Great narration of one of Dickens weaker books

Although this is regarded as one of Dickens greatest books I've always thought it is weak.

Its probably hard to call it a self- indulgent auto- biography but I often got the feeling it was.

The hero and females characters, like most of Dicken's female characters, are weak feeble forgettable victims

The book is saved by the brilliant male characters (Macauber) villains (Heep) that can't be surpassed, and here by the brilliant narration that breathes life into them.

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to Nicholas Boulton

There is no need to praise Dickens! He is a wonderful story-teller, and his characters in David Copperfield have become legends. But I want to praise Nicholas Boulton, whose reading is outstanding! Mr Micawber is my favourite, but every character has a distinctive voice and a distinctive way of speaking which makes listening to the reading a complete delight. And to maintain the right voice for the right character throughout the 36 hours was a tremendous feat. Congratulations, Mr Boulton.

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Excellent Performance of an Excellent Work

Where does David Copperfield [Naxos AudioBooks] rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks as one of the top in the classics

Who was your favorite character and why?

David, because he had so much to learn through his life and so much to go through.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

I enjoyed the scene where Mr Dick helped Doctor Strong and Annie resume their life which had been interrupted by the mischief Uriah Heep caused.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

With Dickens there are always emotions and I always find different emotions coming into play when I'm listening to this book.

Any additional comments?

This is a long book and many comments from people who have purchased various narrations of it from Audible show that they've read it at school and been put off it because of its length. Dickens can be off-putting if you're not used to him and for anyone who wants to try his books but is not sure where to start, I'd suggest Oliver Twist or Great Expectations. However, if you want to read it, I'd suggest either this reading or the Martin Jarvis one. A reader can really bring across the emotions in this book so well and this compensates for the rather lengthy Dickens prose. Every time I come back to it, however, I get something new out of it.

One Audible customer, after finishing a reading of David Copperfield mentioned a feeling of bereavement. I often feel as though I'm saying goodbye to a much-loved friend on finishing it. Over thirty odd hours, in various installments, you have come to know David, who has been described as Dickens' favourite child and you do feel it when the book finishes. You can tell that Dickens found it difficult himself to round things off.

As with the majority of books by Dickens, there is always humour: the scene at Blunderstone when Betsey Trotwood visits is very humourous, as are the scenes with Mr Micawber and I love the scene at the picnic on Dora's birthday when David is really on fire with love for her. Such phrases as "The sun shone Dora, the Wind Blew Dora, the Birds sang Dora" often bring a smile of recollection of times when I've listened to a lovely song which I've dedicated to a person I've loved. Even David's first two loves, Miss Shepherd and the eldest Miss Larkins bring recollections of people I've loved when a child, but to whom I have never told my love.

So don't be put off by the length of the book: why not purchase it with your next credit, sit down and imagine yourself sitting in David's parlour as he tells you his story!

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5 people found this helpful

A truly great tale, glorious in all its characters.

Wonderfully narrated, I enjoyed it so much, from beginning to end. I laughed and at times had tears in my eyes. Masterful Dickens, who is there alike today?

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2 people found this helpful

Another Dickens gem

it is not surprising that this semi-autobiographical novel was. a favourite of the author. Moving story with fascinating characters and numerous twists. I loved Boulton's brilliant interpretation. Neil Behrmann-- Butterfly Battle.

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Brilliant characters, engaging story

To my shame this was the first time, other than A Christmas Carol, that I'd actually 'read' a Dickens novel. I was enthralled throughout, and amazed by his incredible insight into the human condition. It was also from time to time hilarious!

Excellently read with convincing characterisation.

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Engaging narrator

The narrator made this book come alive. From comedy to pathos, he had me go from one emotion to the other. Can't go wrong of course with a Charles Dickens novel.

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A magical experience from start to finish

The wonderfully considerate narration compliments one of the best stories, filled with some of the most memorable characters, ever imagined.

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Most enjoyable

Beautifully read. I doubt I would ever have got through it if reading it myself, but compulsive listening - like having a mobile play, where you want to keep listening wherever - when read like this. The story is rather over detailed at times but the narrator manages to maintain the listener's interest.

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Outstanding

A lifetime favourite novel brought to life by an excellent reading which does it the justice it deserves

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