Reviews

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

elreyturco's review against another edition

5.0

A compelling story, although told by an author that shares its liberal world vision with those whom he criticizes. It isn't hard to realize that, albeit he concedes that the French Revolution was violent and perpetrated by immoral and treacherous people, he also extolls the mob for displacing the old "high and mighty" as justifiable as any other form of political action.

Despite all these ethical issues, the book hitherto keeps the status of a "classic" that must be read and enjoyed by every reader.

musicdeepdive's review against another edition

challenging dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes

4.75

Obviously the better of Dickens' two historical novels, a heavy and emotional read where any moments of levity are mere grimaces amidst a torrid social climate. One of his more economical novels pacing-wise as well, which prevents the work from getting caught up in extraneous plot detours and allows us to constantly feel that immediate excitement + terror of Revolution-era France and the lives of those involved in it. Arguably the best ending to any Dickens novel, too.

laureenreads's review against another edition

4.0

Reading Dickens is, at the best (and worst) of times, difficult. It's a worthwhile endeavor, but man, it can be hard to get through.

alexan13's review against another edition

5.0

This is clearly not a critical review by any means but I just need to express how completely this book consumed me. I am an ugly crying mess having finished it. Without a doubt my favorite book of the year so far.

austinrawr's review against another edition

it was very boring, also i was like 11 so i didn't fully appreciate it 

ted_funsten's review against another edition

4.0

I read this years ago in middle school or high school. It's easy to remember the general plot and Sidney Carton's closing lines. I had forgotten how rich the plot was.

penifredrg's review against another edition

dark sad tense slow-paced

4.0

tigerjack's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

marleskere's review against another edition

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

A classic of classics, witty writting, complex characters and thus their reasoning. Unexpected twists and turns along with the epic setting make it an entertaining and thoughtful novel.

timdorittke's review against another edition

challenging hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5