Simply Dickens

De: Paul Schlicke

Narrado por: Joff Manning

Oliver Twist. A Christmas Carol. David Copperfield. Bleak House. A Tale of Two Cities. Great Expectations. The novels of Charles Dickens (1812-1870) read like a "who's who" of canonical works. Yet less well known is the fact that Dickens himself was something of a created character, a larger-than-life figure who lived through his art and pursued his many passions with a theatrical zeal that could have belonged to one of his famous protagonists.

Largely self-taught, with little formal education, Dickens was catapulted to fame at the age of 24 with the publication of The Pickwick Papers in 1836. For the next 30 years, he wrote a prodigious number of novels, short stories, essays and other works while simultaneously campaigning for a variety of social reforms. As Simply Dickens colorfully describes, in life and in art Dickens threw himself into everything he undertook, from taking on the personalities of his characters as he wrote, to pursuing such causes as children's rights and universal education.

While some authors have depicted Dickens as a tormented soul or cruel misogynist who compromised his work by pandering to a wide audience, Simply Dickens convincingly shows him as a purposeful, supremely talented, and versatile personality whose popular appeal was central to his achievement.

©2016 Paul Schlicke (P)2016 Simply Charly

Boring

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

A time waster. Doesn't hold my interest.

What was most disappointing about Paul Schlicke’s story?

Too many dry facts. Needs more of a story to it.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes but needed more enthusiasm.

Was Simply Dickens worth the listening time?

No. I couldn't finish it.

Any additional comments?

"I was voluntarily provided this review copy at no charge by the author, publisher and or narrator.”

very good

Loved it !! this story. the narrator is so fantastic it's like your really there!! good overall

Simply Dickens

Simply Dickens
: Paul Schlicke

A very interesting biography of Charles Dickens. I learned a few new things from this book.


The narration was well done, but a little bland. Joff Manning reads well.



"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator."

interesting

I think it was interesting there were things I did not know I think the narrator did a good job
I received this book from the publisher, author and or narrator for a honest review and unbiased options via audio book boom dot com

Excellent Narration

Thought it was with excellent narration and a personal inside look at this man. Informative, interesting and well done
. Given audio for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

Some Interesting Facts on Dickens

If you could sum up Simply Dickens in three words, what would they be?

Brevity is good.

If you’ve listened to books by Paul Schlicke before, how does this one compare?

This is my first.

Have you listened to any of Joff Manning’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first but I thought he did a good job.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I found the parts about his childhood interesting.

Any additional comments?

Overall pretty good book but I thought at times it seemed scattered in its approach.


I received this book free in exchange for an unbiased review from Audiobook Boom.

If you are interested in a short listen on Dickens

~Disclaimer: I received a free audiobook copy of this book.~

Recommended for those who are interested in a quick listen about Charles Dickens.

It isn’t the most compelling book as far as writing style. But it does contain a ton of information in a short amount of time. So, it depends on what you are looking for in a read/listen.

Dickens had a lot to say about social issues, in part influenced by his own childhood.

“In Oliver Twist, Dickens confronted a burning issue of the day, the system of parish relief for those unable to support themselves. In 1834, the New Poor Law was doctrinaire legislation, designed to reduce taxes through a system of “less eligibility.” It meant that relief for the impoverished would not exceed the lowest wages of a man in employment—which was, in fact, below the subsistence level. In its focus on the able-bodied, the law evinced scant concern for the needs of orphans, as well as the sick and disabled.”

It was interesting to hear about his life and influences. But the writing itself is on the dry side.

The narration is consistent and solid.