A Tale of Two Cities

I tried to read this last summer and just didn't understand it. Then when I read it for GLobal this year after having the French Revolution Knowledge I understood it and actually enjoyed the story. I liked the character development, you really learn a lot about the story from the characters personalities.

Reader reviewed by Gigi

Charles Dickenss novel, A Tale of Two Cities, is a story about love and sacrifice. It is set in England and France in the years leading up to the French Revolution and after the Revolution, during the Jacobin Reign of Terror. The book begins with the mystery of Dr. Manette. Dr. Manette was imprisoned in the Bastille (a prison in France) for 18 years and does not know nor remember anything of his life before imprisonment, not even his own name. It is only until after he is released from his 18 year sentence that he remembers something of his past by looking at his daughter he never knew he had and matching her hair color to the strands of hair (his wifes) in a bag tied around his neck. Lucy, his daughter, takes him away from France to London, England. Fast forward five years to a trial taking place in England, where we find that Dr Manette has recovered from his ordeal and is vouching for a man named Charles Darnay. Darnay is eventually acquitted with the help of Sydney Carton, a drunkard who bears a striking resemblance to Darnay. In this same section of the novel, we learn that the peasantry in France is becoming unsettled and want a revolution where the aristocracy is overthrown. It is this principle that initiates the events in this book that connect all the characters together.
As it is with most, if not all, of Dickens's books, A Tale of Two Cities is really long and boring (especially at the beginning) and at times I found myself thinking "ok, just hurry up and get to the point!" and sometimes skipping over whole paragraphs because it was so boring. But once I got to the middle of the book, it got so good that I couldn't put it down till the end. A Tale of Two Cities is my favorite Dickens book.

Reader reviewed by Bria

Oh. This book is something. I am sure all you teens might have to read this book for school. And when you see the book for the first time, i'm sure you will grown but this book is amazing. I usually like to explain my books, but i can't explain this one. It is a one of a kind book, that can't be explained in a few short sentences (not well at least), this book talks about the Revolutionary War, and the people involved. This book is totally wizardry. I mean this book is more that it appears. Secret societies, cool villains, and some amazing heroes. This book is not just some boring book you have to read for school, but an amazing that will stick with you for life.

Reader reviewed by amanda

This is a more difficult book to read, mid-to-late teen age. Although it may take a while to get use to the language and how it is written, it is worth it. One thing to keep in mind however is that this work was originally divided into parts to be published in a weekly magazine and not as a whole novel.
I think that is good information to have because when I remember that, it is easier to figure out why things may repeat at times, especially in the very beginning of the chapters.

Despite this, it is a book that will carry you along until the end if you let it and invoke great discussions or questions.

Reader reviewed by abscae

This book is what I might call a true classic. I read it for English class, but while other kids (well some) continued to groan about how long and boring it got, I learned to look for the best parts of it. Because I read it from a truly literary standpoint, I was not reading for what I enjoy in a book, but for the more literary devices and elements used in this book. Thus, my intake of the book would be far different that one who read it for fun.

Charles Dickens writes with a very eloquent style, and the best part of this book I liked was how deep the writing could get. It was so cool how many layers of the writing you could dissect and what you could draw from it.

Overall, this was a fantastic read. Not only is it a great way to expand your vocab, but you can also get to really appreciate the views and concepts it offers.

Reader reviewed by Scarlet

A Tale of Two Cities is one of the greatest pieces by Charles Dickens. I loved this book for its individuality, its historical precisness and ofcourse its engaging text. The book exmplifies beautiful imagery and plenty of suspense. My favorite chapter in the book would have to be the Gorgon's head. The repetition of the word 'stone' gave the chapter a cold, sombre, perfect for what Mr. Dickens intended to do. It was also loaded with foreshadowing to predict the death of the Marquis. This book though being a classic is still a wonderful read to children and adults alike.

Reader reviewed by April

A Tale Of Two Cities is a very intresting and intelligent read it has a large diversity of complex yet not to complex turns and twists in the story line that is why i love it so much i think that it is complex enough for adults yet still appopriate for children i greatly advise anyone that is thinking of buying it to do so.

Reader reviewed by missy

The history and how it all fit it, made the book wonderful. It was well writen. The pot had many twists and turns, it was stightly predicable which made it such a great read.

Reader reviewed by noxzeema

The book centers around the French Revolution, and how peasants are waiting in the weeds for the chance to get their country back under its rightful rulers.

Sydney is a grave digger who is in love with Lucy, and will do anything for her, and her daughter.

Reader reviewed by Twinkie

I thought this was an awesome book!!! I have read other Charles Dickens books and this is by far the best one yet!! I recommend it to anyone who loves great classic books!!!