A review by musicdeepdive
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, George Woodcock

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.