A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Technical
  • ID: 1542
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • Published: 1868-01-01
  • Formats: 151
  • Reviews: 4

Charles Dickens' classic novel, 'A Tale of Two Cities,' is set during the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. The story follows two Englishmen, Sydney Carton, a disillusioned lawyer, and Charles Darnay, an aristocrat, who find themselves entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and sacrifice. Both men fall for the same woman, Lucy Manette, whose father, Dr. Alexandre Manette, has suffered greatly under the oppressive regime of the Ancien Régime. As the Revolution unfolds, the characters are drawn into a maelstrom of violence and political upheaval, with the guillotine casting a constant shadow over their lives. Originally published in 31 weekly installments, 'A Tale of Two Cities' has become one of the most celebrated novels in literary history. Its themes of love, redemption, and the cyclical nature of history continue to resonate with readers. The book has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and television productions, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone. This digital edition, carefully scanned and optimized by Google, ensures that Dickens' masterpiece remains accessible to readers worldwide, offering a vivid glimpse into the enduring power of his prose and the timeless relevance of his themes.

Reviews
ArinGram · 2022-05-29
heart-breaking 4.25

The story is tragic, heart-breaking, and original, evoking a range of emotions. It is more important to feel the story than to understand it.

ArinGram's review describes the story as tragic and heart-breaking, emphasizing the emotional impact it has on readers. The reviewer suggests that the story's originality lies in its ability to evoke deep emotions and create a lasting impression. They appreciate the reassuring elements that balance the tragic aspects, making the narrative both poignant and uplifting. The reviewer also notes that the story's complexity is best experienced through its emotional resonance, rather than through intellectual analysis. This approach makes the reading experience deeply personal and memorable.


Quick quotes

    A Tale of Two Cities is tragic, heart-breaking, original, and reassuring.

    It is more important to feel it, than understand it.

    The emotional impact of the story is both poignant and uplifting.

Gallifreyan Ramblings · 2021-02-11
beautiful 4.50

The novel is praised for its beautiful storytelling and its exploration of love and loyalty during the French Revolution. It is seen as a timeless tale that resonates with readers.

The reviewer highlights the novel's ability to weave a beautiful story of love and loyalty amidst the chaos of the French Revolution. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the emotional impact of the narrative. The reviewer finds the novel to be a timeless tale that continues to resonate with readers, showcasing Dickens' mastery of storytelling. They also note the novel's exploration of themes such as sacrifice and redemption, which add layers of complexity to the story.


Quick quotes

    A Tale of Two Cities is a beautiful story of two lovers and their circle of loyal friends and family in the time of the French Revolution.

    The novel is a timeless tale that resonates with readers.

    Dickens' mastery of storytelling is evident in this novel.

Greenish Bookshelf · 2020-04-08
compelling 4.25

The novel is praised for its compelling characters and complex plots that surprise and engage the reader. It is seen as a tale of revolution, resurrection, and love.

The reviewer from Greenish Bookshelf highlights the compelling characters and complex plots that make A Tale of Two Cities a captivating read. They appreciate how Dickens weaves together themes of revolution, resurrection, and love, creating a narrative that surprises and engages the reader. The reviewer also notes the emotional depth of the story, praising Dickens' ability to create characters that resonate with readers and evoke a range of emotions.


Quick quotes

    It is a compelling tale of revolution, resurrection, and love.

    Dickens creates compelling characters and complex plots that surprised me and kept me engaged.

    The novel is a captivating read that evokes a range of emotions.

The Guardian · 2012-09-15
finest 4.75

The novel is described as one of Dickens' finest works, balancing intimate character studies with epic historical events. It is seen as a powerful exploration of love and revolution.

The reviewer from The Guardian considers A Tale of Two Cities to be one of Dickens' finest works, praising its ability to balance intimate character studies with the epic scale of historical events. They highlight the novel's powerful exploration of love and revolution, noting how Dickens masterfully intertwines personal stories with the broader context of the French Revolution. The reviewer also appreciates the novel's emotional depth and its ability to evoke a sense of both intimacy and grandeur.


Quick quotes

    Dickens's tale of love and revolution in London and Paris is among his finest, both intimate and epic in scale.

    The novel masterfully intertwines personal stories with the broader context of the French Revolution.

    A Tale of Two Cities is a powerful exploration of love and revolution.