laurenjpegler's review against another edition
4.0
For the most part, A Tale of Two Cities was a phenomenal book, detailing the brutality of both London and Paris in the lead up to and during the French Revolution. However, occasionally, there were times when I wasn't taking in what I was reading. I find this a lot with Dickens; there are parts of the narrative that completely slip my attention. It annoys me, but I just can't seem to rectify it. I think maybe Dickens is an author who I have to re-read to fully appreciate his work. Despite this slippage every once in a while, I still enjoyed the book. I couldn't help but be swept away by the characters and the plot.
In particular, I enjoyed the brutal tone, language and imagery of the novel. It was so explicit; more explicit than I've ever read from a nineteenth century novel. Dickens constantly drew on the image of red blood running through the streets, and the poor starving to death. It was very in your face, I guess you could say, and I liked that. It felt quite raw and emotional. I also liked the story of Doctor Manette for this exact reason (which dominated the plot). It was an interesting route into exploring such a turbulent time. Also, the very ending of the story was a gut-wrenching experience. I kind of saw something like that coming, but I didn't really expect that - and it was very emotional.
I just wish I was familiar with the bits I missed. I will definitely have to give this a re-read at some point, and make connections between what I remember and what I don't. Although not my favourite Dickens, it was brilliant nonetheless.
In particular, I enjoyed the brutal tone, language and imagery of the novel. It was so explicit; more explicit than I've ever read from a nineteenth century novel. Dickens constantly drew on the image of red blood running through the streets, and the poor starving to death. It was very in your face, I guess you could say, and I liked that. It felt quite raw and emotional. I also liked the story of Doctor Manette for this exact reason (which dominated the plot). It was an interesting route into exploring such a turbulent time. Also, the very ending of the story was a gut-wrenching experience. I kind of saw something like that coming, but I didn't really expect that - and it was very emotional.
I just wish I was familiar with the bits I missed. I will definitely have to give this a re-read at some point, and make connections between what I remember and what I don't. Although not my favourite Dickens, it was brilliant nonetheless.
michaelwong's review against another edition
5.0
“The eye could not detect one creature in the group, free from the smear of blood” p. 272
“Though he said the last words, with a slip into his usual manner, there was a true feeling in both his tone and touch…” p. 321
"Madame Defarge slightly waved her hand, to imply that she had heard..." p. 322
“Though he said the last words, with a slip into his usual manner, there was a true feeling in both his tone and touch…” p. 321
"Madame Defarge slightly waved her hand, to imply that she had heard..." p. 322
ferris_mx's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good - but not as good as Great Expectations. A bit more of a tendency to high-blown language, even a bit more indefensibly serendipitous relationships between major characters. But still - deservedly a classic.
I'm sure that once in my youth I read fiction depicting the assassination of Marat, and I thought it was this. But it's not.
I'm sure that once in my youth I read fiction depicting the assassination of Marat, and I thought it was this. But it's not.
nmaltec's review against another edition
3.0
Read this sophomore year of high school so take that with a grain of salt.
kiwi_of_serenity's review against another edition
5.0
Dickens doesn't fail, and although this book is not actually my favorite Dickens, it still delivered in the end. I sympathized with the the characters (except Lucy... and until the end, Carton) and what I loved most was the historic view it presented. We realized that we saw history through foreign eyes, through Victorian English eyes looking through others accounts and through their own intentions and exaggerations. This was never meant to be a historical account, but it serves to prove the idea that history is not passive r past- it breathed and bled and fought.
The wit present everywhere in this book makes it enjoyable, and so does the plot- although the going gets tough in the middle. The only other drawbacks might be Lucy's lack of any competence and Darnay's lack of any motive whatsoever for his attitudes. But the point is still made- justice shucks not be blind, love is stronger than vengeance, we are secrets to each other and can never be fully honest.
I recommend this book to Dickens fans and anyone who is considering reading it for its merits as a classic. If you can only stomach one Dickens, I direct you to Great Expectations instead, but I will say that the two books are independently with reading because they focus on vastly different viewpoints. This book appeals more to history buffs or anyone interested in the French Revolution- Le Mis fans! Generally, though anyone who likes a story will like this book.
The wit present everywhere in this book makes it enjoyable, and so does the plot- although the going gets tough in the middle. The only other drawbacks might be Lucy's lack of any competence and Darnay's lack of any motive whatsoever for his attitudes. But the point is still made- justice shucks not be blind, love is stronger than vengeance, we are secrets to each other and can never be fully honest.
I recommend this book to Dickens fans and anyone who is considering reading it for its merits as a classic. If you can only stomach one Dickens, I direct you to Great Expectations instead, but I will say that the two books are independently with reading because they focus on vastly different viewpoints. This book appeals more to history buffs or anyone interested in the French Revolution- Le Mis fans! Generally, though anyone who likes a story will like this book.
prettyalibi's review against another edition
3.0
While it was not my favorite, the novel was certainly worth reading. If you like historical fiction, then this book might be right up your alley. Centered around the French Revolution, it showcases the lives of people living in both London, and mainly, Paris. There are a plethora of themes that appeal to humans throughout the centuries. It is lengthy at some points, with long wordy descriptions, and the word choice is moderately challenging. But the characters are well thought out and are very interesting. As one of the great literary classics, Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities" should definitely be read at least once.
jficele's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
0.5
jona_thon's review against another edition
3.0
Dickens’ classic rings just as clear in 2023. But then again, when wouldn’t it feel relevant? Maybe just the 80s? Maybe the 90s?