Wit as never before Chuzzled

Yes, Fred Davidson's voice is a little surprising at first. He settles down by the second part, however, and so far as OLD Martin Chuzzlewit's voice is concerned, Dickens described it as similar to the creaking of the pub-sign, and therefore here it is bravely dramatized. There is a clarity to the reading which is very refreshing and as I listened to this whilst driving I found myself frequently driving slower to prolong the enjoyment. So, RoSPA, how about that for an idea: story-telling in cars reduces speeds and therefore accidents?!

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3 people found this helpful

Oh to be Jolly

Dickens can sometimes be hard to 'get into' and this was the hardest of all; I thought of giving up several times, put off by the endless introduction of new characters without any apparent reason for their existence. Then i was introduced to Mark Tapley and his wonderful philosophy and all was well. There is plenty here that will make you smile and at times laugh out loud - Dickens' observations on some of the good people of the USA are as stingingly accurate now as they were then. Tom Pinch is another character I found myself rooting for but it is Mark Tapley who emerges triumphant as one of Dickens' greatest inventions. Incidentally, I chose the Frederick Davidson version over that of the great Derek Jacobi after comparing the samples of both - I am convinced I made the right choice.

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Not my favourite, but still thoroughly enjoyable

What made the experience of listening to Martin Chuzzlewit the most enjoyable?

I probably would have given up on this novel within the first couple of chapters if I were reading it. I really needed it bringing to life by Frederick Davidson. I have learned with Charles Dickens later novels, by which I mean post Nicholas Nickleby, to persevere and the effort will be well rewarded and that was the case here.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favourite character is Mark Tapley, I wish I had a bit more of his attitude, optimism, humour and good nature!

Which character – as performed by Frederick Davidson – was your favourite?

Oh definately Seth Pecksniff!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The way Tom Pinch was exploited by Pecksniff was deplorable

Any additional comments?

I wasn't sure about the American visit, it was clever, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the rest of the novel and found it a bit too satirical and, frankly, a bit hypocritical coming from an Englishman!

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Excellent Story - Shame About The Narration!

I'm afraid I disagree with the critic's review of Frederick Davidson's narration.

Please take the time to listen to a sample of this audiobook before downloading.

Davidson sounds like a bad Kenneth Williams impersonator or, when reading Martin's part, a rather startled Dalek!

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11 people found this helpful