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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
When I was in my 20s, I discovered the classics. I devoured Jane Austin, the Brontes, Thomas Hardy and many others. Except Dickens. I tried a few, but I just couldn’t get into Dickens.
Now, some 25 years later, I’ve started reading classics again. I loved Anna Karenina. I was enthralled by The Count of Monte Cristo. I decided to give Dickens another shot, so I picked up A Tale of Two Cities.
I don’t like Dickens. At least, I don’t like this Dickens.
At first, the writing style annoyed me. I was losing the story in the words. I was tempted to give up, but was determined to finish it. Eventually, I began to appreciate the writing. The imagery came alive. I found the third section much more readable. Readable, but not enjoyable.
The main problem I had was with Lucie. Much of the book revolves around people’s love for Lucie, but I really couldn’t figure out why. She was beautiful and she fainted a lot. She’s a completely undeveloped character. And Sydney Carton? He shows up at the beginning, long enough to establish that he’s the spitting image of Charles Darnay. Then in the middle he proclaims his love for Lucie. Which leads us to the end. It didn’t feel real to me – it felt like a plot device.
I wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me.
Now, some 25 years later, I’ve started reading classics again. I loved Anna Karenina. I was enthralled by The Count of Monte Cristo. I decided to give Dickens another shot, so I picked up A Tale of Two Cities.
I don’t like Dickens. At least, I don’t like this Dickens.
At first, the writing style annoyed me. I was losing the story in the words. I was tempted to give up, but was determined to finish it. Eventually, I began to appreciate the writing. The imagery came alive. I found the third section much more readable. Readable, but not enjoyable.
The main problem I had was with Lucie. Much of the book revolves around people’s love for Lucie, but I really couldn’t figure out why. She was beautiful and she fainted a lot. She’s a completely undeveloped character. And Sydney Carton? He shows up at the beginning, long enough to establish that he’s the spitting image of Charles Darnay. Then in the middle he proclaims his love for Lucie. Which leads us to the end. It didn’t feel real to me – it felt like a plot device.
I wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me.
Cities indeed do have tales. And they wag ferociously.
One of my best friends had me read this book a few years ago, so I'm sentimental about it. I hope I never forget the moment I realized what Carton was going to do. Also Mme. Defarge is my problematic hero, I wrote an essay about her and the moirai. "'Then tell Wind and Fire where to stop,' returned madame; 'but don’t tell me.'"
One of the most perfectly executed and
heartwrenching books I have ever read. Spellbinding until the very last page.
heartwrenching books I have ever read. Spellbinding until the very last page.
Not Dickens's very best--some total stiffs among the main characters here--but still a really good read. Strong humor, strong pathos. I especially loved the ending and the early passage in which the narrator describes the unknowability of other minds.
DNF @2%
Life is too short for me to dedicate time to reading this.
Life is too short for me to dedicate time to reading this.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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:
Yes
I don't think I've ever cried so much during any other Dickens novel.
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On a separate note, I think it's interesting to see what my reaction to the characters could have been if the novel had been written from the De Farges' perspective. I feel like a talented author like Dickens can always make a story sympathetic to any side they choose, so that could be interesting. Although, this book does a wonderful job demonstrating that there are always awful people on the side of progress too. SO much to think about, this is an absolute masterpiece.
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On a separate note, I think it's interesting to see what my reaction to the characters could have been if the novel had been written from the De Farges' perspective. I feel like a talented author like Dickens can always make a story sympathetic to any side they choose, so that could be interesting. Although, this book does a wonderful job demonstrating that there are always awful people on the side of progress too. SO much to think about, this is an absolute masterpiece.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
The love triangle was maybe 10% of this book unfortunately, but the ending was phenomenal.
I saw this at People's Light Theater this year, and let's just say the 2 hour theater experience was much more enjoyable than the significantly more lengthy reading experience.