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Barnaby Rudge

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About this listen

 Dickens' first historical novel is set in 1780s England at the time of the Gordon Riots. In a case of mistaken identification, Barnaby Rudge, a pale half-wit with long red hair who dresses all in green and carries a large raven on his back, is arrested as the leader of a mob of anti-Catholic rioters. He is condemned to death on the gallows, but an upright locksmith named Gabriel Varden comes to his aid.

Dickens provides another memorable cast of characters, including the dull-witted, tyrannical John Willet, Dennis the Hangman, and Hugh the savage ostler.

Click here to see all the titles in our Charles Dickens collection.Public Domain (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction United Kingdom England Middle Ages

Critic reviews

"Robert Whitfield['s] unflagging energy, imagination, and finesse rank this among the best of audio Dickens." ( Library Journal)
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to be honest, this Dickens needs a bit of editing. Nothing wrong with the performance, although Miggs and Mrs Vardon are particularly irritating, but it takes a long time to get going. The riot scenes are excellent and there are good twists and turns; but not my fave!

Not my fave!

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Great narration by Simon Vance throughout and an entertaining and informative story. Some great satire, observations and philosophy and some tense, exciting action. Just takes a while to get going compared to some other Dickens stories

A clever, informative story, slow to get going

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I absolutely love Dickens. While not my favourite of Dickens’s books, it’s still wholeheartedly worth five stars all around. Vance’s voice just fits the feeling of Dickens’s books.

Love this book so much.

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enjoyed the book and will spoken. the story starts off slow, but plenty of characters to keep you interested and soon pick s up pace

good read

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An excellent piece of work well narrated. Very enjoyable. I will be listening to more of Charles Dickens work.

Excellent story

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