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David Copperfield
- Narrated by: Simon Vance
- Length: 33 hrs and 54 mins
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Editorial reviews
At 34 hours in length, this is quite an undertaking, but there's no one better qualified than Simon Vance to lead us through this audio journey. He parses the author's long sentences well, pausing sufficiently to make the details easy to follow while still maintaining a quick enough pace to keep the story going. Most enjoyable is his voicing of the myriad characters who appear in the narrative - and characters they certainly are. Vance times their occasionally hilarious exchanges especially well. All of this is delivered in a manner that suggests that Vance revels in Dickens's prose and sly humor, and the listener cannot help but revel along with him. Three cheers for Vance - and not the least for his stamina!
Publisher's summary
In David Copperfield - the novel he described as his "favorite child" - Dickens drew revealingly on his own experiences to create one of his most exuberant and enduringly popular works, filled with tragedy and comedy in equal measure.
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- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 22 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
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Hailed as Charlotte Brontë’s “finest novel” by Virginia Woolf, Villette is the timeless semi-autobiographical tale of Lucy Snowe. Left with no family and no money, Lucy goes against her own timid nature and travels to the small city of Villette, France, where she becomes a school teacher in Madame Beck’s school for girls. During her stay, she falls in love—twice—and discovers an independent, inner strength rarely seen in women of her time.
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The Divine Ms. Porter delivers as always
- By peachnmario on 03-17-15
By: Charlotte Brontë
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Remembrance of Things Past
- Swann's Way
- By: Marcel Proust, Scott Moncrieff - translator
- Narrated by: John Rowe
- Length: 19 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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Swann's Way is Marcel Proust's literary masterpiece and the first part of the multivolume audiobook Remembrance of Things Past. In the opening volume, the narrator travels back in time to recall his childhood and to introduce the listener to Charles Swann, a wealthy friend of the family and celebrity in the Parisian social scene. He again travels back, this time to the youth of Charles Swann in the French town of Combray, to tell the story of the love affair that took place before his own birth.
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EXCELLENT!
- By Maggie on 08-18-10
By: Marcel Proust, and others
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3 Classic Novels
- Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice, Mansfield Park
- By: Jane Austen
- Narrated by: Geoffrey Giuliano, The Spire
- Length: 36 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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Welcome to the world of Jane Austen, one of the most beloved authors in the English language. Austen's works are known for their wit, social commentary, and romantic storylines that have captivated readers for generations.
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Classic Novels are the best.
- By Maureen Hart on 09-07-23
By: Jane Austen
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Lady Susan, The Watsons, and Sanditon
- By: Jane Austen
- Narrated by: Norma West
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
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Previously unpublished in unabridged audio, these three works (one novel unpublished in her lifetime and two unfinished fragments) reveal Jane Austen's development as a great artist.
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For the Austen Addict
- By Joseph R on 09-09-09
By: Jane Austen
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Wuthering Heights
- An Audible Exclusive Performance
- By: Emily Brontë, Ann Dinsdale - introduction
- Narrated by: Joanne Froggatt, Rachel Atkins - introduction
- Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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The unapologetic intensity with which Emily Brontë wrote this story ensures that it will forever be considered one of the greatest works of English literature. A passionate tale of a chaotic and often violent love, Wuthering Heights transcends your average romance and, with its Gothic undertones, takes the listener on a journey through one man's lustful hunt for revenge.
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Almost Peerless
- By Brad Simkulet on 02-04-18
By: Emily Brontë, and others
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The American
- By: Henry James
- Narrated by: Adam Sims
- Length: 14 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
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Self-made American millionaire Christopher Newman arrives in Paris brimming with hope and optimism, excited to experience the culture and, hopefully, find the perfect woman to become his wife. After a chance encounter with American expatriate friends, his attention is drawn to Madame de Cintré, 25-year-old widowed daughter of the late Marquis de Bellegarde. Having fallen on hard times, the centuries-old aristocratic family permits Newman's courtship to proceed; however, they later persuade the widow to break off her engagement to the nouveau-riche businessman.
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excellent reading
- By Andorboth on 12-03-22
By: Henry James
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A PERFECT narration of an English classic!
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Superlative reading
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A Tale of Two Cities is one of Charles Dickens's most exciting novels. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, it tells the story of a family threatened by the terrible events of the past. Doctor Manette was wrongly imprisoned in the Bastille for 18 years without trial by the aristocratic authorities.
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it's the singer not the song*
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As Pip unravels the truth behind his own "great expectations" in his quest to become a gentleman, the mysteries of the past and the convolutions of fate through a series of thrilling adventures serve to steer him toward maturity and his most important discovery of all - the truth about himself.
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This Dickens guy has promise
- By Ed on 06-30-11
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loved it much more than expected!
- By Blue Ridge Book Lover on 05-29-12
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After escaping from the dark and dismal workhouse where he was born, Oliver finds himself on the mean streets of Victorian-era London and is unwittingly recruited into a scabrous gang of scheming urchins. In this band of petty thieves, Oliver encounters the extraordinary and vibrant characters who have captured audiences' imaginations for more than 150 years.
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Amazing narration!
- By Karen on 12-11-08
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Between his work on the 2014 Audible Audiobook of the Year, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: A Novel, and his performance of Classic Love Poems, narrator Richard Armitage ( The Hobbit, Hannibal) has quickly become a listener favorite. Now, in this defining performance of Charles Dickens' classic David Copperfield, Armitage lends his unique voice and interpretation, truly inhabiting each character and bringing real energy to the life of one of Dickens' most famous characters.
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A PERFECT narration of an English classic!
- By Wayne on 09-03-17
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This Dickens guy has promise
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David Copperfield [Naxos AudioBooks]
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The intensely personal David Copperfield (widely regarded to be the most autobiographical of the author’s novels) is one of Dickens’ greatest works. We follow David Copperfield from birth and miserable childhood to inevitable tragedies, until he finally finds happiness later in life. Full of some of the most memorable characters in literary history. Nicholas Boulton’s depiction of the oily Uriah Heep and David Copperfield’s sinister stepfather, Murdstone, do the novel full justice.
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Dickens would be proud
- By ML on 03-22-12
By: Charles Dickens
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David Copperfield
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Originally published in serial installments stretching from May 1849 through November 1850, the tale follows the titular David Copperfield throughout the course of his life in Victorian England. In parts a coming-of-age story, satire, and autobiographical novel, Dickens called David Copperfield ""a very complicated weaving of truth and invention""—as well as named it his favorite of his own works.
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David Copperfield
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When David Copperfield escapes from the cruelty of his childhood home, he embarks on a journey to adulthood which leads him through comedy and tragedy, love and heartbreak, and friendship and betrayal.
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Perfect narrator for one of the best classics.
- By 9S on 10-30-09
By: Charles Dickens
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David Copperfield
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In a comprehensive and beautifully crafted first person narrative, David Copperfield recalls key stages, memories, and incidents of his life from infancy to maturity. Scenes, adventures, and characters are summoned to the narrator's remembrance so vividly that they are rendered with the vitality of the present moment.
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Enjoyed it very much
- By SM on 06-14-22
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Great Expectations
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- Unabridged
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When the young orphan called Pip encounters the escaped convict Magwitch, the child's life is altered forever - in ways he cannot even imagine. In the course of his story, Pip encounters such memorable characters as the eccentric Miss Havisham and her beautiful ward Estella - and a mysterious benefactor. This recording includes both of the endings Dickens wrote for this classic novel.
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Disappointing
- By Jean on 09-25-03
By: Charles Dickens
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David Copperfield
- By: Charles Dickens
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- Length: 41 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
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David Copperfield es un niño al que su padrastro abandona tras la muerte de su madre. Sin embargo, el chico hace todo lo posible para demostrar que tiene lo necesario para triunfar. Ambientada en 1840, David viaja por un mundo que trata de apartarle mientras él busca un hueco en el que encajar.
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Excelente narración
- By Ales on 07-24-24
By: Charles Dickens
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David Copperfield
- By: Charles Dickens
- Narrated by: Philippe Duquenoy
- Length: 32 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
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David Copperfield is the charming tale of a young boy's journey from an impoverished childhood in Victorian England to a renowned novelist. The story of David Copperfield brings to life some of the most beloved and notorious Dickens characters, including the wicked stepfather, Edward Murdstone; David's friend, Tommy Traddles; Agnes; and the bookkeeper Uriah Heep.
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A wonderful Dickens classic, brought to Life!
- By Ron on 06-15-19
By: Charles Dickens
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David Copperfield
- By: Charles Dickens
- Narrated by: R.D. Watson
- Length: 41 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
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Charles Dickens' classic novel David Copperfield is loosely based on the life of the author. It tells the story of David Copperfield’s life from childhood to adulthood with all of the hardships, changes, and good fortune that David encounters on his life journey. It focuses on the relationships he develops with a huge cast of characters who he meets as he travels from rags to riches and back again.
By: Charles Dickens
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Oliver Twist
- The Audible Dickens Collection
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- Unabridged
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When young orphan, Oliver Twist, is sold into an apprenticeship with an undertaker, he leaves behind years of miserable servitude and mistreatment at an English workhouse. Hoping to move on to better things, he decides to escape his new, equally dreary surroundings and head to London. It is there that the novel unravels as Oliver meets a host of larger-than-life characters, including The Artful Dodger, a high-ranking member of a juvenile pickpocketing gang, and their elderly leader, Fagin.
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Narration
- By victor j chriest on 12-27-20
By: Charles Dickens
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David Copperfield
- By: Charles Dickens, Sam Mendes, Marty Ross - adaptation
- Narrated by: Ncuti Gatwa, Helena Bonham Carter, Theo James, and others
- Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins
- Original Recording
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Join David as he encounters his eccentric Aunt Betsey, faithful Peggotty and the villainous Uriah Heep, and as he falls in love with Little Em'ly, Dora and Agnes. And then there is old school friend James Steerforth: dashing, daring and seductive. This dramatisation explores the complexities and intimacies of that relationship beyond anything possible in Dickens' day, in an adaptation giving fresh life and vividness to this beloved tale.
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Fan fiction
- By BeRad on 12-12-23
By: Charles Dickens, and others
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David Copperfield
- Penguin Classics
- By: Charles Dickens, HK Browne, Jeremy Tambling
- Narrated by: Ed Speleers
- Length: 33 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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This is the novel Dickens regarded as his 'favourite child' and is considered his most autobiographical. As David recounts his experience from childhood to the discovery of his vocation as a successful novelist, Dickens draws openly and revealingly on his own life. Among the gloriously vivid cast of characters are Rosa Dartle, Dora, Steerforth and the 'umble Uriah Heep, along with Mr Micawber, a portrait of Dickens' own father which evokes a mixture of love, nostalgia and guilt.
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Thoroughly enjoyed Mr. Speleers
- By Jennifer on 07-21-22
By: Charles Dickens, and others
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Dombey and Son
- By: Charles Dickens
- Narrated by: David Timson
- Length: 39 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
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Dombey and Son is vintage Dickens and explores the classic themes of betrayal, cruelty and deceit. Dombey's dysfunctional relationships are painted against a backdrop of social unrest in industrialized London, which is populated by a host of fascinating and memorable secondary characters. The complete and unabridged novel is brought spectacularly to life by veteran reader David Timson.
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Utterly incredible!
- By Amazon Customer on 03-12-12
By: Charles Dickens
What listeners say about David Copperfield
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Andy
- 11-04-16
Amazing book, wonderfully read
I kind of want to start over and listen to the whole thing again. This was a very moving book, and to find that the story is somewhat autobiographical is fascinating. It was incredible to listen to as well. Such a great performance, such animation in the different voices. Each character was brought to light so uniquely. Loved this!
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- smarch43
- 01-28-23
Never too late
What a treat it has been to enjoy this wonderful book. I am 80 years old and had never read it. I am enjoying books on Audible because my eyesight is not good.
The narrator brought this wonderful story to life. He is truly an artist. I’m sad to be finished with this marvelous presentation.
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- COTK
- 04-15-23
Incredible Narrator!
A masterpiece of a performance of a masterpiece of literature. Truly beautifully done. My first exposure to Dickens was immeasurably delightful because of this impeccable production. Distinctive voices are superbly executed without a single flaw. Cadence, expression.... everything. Outstanding.
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- Dwight
- 04-18-23
Perhaps my favorite novel
I have read or listened to this book at 15 times over the past 50 years, and each time I enjoy it more. Simon Vance does a wonderful job narrating the story. Ten thumbs up.
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- pensterling
- 05-24-23
Read this book!
This could be the best book I’ve ever read: the pathos which runs through the narrative, Copperfield’s strong sense of decency to others throughout the course of his life, peppered with his own philosophy of the work ethic. The characters tug at one’s heartstrings as they all evolve through the story; they became so familiar to me that I will miss them.
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- David P.
- 06-11-23
Loved it!
Don’t know why I never read this before but am so glad I finally did. What a wonderful, rich story!
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Overall
- Endless Mountain Lady
- 11-07-09
David Copperfield is awesome.
Wonderful narrator who does true justice to an outstanding classic.
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20 people found this helpful
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Overall
- JGrace
- 11-06-10
Masterful Interpretation of a Masterpiece
David Copperfield ??? Charles Dickens
I think I first met David Copperfield about 40 years ago. I???ve read and reread this book many times. I was very, very choosey when it came to investing time and money on an audio version. Simon Vance did not let me down, and performing this book must have been a gargantuan task. Every voice from the incurable Mr. Micawber to the obscure Miss Mowcher was exactly as I expected them to be. Some of his female voices simpered annoyingly, but then the characters simper annoyingly so that is as it should be. Vance???s interpretations of Miss Betsy (???Janet! Donkeys! ), and Mrs. Micawber (???I never will desert you, Micawber!) were perfect. When David tried to sell his jacket to the dreadful old man (Oh, my lungs and liver, what do you want? Oh, goroo, gorooo), Vance had me feeling so scared I wanted to run away myself.
This book is so full of wonderful characters and so many little alleyways of sub-plots that I???ve always forgotten bits of it between readings. Listening instead of reading forced my attention to descriptive nuances that I might have missed. I remembered, of course, how slimy and despicable Uriah Heep was, but I???d forgotten how sarcastically funny he could be.
(???You know what I want??? said my aunt. ???A straight-waistcoat,??? said he.) I???d completely forgotten Miss Mowcher and her revenge on the evil Mr. Littimer.
Now I???m completely filled up with David Copperfield trivia. I highly recommend this book and this recording.
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13 people found this helpful
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- W Perry Hall
- 10-10-15
The Perfect Story
“Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.” So opens the greatest story ever told of a youngster's journey into adulthood and amour.
Nearly 20 years after writing David Copperfield, Dickens wrote that, "like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favorite child. And his name is David Copperfield."
In no novel did Dickens have as colorful a set of characters and character names as in this one - from Peggotty, David's childhood maid and lifelong friend, Wilkins Micawber, his melodramatic landlord, James Steerforth, the cad of a school friend, Uriah Heep, the all-time most despicable sycophant in all of literature, and his love Dora (“Lovers had loved before, and lovers would love again; but no lover had ever loved, might, could, would, or should ever love, as I loved Dora.").
As with most of his novels, Dickens brought to light a social evil--here, the working conditions of minors, as David was (8 or 9) when his evil stepfather Murdstone took him out of school (after David's mom died) and sent him to work in London.
“I know enough of the world now to have almost lost the capacity of being much surprised by anything.”
It's nearly indescribable how much I identified with this novel. It may not be the best novel of all time (structure, conflicts, character development and all that jazz - I think that's "Anna Karenina"), but I think's Charles Dickens' DAVID COPPERFIELD is the best story. If you haven't read it or it's been a while, you should pick it up.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Bonny
- 08-23-13
Funny, heartbreaking, and a magnificent narrator
I'm not sure I could live without Simon Vance (the narrator). Between Dickens's characters and Vance's interpretations of them, we are given this gift of "David Copperfield" brought to life. The only downside of this book for me is that Dickens strays from time to time into more sentimentality than seems believable, but this is a quibble. Vance's characterizations of the Macawber family and of Betsey Trotwood are hysterical. There is, of course, plenty of heartbreak in the book, and I found myself genuinely touched by many scenes. This is one heck of a great way to experience "David Copperfield."
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3 people found this helpful