Dickensians! discussion

CD on CD?

Do you like listening to the works of Charles Dickens, as well as, or instead of, reading him on the page?

This is where we can recommend different readers, and editions of Charles Dickens on audio.

We also have a separate thread for adaptations, including dramatisations on audio, and abridgements.

Thanks to Jenny for the idea for this thread :)

I'm glad you thought it was a good idea Jean! Personaly, I have only just gotten into audio books this year, but I am both reading and listening to Little Dorrit, and plan to do the same with other Dickens novels.

Little Dorrit is the audio I am listening to, and I am rather enjoying it, as the narrator is rather good at voices and emotions.

Several seem to like this sort of "immersion" technique - I must try it some time. It's probably particularly good for classics :)

It can make it easier to understand for sure Jean!

Who's the narrator, Jenny? I have fallen way behind in Little Dorrit and I think I would be interested to continue it in audio form.

I like listening to the audiobook and following the text at the same time especially when they are classics and I don't own a physical copy of the book. I haven't done that yet with a Dickens book, but I'm doing it with a Trollope book at present.

I saw a new audiobook (I presume its new since I saw it recently) of David Copperfield narrated by Richard Armitage. Has anyone tried it?

Simon Vance is the narrator, France-Andree

I thought I would only like to read/see the actual words, but I find that I'm really enjoying listening to Dickens and some of the other classics. I don't always love the LibriVox readers, but I listened to Mil Nicholson read "Bleak House" and absolutely loved it!! And now I'm listening to her read 'Little Dorrit." She is amazing and does all the voices so wonderfully. I highly recommend listening to her on LibriVox -- and it's free! ;)

Terris, thanks for the recommendation! I've been finding mine through the library

Jenny wrote: "Simon Vance is the narrator, France-Andree"

I’m also listening to this version.

Kathleen, he is a good narrator isn't he!

Jenny wrote: "Kathleen, he is a good narrator isn't he!"

Yes! I listened to his version of Our Mutual Friend.

Jenny wrote: "Terris, thanks for the recommendation! I've been finding mine through the library"

Glad to help! Enjoy :)

Vance is always good. Patrick Tull did a great reading of Pickwick.

We're approaching our December read of A Christmas Carol. Does anyone have a favourite audio version of this? I think there must be dozens!

My favourite audio is from Blackstone Audio Inc, read by Simon Prebble. It is unabridged

I was just thinking I'd love to try A Christmas Carol in audio format this time around, so I'm really interested to hear these recommendations!

I haven’t listened to it yet just the sample, but the Whovian in me is going to go with Tom Baker.

I'm also looking for recommendations on a good audiobook for A Christmas Carol. I've tried a few, and the audio done by Timothy Ackroyd is what I felt best. I've listened to a sample of Simon Prebble narration. It is very good, but I cannot get it for December.

Bionic Jean wrote: "Do you like listening to the works of Charles Dickens, as well as, or instead of, reading him on the page?

This is where we can recommend different readers, and editions of [author..."

I actually prefer listening to the books. You get to hear the beautiful cadence of the story. I get so much more from it (depending on the narrator).

I am finding listening to audio versions of some works--Dickens included--to be a way to help me focus. Listening to audiobooks at increased speed means that my focus must remain on the text, no covid dreaming possible.

On my Hoopla accout/my library's eservices, I find two audiobook versions of The Signalman. The audiobook I chose has not ISBN though I have other ways of indentifying it you.
Series: Victorian Ghosts
Narrator: Alistair Lock
ASIN: B08R93W8SD

I chose this option because the narrator plays his part straight. The blurb describes him as being "practical-minded." I often find that toned down dramatic presentation can allow for a chilling presentation. I was rather chilled, adequately and satisfactorily chilled.

I tend to prefer listening to the classics - there's something about the cadence that works better for me when I listen. One of my fave narrators is Simon Vance, and he was superb (per usual) on Little Dorrit.

Elizabeth wrote: "I tend to prefer listening to the classics - there's something about the cadence that works better for me when I listen. One of my fave narrators is Simon Vance, and he was superb (per usual) on Li..."
Completely agree on listening to the classics and Simon Vance. I am currently listening to Martin Chuzzlewit (different reader) and listening to it helps me focus on the story.

Piyangie wrote: "I saw a new audiobook (I presume its new since I saw it recently) of David Copperfield narrated by Richard Armitage. Has anyone tried it?"

Late reply I know, but I'm just seeing this now. I'm listening to it now, and I think he does a wonderful job with all the voices. I thought he did a great job with Peggoty and Aunt Betsy, and he makes Uriah Heep seem so creepy!

Is anyone listening to Dombey and Son on audio?

Bionic Jean wrote: "Is anyone listening to Dombey and Son on audio?"

Yes. I am.

Oh - is it good? Is it narrated? Who by? Sorry for all the questions! I just wondered what it's like, and whether the reader acts out the different voices, or does it "flat".

It sounds as though Simon Vance reads Charles Dickens well, but I haven't heard him. I do like Martin Jarvis; he can speak both the aristocratic and the cockney parts well!

I’m also listening to it, it’s narrated by David Timson (have no idea who he is), it’s an easy listen, he doesn’t really do voices but intonations. I think the only thing is you have to pay attention for the end/beginning of a chapter because the book is separated in many audio “chapters” that do not finish where the real chapters do, I don’t find it a challenge because he announces the chapters and headings so I know where to stop, but I think someone mentioned the “problem” earlier.

Bionic Jean wrote: "Oh - is it good? Is it narrated? Who by? Sorry for all the questions! I just wondered what it's like, and whether the reader acts out the different voices, or does it "flat".

My audio version is narrated by David Timson and he is excellent. He is able to do all the voices very well. Not flat in any way.

I'm not a fan of audiobooks but I do love the Patrick Stewart reading -- actually also a performance - of A Christmas Carol. That actually links to the recording. He created a one man show that he performed of the book which I saw once Christmas on Broadway. He brought it to such life.

I believe there is also a recording of Jim Dale reading it - and I adore any reading by Jim Dale. However I've noticed that some of the classic readings by Jim Dale don't seem to be available any longer to stream, just in cassette.

Oh Theresa, the Patrick Stewart portrayal of Scrooge in the film of A Christmas Carol is about my favourite! I'll bet he's a superb reader, with that sonorous voice.

I'd like to listen to the Jim Dale one too! Maybe they will come on to CD eventually. But there's a brilliant dramatisation of David Copperfield with Sheila Hancock as Mrs Micawber, which I listened to over and over again on cassette, and that never has. I think the manufacturers must believe it has been superseded.

Bionic Jean and other Dickensians

This thread just came up in my notifications. As a reader who is confined to audiobooks, may I just suggest A Christmas Carol: A Sinature Performance by Tim Curry available on Audible. I have listened to A Christmas Carol in mid-December for the past five years. I try to find a new narrator each year, and last year, I listened to this and think it is my favorite.
But wait, Christmas is still nine months away!
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David Timson has written separate introductions and excerpt readings from most of Dicken's books. They are also available free on Audible narrated by David Timson.

Dee wrote: "Bionic Jean and other Dickensians

This thread just came up in my notifications. As a reader who is confined to audiobooks, may I just suggest A Christmas Carol: A Sinature Performance by Tim Curry..."

I do a whole celebration of Christmas in July -- as I am often too work busy to properly enjoy the holiday season in December. I watch Christmas movies and read Christmas romances and cozy mysteries. I play my CDs of Christmas music. You could indulge in an audio reading of A Christmas Carol!

They sound lovely, thanks Dee!

I highly recommend the recording of A Tale of Two Cities on LibriVox read by Paul Adams. It’s not the most amazing professional quality, but he reads the complicated sentences in a way that makes sense, and his personal love of the story comes through in his voice.

I also really love Jim Dale’s reading of A Christmas Carol.

Thanks Ruth! Another new name to take note of 😊 Charles Dickens is not the easiest writer to read aloud, and I do remember one voice actor making a hash of A Tale of Two Cities.