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David Copperfield

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About this listen

Between his work on the 2014 Audible Audiobook of the Year, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: A Novel, and his performance of Classic Love Poems, narrator Richard Armitage (The Hobbit, Hannibal) has quickly become a listener favorite. Now, in this defining performance of Charles Dickens' classic David Copperfield, Armitage lends his unique voice and interpretation, truly inhabiting each character and bringing real energy to the life of one of Dickens' most famous characters.

This epic, exuberant novel is one of the greatest coming-of-age stories in literature, chronicling David Copperfield's extraordinary journey through life as he encounters villains, saviors, eccentrics, and grotesques - including the wicked Mr. Murdstone, stouthearted Peggotty, formidable Betsey Trotwood, impecunious Micawber, and the odious Uriah Heep. Dickens' great novel (based, in part, on his own boyhood and which he described as a "favorite child") is a work filled with life, both comic and tragic.

Listen to Richard Armitage bring Dickens' words to life, and you'll understand why Virginia Woolf called David Copperfield "the most perfect of all the Dickens novels".

Public Domain (P)2015 Audible, Inc. Classics Funny Fiction Middle Ages Royalty

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Would you consider the audio edition of David Copperfield [Audible Studios] to be better than the print version?

Yes. Mr Armitage 'performs' rather than 'reads', so it is like watching the whole book in my mind's eye - he brings all the characters and scenes to startling life.

What other book might you compare David Copperfield [Audible Studios] to, and why?

The only proper comparison would be with another Dickens' book - and I've listened to none of these. However, I shall make a comparison with Mr Armitage's audiobook, 'Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: The Novel' because both have complex story-lines and vividly voiced characters. I would also make a comparison with his reading of Bernard Cornwell's 'Lords of the North' for similar reasons, but, oddly and unlike all his other audiobooks, Audible have not added this to their collection.

Which character – as performed by Richard Armitage – was your favourite?

So many are brilliant, it is difficult to choose: Uriah Heep, Mr Creakle, Rosa Dartle, Mr Micawber, Betsey Trotwood, Mr Peggotty, Steerforth etc. But, one character I had forgotten all about when I read the book years ago is the dwarf lady, Miss Mowcher. He has given her an unexpected Liverpudlian accent and it was an absolute delight to listen to her. On the written page, she made no impact, but, in this audiobook, she is totally memorable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It is far, far too long for one sitting. It took me 10 days, listening to a chunk per day. I think there is so much going on and so many vivid moments to enjoy that, spreading it out like this is the best way to appreciate what both Dickens and Mr Armitage have achieved together.

Any additional comments?

This reading has brought me back to an appreciation of Dickens - his characterisation, his humour, his story-telling and his ability to relate tragic scenes. Chapter 56, which describes a violent storm and the loss of 3 ships at sea, including two of the book's characters, had me sitting there with tears streaming down my face. Charles Dickens and Richard Armitage are a perfect combination. Very well done, both you guys!

Brought me back to Dickens

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Having listened (and enjoyed) the audible dramatized version of David Copperfield narrated by Miriam Margoyles, Timothy Spall et al, I was somewhat loathe to spend one of my audible credits just to listen to the unabridged version read by Richard Armitage. However I took the plunge, and can only say that I'm very pleased that I did. Richard has the most wonderfully mellifluous baritone voice, and has an amazing ability to change accent/pace/tone etc according to character. As he reads he gives the impression that he's totally immersed in the story himself, and so the humorous subtleties are revealed in the telling. I could listen to Richard Armitage read the phone book, having him read Dickens is just sublime!
👍👍👍👍👍

Exemplary narration from Richard Armitage

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Couldn't stop listening - this was a fantastic performance - wonderful voices bringing the characters to life - truly compelling.

Stunning performance

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Dickens is Dickens, but what really makes this book come alive is the narration.

Brilliant narration.

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This is probably Dickinson's greatest novel and Dickens himself could not have read it better than the extraordinary Richard Armitage. I've never heard a male narrator give such authentic voice to female characters. I was in tears when he was narrating the storm at sea scene. He is sublimely funny; he's able to convey much so subtly, capturing Dickens's irony and righteous anger at hypocrisy and abuse of the vulnerable, beautifully. This is what what children should listen to at school, rather than merely studying the text; because Dickens wrote to be read out loud; and Richard Armitage does his work perfect justice.

A Landmark Performance

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David Copperfield is very long but beautifully narrated by Richard Armitage, an easy voice to listen to.

a classic

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This is Dickens at his best, brilliantly read by the talented Richard Armitage. Entertaining, endearing, didn't want it to end!

Wonderful

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A must read, truly a masterpiece by Dickens, excellent performance by Richard Armitage, really well read.

Fantastic Novel

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I tend to steer clear of Dickens yet David Copperfield was brought to life by Richard Armitage. A fantastic story and wonderful performance. Highly recommended

Wonderful

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Long and joyously so. The characters are brought to life through this narration. The story is a great picaresque and details are not in TV miniseries. This is worth listening to, to understand Dickens' own motivations and sentiments. A great portrayal of his age. Armitage as narrator doesn't disappoint.

full version well narrated

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