A Tale of Two Cities

English language

Published July 14, 2003

ISBN:
9780141439600

View on Inventaire

4 stars (56 reviews)

A Tale of Two Cities is an 1859 historical novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel tells the story of the French Doctor Manette, his 18-year-long imprisonment in the Bastille in Paris and his release to live in London with his daughter Lucie, whom he had never met. The story is set against the conditions that led up to the French Revolution and the Reign of Terror. Dickens' best-known work of historical fiction, A Tale of Two Cities is claimed to be one of the best-selling novels of all time. In 2003, the novel was ranked 63rd on the BBC's The Big Read poll. The novel has been adapted for film, television, radio, and the stage, and has continued to have an influence on popular culture.

14 editions

Review of 'A tale of two cities' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

This is the second book I've now read of the Penguin Clothbound Classics series and again it is a lovely book, great looking cover with vivid colours and it feels great in your hands. This series is why I prefer paper over electronic when it comes to books.

I've read a couple of Dickens's books before and I enjoyed them, a lot of people found them tough to read, to those people I say read A Tale of Two Cities. Being partly historical fiction and based around real events it becomes much easier to read. The French revolution was an evil time and Dickens doesn't shy away from the details, in fact he seems to enjoy describing the workings of the Guillotine even being quite poetic at times. A smaller cast than usual means you really get to know the characters and even get to have a favourite, Mr Lorry …

Review of 'A Tale of Two Cities' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

There are a few dry patches, but overall a tremendous novel with an emotional impact and some horrifying imagery of mob mentality. My only quibble beyond the occasional dull aside is, for whom, exactly, is this the 'best of times'? I was promised from the opening line the best and worst of the times but only got the latter.

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