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Little Dorrit
- The Audible Dickens Collection
- Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
- Length: 40 hrs and 22 mins
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Little Dorrit
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Summary
This Audible Exclusive production revisits Charles Dickens’ tragi-comic novel Little Dorrit. Written during the Crimean War, it a story of fortunes won and lost and a masterly portrayal of the failings of Victorian Society, with the ever-present spectre of law enforcement and imprisonment looming over a fearful population.
One of his later works, Dickens’ maturity shines through this masterpiece and a uniquely powerful and touching love story ensues from amongst scenes of heart-wrenching injustice.
About the book
Following the death of his beloved father, Arthur Clennam returns to his home in London in order to reunite with his wheelchair-bound mother.
Narrowly escaping from the clutches of his former fiancée, Flora Finching, Arthur finds solace in the company of his mother’s new seamstress, the innocent and sweet Little Amy Dorrit.
The youngest of three children, Amy works hard to support her father, who, as Arthur learns, has been imprisoned in Marshalsea debtors’ prison since before her time. Without a mother to care for them, Little Dorrit and her siblings reside with Mr Dorrit, and she, being the most caring of them all, takes it upon herself to pay off his debts through her needlework.
Wishing to find out more about their serendipitous connection and how such a girl could possibly have ended up in his mother’s well-to-do household, Arthur sets out to help Amy and uncover the Clennam’s long-held family secrets, a journey which will inevitably alter the course of both of their lives.
About the author
Like Mr William Dorrit, Dickens’ father was held at Marshalsea debtors’ prison, the memory of which haunted Dickens for years to come and eventually inspired him to transform his childhood recollections into a book entitled Little Dorrit.
At a young age, Charles Dickens had to abandon his studies and set to work in a factory so as to support himself.
Despite his short-lived education, Dickens went on to write 15 novels and various articles, novellas and short stories. He lectured and led campaigns for children's rights and education and arguably became the ultimate self-made man.
About the narrator
Juliet Stevenson CBE is an Olivier award-winning actress known for her career spanning theatre, film and television. Her film credits include Bend It Like Beckham (2002) and Truly Madly Deeply (1990). Juliet starred in Robert Icke’s 2017/2018 adaptation of Mary Stuart (Almeida & Duke of York’s Theatre) where she played not only the titular role but also the role of Elizabeth I consecutively, swapping parts at the literal flip of a coin between herself and Lia Williams. Most recently she appeared in series 2 of Riviera. Juliet’s versatility knows no bounds, and she recently collaborated with both Ruby Wax and Deborah Frances-White on a series of new comedy sketches.
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What listeners say about Little Dorrit
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- helen
- 27-04-20
"Absolutely Superb"
Juliet Stevenson is simply superb as the narrator, drawing you in with all her skill to make the characters come to life with ease. The Story itself, needs no explanation a it is world famous. I cannot recommend this book enough to all those who are very familiar with the book and to those that are not, you will not be disappointed. The calibre of narration here is gold standard.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anne Manktelow
- 31-07-20
Absolutely brilliant narration!
Juliet Stevenson is a marvel - her narration brought this story to life - superb.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- VJ Townsend
- 07-07-20
Brilliant book beautifully read
Little Dorrit is one of my favourite Dickens'. Beautifully written, insightful and touching. Fewer comic moments than some of his other novels, but what there is, is highly amusing. It was read very well, with good characterisation.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Julie Davies
- 08-06-22
simply brilliant
I didn't want it to end. fabulous characters, engaging story. Loved it and just wish there had been more books about the Dorrit's and friends.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Gawain Mayall
- 02-01-24
The best reading ever
Juliet Stevenson is absolutely sublime. Extraordinary performance. The voices, the delivery - all perfect. Even with a story which isn’t Dickens best.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Rosemarie
- 06-01-21
Classic Dickens superbly narrated
Juliet Stephenson has brilliantly created a massive and delightful (as well as threatening) range of characters in her narration. Could not be bettered.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Barbara
- 26-09-19
Absolutely wonderful!
What a great joy this was to listen to! One of the finest of Dickens' novels superbly rendered by Juliet Stevenson. Her ability to switch characters with such excellent timing and her huge range in the dialogue made for such convincing drama. At first I had to check that she was the only reader, as her ability to speak the different male characters in such varied voices , made each character distinct, recognizable and so true to Dicken's description of them. I have been listening to this while dipping in and out of the last BBC drama serial of "Little Dorrit " which broadcast about 10 years ago and available on BBC catchup. That TV serial was very well cast and the sets were atmospheric but the overall experience was an acute disappointment because of the liberties and the unnecessary distortions of plot and dialogue and character. In so many ways a charicature of Dickensian. The comparison with this production by Juliet Stevenson makes me realise just how splendidly enjoyable is the experience of listening to an audio book unabridged , delivered by such a consummate artist. Much better, more enriching and absorbing than any television. I am unashamed to say that I cried a little at the end of the journey she took us on.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- St Andrews
- 14-03-22
A wonderful narration
A very enjoyable book, made much the better by Juliet Stevenson's superb narration. Her rendering of the male characters is beyond belief. What a wonderful performance!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Tracy :)
- 09-01-23
Amazing narration
Juliet Stevenson acted out this story beautifully. I have seen any screen or stage adaptation of this book but, with the talented writing and talented acting combined, each character and scene was clear to see in my imagination... More please, Juliet :))
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- Juvereya
- 09-07-23
Amazing performance
I thought the story itself l basic and the characters 2D which was a little disappointing because both had the potential to be more complex and gritty (especially considering some of the topics it dealt with: lifelong imprisonment for debt, childhood neglect, unrequited love etc) but enjoyed it nonetheless. Dickens saves it with his characteristic humour and wittiness from being too simple or boring.
I enjoyed the audible more than reading the book and give most credit for this to Juliet Stevenson, she is an incredibly skilled narrator and does a fantastic job brining the book alive! I would 100% recommend this audible version of the book!
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