A Tale of Two Cities is a novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel depicts the plight of the French peasantry demoralized by the French aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same period. It follows the lives of several characters through these events ...
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A Tale of Two Cities is a novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel depicts the plight of the French peasantry demoralized by the French aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same period. It follows the lives of several characters through these events. A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens, deals with the major themes of duality, revolution, and resurrection. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times in London and Paris, as economic and political unrest lead to the American and French Revolutions. The main characters in Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities - Doctor Alexandre Manette, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton - are all recalled to life, or resurrected, in different ways as turmoil erupts. A Tale of Two Cities is one of only two works of historical fiction by Charles Dickens . It has fewer characters and sub-plots than a typical Dickens novel.Dickens relies much on The French Revolution: A History by Thomas Carlyle as a historical source. Dickens wrote in his Preface to Tale that "no one can hope to add anything to the philosophy of Mr. Carlyle's wonderful book." A Tale of Two Cities was published in weekly installments from April 1859 to November 1859 in Dickens's new literary periodical titled All the Year Round. All but three of Dickens's previous novels had appeared only as monthly installments. With sales of about 200 million copies, A Tale of Two Cities is the biggest selling novel in history The 45-chapter novel was published in 31 weekly instalments in Dickens's new literary periodical titled All the Year Round. From April 1859 to November 1859, Dickens also republished the chapters as eight monthly sections in green covers. All but three of Dickens's previous novels had appeared only as monthly instalments. The first weekly instalment of A Tale of Two Cities ran in the first issue of All the Year Round on 30 April 1859. The last ran thirty weeks later, on 26 November. The three most important aspects of A Tale of Two Cities: A Tale of Two Cities is told from the omniscient, or all-knowing, point of view. The narrator, or storyteller, who is never identified, has access to the thoughts and feelings of all the characters. A Tale of Two Cities, which is one of two historical novels written by Charles Dickens, is set in London and in Paris and the French countryside at the time of the French Revolution. The book is sympathetic to the overthrow of the French aristocracy but highly critical of the reign of terror that followed. Dickens characterizes the men and women who populate A Tale of Two Cities less by what the book's narrator or the characters themselves say, and more by what they do. As a result, the novel seems somewhat modern, despite being set in the 18th century and written in the 19th century.
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One of Charles Dickens' most captivating books is A Tale of Two Cities, a tale of revolution, retaliation, and sacrifice. It narrates the tale of a family that is endangered by horrible past events and is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. After being wrongfully detained in the Bastille for eighteen years, Dr. Manette is eventually freed and reunited with his daughter Lucie, who was raised in London despite having French ancestry. Charles Darnay, who has given up wealth and status in France due to his political beliefs, wins Lucie over with his love. Darnay returns to Paris during the revolution to assist an elderly family servant, but he is quickly arrested due to the crimes his relatives have committed.
I had also reviewed this book on shabd.in too
Marilynne B
Mar 15, 2013
This book was a gift that I sent to my Great Grand kids.
FanOfTimeLifeBooks
Aug 20, 2010
Love and Sacrifice During the French Revolution
A Tale of Two Cities is a historical romance set before and during the French Revolution. English author Charles Dickens (1812-1870) has woven together an intricate plot, memorable characters, and vivid imagery to create a great story set during tumultuous times. Dickens has also captured the sense of desperation and resentment felt by the French people before and during the French Revolution. In sum, A Tale of Two Cities is a gripping book about love, sacrifice, and unselfishness. Highly recommended.
cigarcamel
May 28, 2009
Love the small Classic hardcover
This was one of the Barnes & Noble Classics in a small hardcover. Great size and nice book.
As for the story, its OK but no classic in my book.
PeachTea
Mar 14, 2009
It is.
It is amazing, it is powerful, it is beautiful. It is daunting, it is worth it. It is incredible. From Sydney to Lucie, the charactres shine. The plot is occasionally difficult to follow, but not in a I Am So Lost sort of way. A definite need-to-read.