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Hard Times

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Hard Times

By: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Anton Lesser
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About this listen

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 Classics Carnival

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All stars
Most relevant  
I really enjoyed this book. I had read some Dickens at school and thought I would try this book as I am interested in the industrial history of the north. It exceeded expectations, the characters were so well drawn, the plot kept me listening avidly and the social context right up my street. The narrator was also excellent, my next purchase will be another Dickens book narrated by him.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Mrs Gaskell.

Excellent

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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.

Ideal reading of Dickens at his best

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Would you consider the audio edition of Hard Times to be better than the print version?

Yes thanks to Anton

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hard Times?

Gosh so many... Mrs Sparsit's duplicity and unnatural speed.

What about Anton Lesser’s performance did you like?

Everything, the measured tones, the acting, the pauses, the intonation.

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

Almost

Anton Lesser is the best

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Hard Times is my least favourite of Dickens's novels. It feels like an outline of something he would have done better under different circumstances - and, for me, the trade union leader is grotesquely unbelievable. But Anton Lesser is such a truly superb narrator that I listened to it all with pleasure.

Anton Lesser makes this worth listening to

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A great novel which is brought to life with a lively reading full of character.

Super

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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.

The least typical Dickens novel

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

Dickens made easy

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Had to read this as part of my degree it’s certainly not my usual type of novel. Having said that I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. However Anton Lesser is AMAZING he brought the characters to life and made it much more bearable and easier to listen to. I can’t believe how many different voices he did my favourite was Mrs Sparsit and Josiah Bounderby. Would definitely recommend this particular audiable.

Hard work quite hard going

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

Hit the Spot

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

Excellent.

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