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Hard Times cover art

Hard Times

By: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Anton Lesser
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Summary

Hard Times is Dickens's most political novel. Set in the industrial north of England, in Coketown, he examines the lives of working people, who are taught by the capitalists Gradgrind and Bounderby to think only of the facts of life and not to indulge in imagination. Gradgrind’s own children have been so educated and as a result are dysfunctional and disconnected from their feelings. Only the travelling circus company of Sleary seems to offer any hope of humanity in Coketown. Hard Times is a deeply moving story written in anger to strike a blow for the victims of the dehumanising processes of industry.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

Public Domain (P)2011 Naxos AudioBooks

What listeners say about Hard Times

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The least typical Dickens novel

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this to a friend - it is short so that even if you aren't a regular Dickens reader you will get through it and see if you like his style.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a fascinating story and quite unlike most of Dickens novels (all of which I like very much). It is the least melodramatic and has the least emotional stereotypes. It has a crisp punchy message that feels very relevant even now. As always Dickens is very concerned about social problems. In this novel, while there are some great character portraits, it is the social message about the gulf between mill workers and mill owners that comes clearly across. For any one who likes Lowry paintings (and especially anyone who went to the recent Lowry exhibition in London) it transports you straight into the world of his paintings - an experience not to be missed. It is also one of Dickens best attempts to portray an accent other than that of London or his beloved Kent. He has clearly researched the Lancashire accent very well and it adds another great dimension to the book.

What does Anton Lesser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Anton Lesser is a superb reader. Each character is distinct in a very appropriate way and the pace of the various parts is beautifully pitched. He clearly understands what he is reading. He enriches the whole experience of the novel.

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

Both laughed and almost cried. Great moments of pathos and bathos, also spiced with comedy. Perhaps one of Dickens most emotionally balanced books, without too much melodrama.

Any additional comments?

For any Dickens fan who does not know this title it is a must read book.

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8 people found this helpful

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Ideal reading of Dickens at his best

There is no better reader of Dickens than Anton Lesser. He brings out, without sentimentality, the compasssion and humane intelligence present in all his writing. The comic elements are also perfectly judged jn this reading. Bounderby and Sleary are unforgettable. What a shame that Mr Lesser has not yet read Dickens' masterpiece, Bleak House, for audible. I live in hope.

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very good

An excellent novel documenting the mentality of the capitalist class in industrial 19th century England. Written with the usual layers of satire and humor Dickens injected into his novels. Whilst it isn't perhaps his finest novel (Bleak House takes that title in my opinion) it is certainly very good. Furthermore the themes within the novel still hold relevance in today's society making the novel feel current and appropriate to our age. This is also one of Dickens shorter works and arguably doesn't contain the huge plethora of characters found in some of his longer works making it ideal for people new to Dickens.

Anton Leasers narration was excellent. The tone was just right and the characters unique and appropriate. Furthermore his reading of the Lancashire dialect was very well delivered.

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Dickens made easy

Brilliant narration of an unexpectedly great read. Would highly recommend to anyone usually daunted by dickens.

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Brilliant narration

I’m working thought dickens and love
the stories and characters. Just a shame I’m coming to the end of the ones Anton Lesser has narrated.

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Worth Spending Time Listening to “Hard Times”

Dickens uses his descriptive skills to great effect in conjuring up a picture of a Victorian era mill town where, even on the brightest day, the sunshine can never quite penetrate through the perpetual smog of industry.
We meet a mixed cast of characters who, again, are well-described. Some of these characters we can empathise with, some we despise, and others we can laugh out loud at.
Anton Lesser’s narration is absolutely superb; one of the best I have heard, and I have listened to a lot of books on Audible.
This is definitely worth a listen by any fan of Dickens, and by anyone who appreciates well-narrated historical fiction.

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A Great Narration and Story.

Anton Lesser is a great narrator of Dickens and this is one of Dickens best.

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Anton Lesser is utterly brilliant!

Anton Lesser is a one-man cast of thousands!! So many voices brought to life...old, young, educated, uneducated, town, country, north, south, poor, rich, humble, bombastic and even male or female! Each character is fully formed as Dickens would have wanted. I won't listen to the masterful Dickens read by anyone else.

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Excellent.

Lovely performance from Anton Lesser, whose voice has an attractive timeless quality. A wonderful range of voices and accents, totally convincing and beautifully balanced.

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Hit the Spot

Another supurb rendering by Anton Lesser. A must listen - and Dickens at his best.

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