A very good copy, plus it's free so what do you have to lose?

Wonderful novel - very small print.

Loved the story, love Dickens. However, the notes at the back of the book reveal things which happen later in the book which was slightly annoying as I wanted to find things out as I read the text itself. Might be interesting to read the notes on a second reading.

This is a book that probably many have read before they finished high school or so I was told by my friends.I hadn't.Hence I wanted to know why this was such a classic and so popular.The narration used very archaic English to which I am not very accustomed to. But I think I have got the hang of it. Sentences sometimes very long and connected.Over all, it is brilliant story that connects some very interesting characters from the two countries England and France. It does a great job at exploring the condition of the common people in France before the French Revolution and details the lavish plunders of the elite and their cruelties to the poor. It even goes on to show how even after the revolution not much had changed but just the oppressors and the reversal of roles.I must admit though that I got tired of reading at certain points. The author has a way of sometimes narrating so much in detail that you might think what relevance it had to the story. But among some of those little details, there lie some clues as to what comes next or some connection to a back story that will be revealed later.Having said that, as I passed about 100 some pages, the book got moving really fast. That was when all the little characters and their connections started falling into place. Every thing slowly started making more sense.Dickens did a brilliant job in introducing a twist and subsequently another although the second was more predictable if you had been paying attention.And I confess if it wasn't for the Audible narration (1.5x speed) I would have had a hard time finishing this as I am someone who gets extremely impatient as I get to the half of the story trying to guess the climax and wanting to have a closure.I didn't know this was a novel of three books until I finished it .

This novel is set in London and Paris in the late eighteenth century during the French Revolution. It is a tale of love and the lengths people will go to in the name of love.Although this is a departure from Dickens' usual style of writing it nonetheless contains his hallmarks of beautiful, descriptive writing that draws attention to issues of poverty whilst introducing quirky and memorable characters. He is very balanced in his approach to the French Revolution. He is scathing of the lifestyles of the aristocrats whose conspicuous consumption sat uneasily alongside the starving peasants. Something had to give and Dickens is supportive of the need for a revolution. However, he shows the revolution to have spiralled out of control with unfair trials, people suspecting their neighbours, new laws brought in and applied retrospectively, finally culminating in the arrival of the guillotine and the indiscriminate slaughter of men, women and children for the sins of their ancestors. Yes, the French Revolution needed to happen, but not like this.The story centres around Lucie Manette, exquisitely pretty with a worried expression who is devoted to her father and husband. Not the most inspiring heroine but presumably everything a young lady should have been in those days. She marries Charles Darnay, a former French aristocrat who started a new life for himself in London. He is called to Paris to rescue an acquaintance from prison, seemingly unaware of quite how dangerous a place France had become. When he himself gets arrested the rest of the cast turn up in Paris to secure his freedom. Quite what possessed them all to go to Paris is beyond me, I can only assume the dangers were unknown to them. Also in Paris is Sidney Carton, a depressed alcoholic from London who is madly in love with Lucie and who is prepared to sacrifice everything for her happiness and to free himself from the tortures of unreciprocated love and the tyranny of alcoholism.I loved this book. The story is so famous and yet so beautifully told that it came fresh to me. It is not perfect - a few convenient coincidences were needed to bring the story together - but it is a must-read for anyone and contains some of the most famous lines, and one of the most famous endings, in literature.

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

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.

Maravilhoso, mas tem de ser lido em inglês.