The "two cities" are Paris in the time of the French Revolution, and London. Dr. Manette, a French physician, having been called in to treat a young peasant and his sister, realizes that they have been cruelly abused by the Marquis de St. Evremonde and his brother. To ensure Dr. Manette's silence, the Marquis has him confined for eighteen years in the Bastille. The doctor has just been released, demented, when the story opens. He is brought to England where he gradually recovers his health and his sanity. Charles Darnay, ...
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The "two cities" are Paris in the time of the French Revolution, and London. Dr. Manette, a French physician, having been called in to treat a young peasant and his sister, realizes that they have been cruelly abused by the Marquis de St. Evremonde and his brother. To ensure Dr. Manette's silence, the Marquis has him confined for eighteen years in the Bastille. The doctor has just been released, demented, when the story opens. He is brought to England where he gradually recovers his health and his sanity. Charles Darnay, concealing under that false name his identity as the nephew of the cruel Marquis, has left France and renounced his heritage. He falls in love with Lucie, Dr. Manette's daughter, and they are happily married. During the Terror, he goes to Paris to save a servant condemned by the mob. Darnay himself is arrested, condemned to death, and is saved at the last moment by Sydney Carton, a reckless wastrel who acts out of devotion to Lucie. Carton smuggles Darnay out of prison and takes his place on the scaffold, declaring "It's a far, far better thing I do than I have ever done before," surely one of the most quoted lines in all the history of literature. includes unique illustrations.
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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.