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3.72 AVERAGE
3.72 AVERAGE
I found “A Tale of two Cities” a lot more difficult to like than “David Copperfield” - at least in the beginning. For me, it doesn’t really pick up until the second half (or the third part) of the book, when the characters arrive in France. Still, that part made up for the slowness of the beginning, and I suspect it’s a book that benefits from rereading. I read on a Twitter thread that one of the books weaknesses is its lack of comic characters, and I would agree with that. I doubt I’d have stuck with it if it wasn’t for my little project - but then that’s exactly the point of it, to have some extra incentive to keep reading. As it is, I’m glad I read it - I didn’t take to the characters as I did to those in “David Copperfield” (except maybe towards the very end), but it was interesting to read his views on the French Revolution. And there are some really good lines in here, too. It’s a book worth reading, if only to see what comes after one of the most famous opening sentences of English literature.
Just loved "Great Expectations", however, I could not bear the drudgery and bogged down plot that comprises much of this work.
With the whole imagery of the revolution, self-sacrifice, the manifold occurrences of love for a woman, it reminded me a lot of "Les Miserables".
I'd rather read "Les Miserables" thrice than to go through this again. Won't be my last Dicken's but can't say I'm much looking forward to the next.
With the whole imagery of the revolution, self-sacrifice, the manifold occurrences of love for a woman, it reminded me a lot of "Les Miserables".
I'd rather read "Les Miserables" thrice than to go through this again. Won't be my last Dicken's but can't say I'm much looking forward to the next.
Easily the #1 book I'm most disgusted with after having read it, this novel made sure I wouldn't touch another Dickens book. It's a shame too because I really wanted to like Chuck, but he didn't deliver. Dickens pales in comparison to Dumas.
challenging
dark
slow-paced
The first Dickens work I’ve read that I did not particularly care for :(
Gripping novel that lives up to its classic status. Unforgettable characters and scenes.
Really good. The overarching story is about the massive class struggle and social upheaval during the French revolution, which being historical fact by the time this was written does not have any surprises for the reader.
However, woven into this are many subplots about loyalty, love, vengeance, and sacrifice that really make a compelling story.
That, and the prose and narrative style used by Dickens make this a really enjoyable read.
However, woven into this are many subplots about loyalty, love, vengeance, and sacrifice that really make a compelling story.
That, and the prose and narrative style used by Dickens make this a really enjoyable read.
Took me a long time to get to this but oh, the bliss.
Excruciating suspense at times, my body was tensing up with the need to 'get to it!' - the genius of Dickens.
Miss Pross, I love you - I was cheering you on, willing you as I would my own grandmother.
Anxiety at the cruel nature of a mob, lost in its lust for revenge and power - echoes in modern times...
A brilliant, brilliant story.
Excruciating suspense at times, my body was tensing up with the need to 'get to it!' - the genius of Dickens.
Miss Pross, I love you - I was cheering you on, willing you as I would my own grandmother.
Anxiety at the cruel nature of a mob, lost in its lust for revenge and power - echoes in modern times...
A brilliant, brilliant story.
My lazy brain is having trouble getting into the language of his time. Oy.
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Not Dickens best effort but iconic. Too melodramatic for me and yet again the female character is flat.
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes