Little Dorrit

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 31 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Little Dorrit is Amy, born in debtor’s prison, the youngest child of debtor William Dorrit, an inmate of the Marshalsea. The two are befriended by a man whose wife hires Little Dorrit as a seamstress. When William Dorrit inherits a fortune, he escapes the Marshalsea. The family, assuming a station befitting their wealth, travel to Italy.

Public Domain (P)1998 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“One of the most significant works of the nineteenth century.” (Lionel Trilling)

Overlooked

Often overlooked this tale has some fascinating characters. Money doesn't equal happiness. Character counts.

Such a delight!

I love Dickens writing style and the richly formed characters!! Why are there not more authors like this great man? Simon Vance’s performance is stellar! I particularly like how he reads poor flustered Mrs F!!

Incredible allegory of love

Some find the character of Amy Dorrit heard to empathize with, and that is understandable. Nearly all of the characters in Little Dorrit are caricatures, a foil to her perfection in virtue, but that does not make this picture of love and victory over the passions any less beautiful. Hits a little close to home when you see yourself in some of the caricatures!

Minus one star for several diversions satirizing British society that I thought we’re tangential to the main story and I couldn’t appreciate.

Simon Vance’s narration is fantastic as always.

One of Dickens’ most “real” stories

The typical Dickensian romantic elements are subtly kept off center stage for much of the story while the author weaves a sophisticated parable on bureaucratic “do-nothings” and ruinously selfish capitalism. Family ghosts are visible in Dickens’ vividly detailed depiction of life in debtors prison. And for once we get to see some of his characters in an international setting. Unlike many of his famous works, there is no prosperous fairy tale at the end of the always gratifying intertwined storylines. Definitely among his more mature novels.

Style and Class

I am a great Charles Dickens fan and I have read most of his books several times but I had not gotten around to Little Dorrit. When I purchased this Audible (Blackstone Audiobook) I was very pleased to see it was being read by Simon Vance. The book was charming and Vance with his usual style and class, brings the characters to life. This is a thoroughly pleasurable listen.

typically wonderful, although . . .

Dickens is a master and Simon Vance a superb narrator. I do, however, think his characterizations sometimes go on for a long time for characters who don't matter much to the story.
This book is long, for me very long and almost too long. 30 hours ! About 2/3 of the way through I downloaded Little Dorrit from Gutenberg and read about 1/6 of the book on my ipad.

Dickens strikes again

I love the beautiful language and imagery Charles Dickens creates. He paints a picture of goodness and sanguinity in which I want to become.

My Only Complaint is that the Story Ended

Simon Vance's reading of Little Dorrit brought so much to the table - highlighting humor, sadness and gorgeous prose I might otherwise have missed. I agree with readers' criticisms about goody two shoes, childlike Little Dorrit and a convoluted ending I am not sure I grasp. But who cares? Charles Dickens book pleased me no end. I won't forget the friends on my journey (Arthur, Mr. Meagles, John Chivery to name a few) and will keep this story in my heart forever.

Dickens at his best performed by a master.

Loved the story as well as Dickens satirical commentary on “society”. His very extended description of the circumlocution office where anything that might benefit humankind goes to be ground into dust and the proponents of such benefits ground out of existence would be hilarious if it didn’t hit so close to home and didn’t perfectly mirror the soul crushing wheels of many world governmental bodies and governmental offices today. I wonder if Dickens foresaw that these would ultimately destroy the planet and all life upon it through their senseless desire to halt all progress toward a better world and life for all Earthlings. Thank you for the insights Mr. Dickens! A must read for all thoughtful persons of conscience.

Dickens' female characters

I so prefer Anthony Trollope female characters! I find Dickens prefers his ladies to look down and keep quiet.