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Traditionalists may prefer a male rendition since nearly all the characters are men, but Margolyes does the yuletide standard justice, and a female voice may prove more accessible to girls who are being introduced to the story. Buy accordingly.
David Timson, a prolific and popular audiobook reader with a beautifully mannered tone, delivers a competent and enjoyable reading. However, a narrator with a stronger street voice might have been a more dynamic choice. Recommended for fans of Dickens and/or 19th-century British fiction.
Simon Prebble's powerful narration brings Dickens's colorful dialog alive and will make the book's 18-plus hours seem so many minutes. During this bicentennial year of Dickens's birth, this audiobook should be a slam-dunk acquisition for most libraries. [See "Charles Dickens: Our Mutual Friend," LJ 2/15/12, for more Dickens titles in audio.]
Anton Lesser, a classical actor and an award-winning audiobook reader, gives a spirited reading, bringing out the character of each persona—the dictatorial Gradgrind, the pompous Bounderby, and the meek Sissy—with skill and verve. An entertaining and captivating listening experience; all libraries should consider. [See the Dickens roundup, p. 68.—Ed.]
This will be manna for true Dickens aficionados and all who love exhibits of original literary manuscripts. (Cambridge University Press has also come out with new reprints of the novel's original published parts, as well as of its first book edition.)
Especially for readers who want to get close to Dickens and look over his shoulder without a biographer's mediation, this is a thrilling perspective. All libraries should buy this as the definitive choice and as an incomparable presentation of the writer in all his spirit. And speaking of spirits, try making his potent recipe for punch!