I just finished A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens a couple of days ago. First of all, some background: I am not really a Dickens fan. I have read Oliver Twist and I tried to read Great Expectations and his writing style didn't really mesh well with my tastes. It's very dense, basically, and hard to get through if you have a shorter attention span. However, my respected roommate Betsy read A Tale of Two Cities during the fall and she raved about it. I was intrigued, so I picked up a cheap copy before coming to Florida and started reading it on the bus rides to work.
Now, a quick summary: A Tale of Two Cities is a story about the French Revolution. It mostly focuses on a certain family: Charles Darnay and his wife Lucie, Lucie's father Doctor Manette, and their family friends Jarvis Lorry and Sydney Carton. It also has romance, betrayal, devotion, et cetera. Honestly, that is all I want to give you in the summary. If you decide to read this book, I want you to go in with as little preconceived notions about the plot as possible.
What were my thoughts on A Tale of Two Cities? Well, I'll tell you. It is amazing. It's one of the best stories I've read in a long time. Charles Dickens packs his writing full of symbolism and foreshadowing, which you pick up on the first page and carry all the way until the last. The characters he creates are so excellent, ESPECIALLY THE VILLAIN. Seriously, the villain of AToTC is one of the most legitimately terrifying literary characters I have ever been exposed to. And the backdrop of the French Revolution is such an effective, volcanic setting. Dickens doesn't pull any punches when describing both the oppression suffered by the French people and the monstrosities they resort to in a misguided attempt at vengeance. It's insane and gripping and impossible to stop reading.
And the ending! The ending made me cry. It's true! It was beautiful and unexpected and so, so melancholy. (And rife with Christian symbolism, which should appeal to someone reading this blog, KENNETH).
Finally, I'm going to do something I rarely do: I am going to recommend A Tale of Two Cities to everyone who participates in this blog. Everyone reading this will love it. Kristin will love it, because she will sympathize with Lucie and also enjoy the metaphors! Luke will love it, because the villain is so very scary and also there is some dry British wit! Hardy will love it, because of the deep, rich symbolism (I think)! AJ will love it, because it seems like the type of book AJ will love! Ken will love it, because it will provide fuel for his hatred of the French! And when she returns from her mission, Kelsha will love it, because it is a pinnacle of literary accomplishment.
So, in conclusion: what are you doing? Are you still reading this post? Well STOP and go check out or buy A Tale of Two Cities. It is now at the top of your priority list!
