Helpful Score: 2
Its a serious tale that Dickens likens to the times in which it was written ... where many convicts were taken to the guillotine in the public square. Lucie Manette becomes acquainted with her father (Dr. Manette) who is insane after spending her whole lifetime in prison. Two look-alike men (Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton) are in love with Lucie and one gives his life for the other because of his love for her. Madade Defarge knits code into her work to hide away the words of spies. From the 1st well-known sentence to the last, this is an intense read.
Helpful Score: 1
Dickens at his best. I love this book about the epic struggle and rebellion during the French Revolution. It's a great story about sacrifice and love.
Helpful Score: 1
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,..." And so begins this classic story set during the French Revolution. Our hero, Charles Darnay, receives a letter that begs him to come back to France. He is sent to prison and shall be executed by guillotine. Will he be pardoned, or shall Lucy Manette (his wife) be particularly disappointed about what that day shall bring? The character that I disliked the most was Madame Defarge. I thought that she was a mean-spirited witch. But this book was a very riveting read. It really makes you wonder whether Charles shall survive.
Laura R. (laurabird1) - , reviewed A Tale of Two Cities (Dover Thrift Editions) on + 61 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is definitely a carefully crafted setting of historical proportion. I like the story, and enjoy reading his works. The story line is telling; it describes in great details the scenes, environments, characters establishment and vulnerabilities, and delves deeply into the human condition. I had to read this slowly, as if I read it fast, the story would get away from me. Don't know if that is something that happens with Dickens readers or not. A definite classic.