smilesgiggle's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book for the first time at 14. I remember it was to earn honor points for English class. No brainer. Though I was impressed by the story, I felt like I had read my first adult book. I didn't retain the plot - reading it again was a new experience.
Dickens portrays the tragedy of the French poor stomped on by generations by nobility. Starving. Naked. Dying.
La Guillotine gives them power and consumes their humanity.
The Dr's story- heartbreaking. The sacrifice- heartbreaking.
Madame Defarge - a woman scorned. The French Helen of Troy - feeding a revolution with her hatred.
Dickens portrays the tragedy of the French poor stomped on by generations by nobility. Starving. Naked. Dying.
La Guillotine gives them power and consumes their humanity.
The Dr's story- heartbreaking. The sacrifice- heartbreaking.
Madame Defarge - a woman scorned. The French Helen of Troy - feeding a revolution with her hatred.
seaswift14's review against another edition
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
jennifervu's review against another edition
4.0
This book passed by really quickly for me, but not in the "OH MY GOD, THIS IS SO GOOD" *pages turn* but rather the "HM, INTERESTING" and I'm already at the end. It felt like nothing and everything happened. Only towards the very end did I begin to really enjoy it because of the fast pace and the sacrifice at the end, which, let's be honest, it brought a downpour of tears. I think this is a wonderful tale and really capture the savagery of the French Revolution. Brilliant job, Dickens! Next up, Romeo and Juliet (:
mbomersheim's review against another edition
2.0
I, comparatively, liked Sydney Carton and I think that the ending to the novel was very fitting in its specific way. (I'm trying to be vague as to not spoil anything.) The reason I am giving this book two stars is that the plot was, for the majority of the book, difficult for me to follow. I think that this was because I was wholly unconnected with any of the characters.
elizabeth_1111's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
pixiebell_reads87's review against another edition
5.0
Dickens really makes you earn that ending. Fantastic how it all comes together at the end. Really good but challeging
yogeshvk5's review against another edition
5.0
The republic of Liberty, equality, fratenrity, or death!
It is bit natural to presume that a classic, acclaimed book written in 19th century might be outdated, slow and not-so-enjoyable. But this book can put those suspicions to rest. It has a solid plot with many surprise twists at recurring intervals. It has a vast array of characters that are either likeable or admirable. All the loose ends of the story are neatly tied in the emotional conclusion.
Considering the novel was written in 1859, at times, it is a bit difficult to follow Victorian English. But it is not too much of a hassle to google few terms.
I liked the comic character called Jerry Cruncher who is shown to have whimsical notions like his wife is praying against him to the God. The British courtroom scenes are depicted with great sense of humour through his lens.
As part of setting the context, the book chronicles the cruel, insensitive reign of french nobility, through the character of an unnamed aristocrat 'Monseigneur'. There is vivid description of the ruthlessness and immoral behaviour. He is someone who is not perturbed even by the death of a child due to rash driving of his carriage.
As you can't help but feel enraged with the impoverished conditions of starved citizens and total indifference of the ruling class; the eventual explosion of anger feels inevitable. After the 1789 revolution, the same characters are shown to indulge in mob justice and guillotine gaining the centrality in the affairs of redcaps.
Just one exchange from the book is illustrative.
A little wood-sawyer, having closed his shop, was smoking his pipe at his shop-door.
“Good night, citizen,” said (a character), pausing in going by; for, the man eyed him inquisitively.
“Good night, citizen.”
“How goes the Republic?”
“You mean the Guillotine. Not ill. Sixty-three to-day. We shall mount to a hundred soon."
One would have read the history of french revolution in school. But Dickens is able to put a face on each of the main stakeholders and thus we can appreciate the volatile and dangerous situations french citizens faced during those decades.
Some unforgettable lines from this book.
“It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known.”
"Then tell Wind and Fire where to stop,” returned madame (Defarge); “but don’t tell me.”
If you ever plan to read a lengthy classic English book, it is worthy to invest your time in this book.
vavocado's review against another edition
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
kindlereads's review against another edition
2.0
I could have lived my entire life without ever reading this book. Love in the time of revolution. I'm pretty sure this author was paid by the word. Too many characters, too wordy, too long, not enough action or events.
crimsondevilsin's review against another edition
4.0
It was an interesting read ass soon as I got use to written word. Enjoyable