book review on a tale of two cities

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A tale of two cities by charles dickens [a review].

A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most widely read novels in history, yet it has a number of qualities at odds with that. It is picaresque and disjointed; it is a ‘tale’ but a long one; it is historical fiction but avoids a lot of the history and, given its source material, runs several risks of unoriginality. But, in the hands of a master, it becomes a classic.

After 18 years imprisoned in the Bastille, the infamous Paris fortress converted to a prison, Alexandre Manette, a former physician, has been released. The news is shocking to his adult daughter, Lucie, who had long thought him dead. When she is taken to him, she finds him much changed. He is being cared for by a former servant, Defarge, who now owns a wine shop in Paris. The long imprisonment has taken a heavy toll on Manette and the sudden change is especially frightening to him. Confused and afraid, he recognises none of the friendly faces around him and finds comfort only in obsessively pursuing his prison occupation of making shoes.

We next see the Manettes five years later, in London, where they are witnesses in the trial of Charles Darnay, a Frenchman who is accused of providing intelligence of British troops to the French during the recent American Revolution. The Manettes happened to be travelling with Darnay on one of his frequent trips between England and France and can therefore verify some of his movements. Darnay, however, is acquitted because a key witness admits he can’t tell Darnay apart from another man in court – Sydney Carton – whose resemblance is strikingly alike to Darnay’s and who happens to be one Darnay’s counsellors in his defence.

After the trial Darnay and his lawyers, Carton and Mr Stryver, all stay close to the Manettes, in no small part due to the three men all being drawn to Lucie’s beauty. Carton, a heavy drinker and idler, self-pitying and lacking ambition, knows he has no prospects with Lucie, but nevertheless vows to serve her. It is Darnay who wins Lucie’s hand but, before he marries her, he confesses to her father that ‘Darnay’ is not his real name – it is St Evrémonde. Darnay changed his name to renounce his aristocratic heritage. The revelation causes Dr Manette considerable anxiety – the Evrémonde’s were responsible for Manette’s long imprisonment. Further, anti-aristocratic feeling is swelling in France and Darnay’s despised uncle, the Marquis St Evrémonde, has just been murdered.

‘Repression is the only lasting philosophy. The dark deference of fear and slavery, my friend,’ observed the Marquis, ‘will keep the dogs obedient to the whip, as long as this roof,’ looking up to it, ‘shuts out the sky.’

While events in France become more troubling, the family and their friends settle into a comfortable life in London. Until Darnay receives a plea from a friend in France, imprisoned by revolutionaries, begging for help. Despite the considerable risk to himself, Darnay is unwilling to avoid doing what he can. He and his family will leave the security of London and dare the blood-stained streets of Paris.

A Tale of Two Cities begins with one of the most famous openings in all of literature:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.

This was not my first time reading A Tale of Two Cities . It is a book that, while not one of my favourites, is one that I flagged as deserving another read to see if I liked it better second time around.

Among the strengths to recommend it, there is no denying that Dickens knows how to write a great scene. In a general sense, he creates a tone for the reader to feel in the world he is creating for them, such as when he describes the poverty and hunger in France, with the tools and weapons lying sharp and ready.

The mill which had worked them down, was the mill that grinds young people old; the children had ancient faces and grave voices; and upon them, and upon the grown faces, and ploughed into every furrow of age and coming up afresh, was the sign, Hunger. It was prevalent everywhere. Hunger was pushed out of the tall houses, in the wretched clothing that hung upon poles and lines; Hunger was patched into them with straw and rag and wood and paper; Hunger was repeated in every fragment of the small modicum of firewood that the man sawed off; hunger stared down from the smokeless chimneys, and stared up from the filthy street that had no offal, among its refuse, of anything to eat. Hunger was the inscription on the baker’s shelves, written in every small loaf of his scanty stock of bad bread; at the sausage-shop, in every dead-dog preparation that was offered for sale. Hunger rattled its dry bones among the roasted chestnuts in the turned cylinder; Hunger was shred into atomies of every farthing porringer of husky chips of potato, fried with some reluctant oil.

Dickens always has a way of arming his words with drama and tension. He then deliberately concentrates his ability to give certain chapters and moments in the story great power. The chapter where Lucy is reunited with her father shortly after his emancipation from the Bastille (The Shoemaker, Book 1 Chapter 6), is one of the most memorable scenes in all of my reading. The only other passage I can compare it to is from another Dickens novel – when we first meet Miss Havisham early in Great Expectations .

Reading A Tale of Two Cities again made me feel that it is a novel of two halves. We often think of the French Revolution as being a sudden explosion of violence and terror but five years span the Storming of the Bastille to the end of the Reign of Terror and A Tale of Two Cities begins 14 years before the Bastille. The first half of the novel, set mostly in London, therefore, covers a large block of time, it is somewhat disjointed and jumps ahead several years at a time. The second half, set mostly in France during the Terror, flows continuously and has all the momentum and urgency you would expect. Does the drama and tension of the second half make up for the slow build up of the first? Maybe it does just enough.

All this, though, is what Dickens intended. He wanted A Tale of Two Cities to be picaresque. Hence, the jumpy timeline; the effort put in to make key scenes powerful; the vignettes outside the main story and even a certain vagueness in the text to avoid being caught by historical specifics.

A Tale of Two Cities also feels like a story that stakes a lot on the ending. One senses Dickens came up with the ending first and then crafted a story to make it plausible and meaningful. Reading it again, I could not help but wonder how a modern writer would do it differently – perhaps beginning closer to the end and breaking up the narrative with passages of backstory; to allow better pacing, dissolve the leaps in time and spread the tension throughout? I say Dickens ‘came up with’ the ending but the fact is that the ending, even in a French Revolution setting, is not original to A Tale of Two Cities – it had been done before. To write A Tale of Two Cities long after the events also required Dickens to do a large amount of research. He certainly set himself a difficult project in pulling this story off.

Did he succeed? Again, I think he does just enough. The research Dickens undertook, not just into the French Revolution but for much else besides, such as prisoner psychopathy, was extensive and the novel benefits from it. It is true that some historical errors are present in the novel but that does not take much away from the story. The psychology of the characters can also seem a little cliché but I think this is due to the passage of time whereby most readers today are used to more psychological complexity in fictional characters. It is an aspect of fiction that has evolved a lot since Dickens’ time.

‘You see,’ said Doctor Manette, turning to him after an uneasy pause, ‘it is very hard to explain, consistently, the innermost workings of this poor man’s mind. He once yearned so frightfully for that occupation, and it was so welcome when it came, no doubt it relieved his pain so much by substituting the perplexity of the fingers for the perplexity of the brain, and by substituting, as he became more practised, the ingenuity of the hands for the ingenuity of the mental torture; that he has never been able to bear the thought of putting it quite out of his reach. Even now, when, I believe, he is more hopeful of himself than he has ever been, and even speaks of himself with a kind of confidence, the idea that he might need that old employment, and not find it, gives him a sudden sense of terror, like that which one may fancy strikes to the heart of a lost child.’

The character of Sydney Carton exemplifies these threads. In the first half of the novel, once the reader is introduced to him, Dickens seems to put in a lot of heavy lifting for him. A lot of effort is made to make him psychologically known to us and it feels somewhat forced, especially if you already know the story. In the second half of the novel, he’s a far more likable, respectable and understandable; the writing begins to feel more clever than contrived and you wonder if all the early effort was really necessary.

Waste forces within him, and a desert all around, this man stood still on his way across a silent terrace, and saw for a moment, lying in the wilderness before him, a mirage of honourable ambition, self-denial, and perseverance. In the fair city of this vision, there were airy galleries from which the loves and graces looked upon him, gardens in which the fruits of life hung ripening, waters of Hope that sparkled in his sight. A moment, and it was gone. Climbing to a high chamber in a well of houses, he threw himself down in his clothes on a neglected bed, and its pillow was wet with wasted tears.

A Tale of Two Cities has possibly sold more copies than any other novel in history. It has therefore been read and reread, analysed and dissected more than most. When it comes to the themes in the novel, I probably have little to add to the already existing plethora. A significant theme of the novel is of resurrection/rebirth and second chances – from Manette’s release from prison, Carton finding purpose in his life, amongst other examples. But I would like to examine another theme that struck me particularly on this second reading.

The novel, obviously, contrasts extremes and showcases extremists. I say ‘obviously’ because it is emblematic in the title. Though, I think London and Paris of the era are not directly compared as often or as comprehensively as the title might imply. The comparison is mostly indirect and symbolic, such as the application of the rule of law despite prejudices in Darnay’s London acquittal in contrast with the excesses of the Terror. Elsewhere, we see the contrast between the characters of Darnay and Carton who look alike but don’t have much else in common or between characters for whom violence and hate come easily and those who can not bear to conceive of it. But we also see that, in an era where extremist views hold power and wield the threat of violence, those who do not view the world in black and white terms, but appreciate its complexity and nuances, find themselves in a difficult position.

Dr Manette has every reason to hate Darnay for having his life ruined by Darnay’s family. But Manette’s feelings are complicated by his affection for his daughter, his want for her happiness and by recognising Darnay as an individual distinct from his family – a truth that contradicts the revolutionary feeling in France where people are guilty by association; being judged and killed not for their deeds but for their relations. Similarly, Manette’s former servant, Defarge, is torn between his loyalty for his former master and his revolutionary feelings which urge him to destroy Manette’s new family.

‘I entreat you to observe that I have come here voluntarily, in response to that written appeal of a fellow-citizen which lies before you. I have come here to clear him and to clear myself. I demand no more than the opportunity to do so without delay. Is it not my right?’ ‘Emigrants have no rights, Evrémonde,’ was the stolid reply. […] ‘My name is Defarge, and I keep a wine-shop in the Quarter Saint Antoine. Possibly you have heard of me.’ ‘My wife came to your house to reclaim her father? Yes!’ The word ‘wife’ seemed to serve as a gloomy remined to Citizen Defarge, to say with sudden impatience, ‘In the name of that sharp female newly born and called La Guillotine, why did you come to France?’ ‘You heard me say why, a minute ago. Do you not believe it is the truth?’ ‘A bad truth for you,’ said Defarge, speaking with knitted brows, and looking straight before him.

The edition of A Tale of Two Cities I read was a Penguin Classics edition that includes an Introduction and Notes by Richard Maxwell, then of Yale University. The Introduction contains several interesting ideas about the novel including Dickens’ interest in the French Revolution and the question of oppression justifying or causing violent uprising; the Bastille legend and its influence on Gothic and historical romance novels; an interpretation of the novel around Manette, Darnay and Carton’s different relationships to Lucie and the novel’s influence, for example on Hugo’s Les Misérables which was published a few years after A Tale of Two Cities .

Another advantage of this Penguin Classics edition is an appendix which covers Dickens’ source material for the French Revolution, life in Paris of the time, Bastille lore and real-life events and people which were inspirations for characters and events in the novel. One annoyance was that the explanatory notes contained spoilers which, in my opinion, ought to be avoided. I can understand spoilers in Introductions, which is why I avoid reading them until after I’ve read the novel, but they should not be in the notes which are there to aid uninitiated readers.

When I posted my 2020 Reading List I said that I was unsure if I would reread A Tale of Two Cities . The purpose of my rereading books is to experience some of my favourites again and to give non-favourites a second chance. I was unsure whether A Tale of Two Cities deserved a second chance. But I actually underwent an appraisal of the books I have read and which made it clear that it did – I did enjoy and admire it the first time around, it was worth seeing if I would like it more a second time as I have for some others. It didn’t quite achieve that – I still enjoy and admire it and would recommend it, I just wouldn’t call it a ‘favourite’. I don’t regret making the time to reread it either. It is, after all, a story about second chances.

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10 comments.

I love most of Dickens’ books especially his late great trio. I can never decide whether ”Bleak House”, ”Little Dorrit” or ”Our Mutual Friend” would be my desert island book. However I’ve always had problems with his two historical novels ”A Tale of Two Cities” and ‘Barnaby Rudge”. Do you know Noah Baumbach’s film ”The Squid and the Whale”? Jeff Daniels plays an embittered, overbearing and rather contemptible character, but I warmed to him somewhat when he said that his son should be studying ”David Copperfield” or ”Great Expectations” at school rather than ”A Tale of Two Cities”, which he summed up as ”minor Dickens”.

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It sounds a bit harsh, but I think once I read more Dickens I’m going to agree and say A Tale is a minor Dickens. So far I’ve only read A Tale of Two Cities, Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, but I am eager to get to David Copperfield and Bleak House.

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I’m reading it right now. Am at the chapter where Charles tells the Doctor that he loves Lucile. I thought it was disjointed, too. I literally was dreading coming to this novel, but at about the scene where the wine flowed through the street, and the gritty realities of Feudalism were revealed to me, it began to make sense. The random scenes turned into a tapestry, and a story emerged. It’s one of the most fantastic things I’d ever seen, actually. It really shifted focus once Monseigneur Marquis was introduced. It became a tapestry, and then adding Charles as the love interest of the Dr.’s daughter Lucile… It’s very good. Like, everything else is making sense, and the earlier scenes have weight to them. I think as Dickens was writing—it was first a serialized novel—he didn’t know what direction to take, until the Marquis arrived, and then a plot formed out of thin air. It’s really a completion of War and Peace. Like, Tolstoy gives the Russian perspective of the French Revolution—and I have to say I’m kind of left wondering in Tolstoy why the French would invade—but then seeing the absolute tyranny of French Feudalism, it became clear why they would launch a campaign into the rest of Europe. Like, I know where the novel is going, to show the energy of the French and the oppression they felt. It really puts into perspective our modern movements. Like, they’re rebelling in their affluence. They aren’t abjectly poor, and sheep for the slaughter. You can’t run someone over in a city, and kill them, and expect to get away with it in America. Like seeing that scene with the Marquis—which is pretty high up in the food chain, but still ought to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law—running over men and children on the street. And that there is no accountability for him. He does it with impunity. It’s a good explanation for the social conditions which led to the French Revolution, and later on the Napoleonic Wars. Like, it’s truly one of the most important pieces of literature ever—it’s kind of the other half of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. You really get it, why the French would be enraged, but when they met the Russians, the Russians weren’t dissatisfied with their treatment. Not until they were freed—which is kind of worrying actually. A Tale of Two Cities is a great piece of literature. I shouldn’t have called it disjointed at the beginning, as those first six chapters establish the character of Lucile and the Doctor. It gives us a portrait of their tender relationship, and the struggle, and when the plot explodes onto the scene, it’s gripping.

I’m glad it won you over in the end, sounds like it has become one of your favourites

I am surprised that no mention is made of the significance of the role of Madame Lafarge in the novel and the use of the Guillotine, both of which in my opinion played an important role in the French uprising. It seems that the book picked up or involves something from Oliver Twist in the acknowledgement of the heinous treatment of the people by the French Nobility.

Interesting points, thanks for sharing!

Recently we also wrote about the characters of A tel of two city. I can say it was a Good Novel by Dickens.

Yaah It Is a good navell…..👍

In your writeup you state “Further, anti-aristocratic feeling is swelling in France and Darnay’s despised father, the Marquis St Evrémonde, has just been murdered.” Minor correction – the Marquis was actually his uncle.

I have amended the text. Thanks for spotting and sharing, I appreciate it

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Book Review: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

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Dickens (1812-1870), was a 19th-century British writer. "A Tale of Two Cities" can be called the pinnacle of his late years. 

I have read it for the nth time since I was a child. The narrative rhythm is short and fast, and it belongs to a very classic literary structure. 

The characters are stereotyped, and the narrative is used to enhance the dramatic conflict. 

Carton's last moment of light and the overlap of time and space at the end of the whole story are always tear-jerking. 

As an adult, I read a lot about politics and society that I didn't understand when I was a child. 

The Great Revolution was intended to punish evil and promote good, but why did it still kill innocent people? 

It was the worst and best of times. 

The sustainability of revolution, the realization of political ideals, the blind impulse and irrationality of the masses, the good and evil of human nature, the anxiety between personal feelings and justice, and the relativity of justice are all topics touched upon.

Book: A Tale of Two Cities

• Author: Charles Dickens
• Publishing Year: 2015-8 
• Pages: 432 
• Binding: Paperback 
• Series: World Literature Famous  

Excerpts from the original text:

That is the best time, that is the worst time; that is the year of wisdom, that is the year of ignorance; that is the time of faith, that is the time of doubt; that is the season of light, that is the season of darkness; It was the spring of hope, it was the winter of disappointment; we all went straight to heaven, we all went straight in the opposite direction. —— Quoted from page 8

Book Review

"When you see a beautiful baby like you jumping around your knees, I hope you can sometimes remember that there is such a person in the world, To save the life of the person you love, he is willing to sacrifice his life!"  

"What I have done now is far better than everything I have done; the rest I will get is far sweeter than everything I know."

Just about Carton (unforgettable characters)

"He is a very talented and emotional person, but he cannot use that talent and emotion to gain happiness for himself. He knows the harm, but lets it go and wastes himself."

Book Summary

Dickens found it difficult to accept the social turmoil and suffering brought about by the violent revolution. 

In A Tale of Two Cities, he described the blindness and madness of the French Revolution in great detail and projected this radical attitude of extreme hatred, irrationality, and lack of political foresight onto Madame Defarge. 

The persecution of the lower classes by the French feudal aristocracy and the violent revenge of the lower-class revolutionaries were two mirrors that Dickens held up for Britain, and he hoped to use them to give some insights and warnings to the British rulers. 

However, Dickens's idea of ​​humanitarian salvation was indeed somewhat fanciful. 

Using self-sacrifice to eliminate hatred and using reformism to improve society. 

This was certainly beautiful, but it lacked realistic soil, and ultimately could only fall into the behavior pattern of "repaying evil with virtue", which was not beneficial to improving society, and it was difficult to truly save the lower-class people. 

When faced with sharp class contradictions, it was like scratching an itch through a shoe, which made people see no hope. 

But I like Dickens very much. His thoughts and the kindness, generosity, mercy, and selflessness that he always valued made him shine.

This novel traces the private lives of a group of people caught up in the cataclysm of the French Revolution and the Terror. 

My Thoughts After Reading

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An Epic Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Revolution: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

06 Apr An Epic Tale of Love, Sacrifice, and Revolution: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

An epic book deserves an epic review, introduction.

As the owner of Scattered Books and an ardent lover of literature, I find myself constantly drawn to the timeless works that have withstood the test of time. Charles Dickens’ masterpiece, “A Tale of Two Cities,” is a novel that has captivated readers for generations, and it is with great enthusiasm that I delve into its depths once again.

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, this sweeping saga follows the intertwined lives of characters caught in the tumultuous upheaval of a nation. Dickens weaves a tapestry of love, sacrifice, and redemption, exploring the duality of human nature and the resilience of the human spirit. “A Tale of Two Cities” has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest novels ever written, earning its place among the literary canon’s most revered works.

Plot Summary

The story unfolds in the late 18th century, alternating between the contrasting cities of London and Paris. Dr. Manette, a former Bastille prisoner, is reunited with his daughter Lucie after years of imprisonment. Their lives become entangled with those of the French emigrant Charles Darnay, the dissolute Sydney Carton, and the vengeful Madame Defarge, a key figure in the revolutionary turmoil.

As the tides of revolution sweep across France, Darnay finds himself caught in the crosshairs of the merciless revolutionaries, facing the threat of the guillotine. Sydney Carton, a man haunted by his wasted potential, emerges as an unlikely hero, willing to sacrifice everything for the woman he loves. The narrative builds towards a climactic finale, where the lines between love, honor, and redemption blur in the face of unimaginable violence and upheaval.

Character Descriptions

Dickens’ masterful characterization is a hallmark of “A Tale of Two Cities.” The novel is populated by a rich tapestry of characters, each meticulously crafted and imbued with depth and complexity.

• Sydney Carton : The tragic hero of the story, Carton is a brilliant but dissolute lawyer who finds redemption through his selfless love for Lucie Manette. His journey from a wasted life to a noble sacrifice is a poignant exploration of the human capacity for transformation.
• Lucie Manette : The embodiment of grace and compassion, Lucie is the moral compass of the novel. Her unwavering love and loyalty serve as a beacon of hope amidst the chaos of the revolution.
• Charles Darnay : A French once-aristocrat who falls victim to the revolutionary fervor, Darnay’s plight represents the injustices of the ancien régime and the brutal excesses of the revolution.
• Madame Defarge : The vengeful and ruthless leader of the revolutionary knitters, Madame Defarge personifies the unbridled rage and thirst for retribution that fueled the violence of the French Revolution.

Dickens’ ability to breathe life into these characters and capture the complexities of human nature is a testament to his literary genius.

“A Tale of Two Cities” is a masterwork that transcends its historical setting to explore universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the duality of human nature. Dickens’ vivid depictions of the contrasting cities of London and Paris, and the juxtaposition of the aristocratic opulence and the squalor of the masses, serve as a powerful commentary on the social injustices that ignited the French Revolution.

The novel’s strength lies in its ability to humanize the revolutionary fervor, portraying both the nobility of its ideals and the brutal excesses that followed. Dickens’ use of parallel narratives and symbolic motifs, such as the recurring image of the broken wine cask, add layers of depth and meaning to the story.

Perhaps most poignant is the exploration of the duality of human nature, embodied in the contrasting characters of Sydney Carton and Madame Defarge. Carton’s journey from a wasted life to a noble sacrifice serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity for redemption, while Madame Defarge’s descent into vengeful madness represents the darker aspects of the human psyche.

Themes and Motifs

At its core, “A Tale of Two Cities” is a profound meditation on the themes of revolution, justice, and the enduring power of love and sacrifice.

• Revolution and Social Injustice : Dickens offers a nuanced portrayal of the French Revolution, exploring both the ideals that fueled the uprising and the brutal excesses that followed. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked violence and the importance of upholding justice and human rights.
• Resurrection and Redemption : The motif of resurrection is woven throughout the narrative, from Dr. Manette’s release from the Bastille to Sydney Carton’s ultimate sacrifice. The novel explores the human capacity for transformation and the possibility of redemption, even in the darkest of circumstances.
• Love and Sacrifice : At the heart of the story is the enduring power of love, embodied in the selfless acts of characters like Sydney Carton and Lucie Manette. Dickens celebrates the ability of love to transcend even the most dire circumstances and inspire acts of profound sacrifice.

Through these themes and motifs, Dickens invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human nature and the enduring values that can guide us through even the most turbulent of times.

Writing Style and Tone

Dickens’ writing style in “A Tale of Two Cities” is a masterclass in literary craftsmanship. His prose is rich and evocative, painting vivid scenes that transport readers to the heart of the French Revolution. The novel’s opening lines, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” have become iconic, setting the stage for the contrasts and dualities that permeate the narrative.

Dickens’ use of parallel narratives and symbolic imagery adds depth and resonance to the story. The recurring motif of the broken wine cask, for example, serves as a powerful metaphor for the spilled blood and wasted potential of the revolution.

Here is a passage that exemplifies Dickens’ masterful prose:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

Through his evocative language and skillful storytelling, Dickens invites readers to fully immerse themselves in the tumultuous world of the French Revolution, experiencing the triumphs and tragedies of his unforgettable characters.

Evaluation and Conclusion

“A Tale of Two Cities” is a literary masterpiece that has rightfully earned its place among the greatest novels of all time. Dickens’ ability to weave a compelling narrative while exploring profound themes of love, sacrifice, and the duality of human nature is unparalleled.

The novel’s enduring popularity and relevance are a testament to its universal appeal and the timeless truths it conveys. Whether you are a seasoned reader or embarking on your literary journey, “A Tale of Two Cities” is a must-read that will leave an indelible mark on your soul.

For those seeking a gripping tale of love and sacrifice set against the backdrop of one of history’s most tumultuous periods, this novel is an absolute treasure. Dickens’ masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters will captivate you from the first page to the last, leaving you forever changed by the power of his words.

Favorite Quotes

• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” This iconic opening line sets the stage for the contrasts and dualities that permeate the narrative, capturing the essence of the French Revolution and the complexities of human nature.
• “A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.” This quote speaks to the depth and complexity of the human experience, reminding us that each individual is a profound mystery, even to those closest to them.
• “I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.” This biblical quote, referenced in the novel, encapsulates the theme of resurrection and redemption that runs throughout the narrative, offering hope in the face of darkness and despair.

FAQ Section

• What is the central conflict in “A Tale of Two Cities”? The central conflict revolves around the French Revolution and the contrasting ideologies of the revolutionaries and the aristocracy. The novel explores the social injustices that fueled the uprising, as well as the brutal excesses that followed in the pursuit of justice.
• Who are the main characters in the novel? The main characters include Sydney Carton, a dissolute lawyer who finds redemption through sacrifice; Lucie Manette, the embodiment of grace and compassion; Charles Darnay, a French once-aristocrat caught in the revolutionary turmoil; and Madame Defarge, the vengeful leader of the revolutionary knitters.
• What are the central themes explored in “A Tale of Two Cities”? The novel explores themes of revolution and social injustice, resurrection and redemption, love and sacrifice, and the duality of human nature. Dickens offers a nuanced portrayal of the French Revolution, celebrating the ideals that fueled the uprising while cautioning against the dangers of unchecked violence.
• How does the novel’s setting contribute to its themes and narrative? The contrasting settings of London and Paris serve as a powerful metaphor for the duality of human nature and the contrasting ideologies of the revolution. The juxtaposition of the aristocratic opulence and the squalor of the masses highlights the social injustices that ignited the revolutionary fervor.
• What is the significance of Sydney Carton’s sacrifice at the end of the novel? Sydney Carton’s ultimate sacrifice, taking Charles Darnay’s place at the guillotine, represents the pinnacle of his redemption arc. His selfless act of love and courage serves as a powerful testament to the human capacity for transformation and the enduring power of love to inspire acts of profound sacrifice.

Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” is a literary masterpiece that has rightfully earned its place among the greatest novels of all time. Through his masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters, Dickens invites readers to embark on a journey that explores the depths of human nature, the complexities of revolution, and the enduring power of love and sacrifice.

Whether you are a seasoned reader or embarking on your literary journey, this novel is an absolute must-read that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Prepare to be captivated by Dickens’ vivid prose, moved by the triumphs and tragedies of his characters, and forever changed by the profound truths he conveys.

For those seeking a gripping tale of love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit, “A Tale of Two Cities” is a treasure that will resonate long after the final page is turned.

Spoilers/How Does It End

In the climactic finale of “A Tale of Two Cities,” Sydney Carton, the once-dissolute lawyer, embraces his redemption and selflessly takes Charles Darnay’s place at the guillotine. Carton’s ultimate sacrifice is driven by his unwavering love for Lucie Manette, Darnay’s wife, and his desire to save an innocent life.

As Carton ascends the steps to the guillotine, he experiences a profound transformation, finding peace and purpose in his final moments. His last words, “It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done…”, resonate with the novel’s themes of resurrection and redemption, as he embraces a noble end to a life once wasted.

Carton’s sacrifice not only saves Darnay’s life but also ensures the future happiness of Lucie and her family. His act of selflessness serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of love and the human capacity for transformation, even in the darkest of circumstances.

While the novel ends on a somber note, with Carton’s execution, it also offers a glimmer of hope and renewal. The characters who survive are forever changed by Carton’s sacrifice, carrying the lessons of love, courage, and the enduring human spirit into an uncertain future.

About the Author

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a prolific English novelist and social critic whose works have left an indelible mark on literature and popular culture. Born in Portsmouth, England, Dickens experienced poverty and hardship in his youth, which profoundly influenced his writing and his advocacy for social reform.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dickens penned numerous beloved novels, including “Oliver Twist,” “David Copperfield,” “Great Expectations,” and “A Christmas Carol.” His works were known for their vivid characters, intricate plots, and incisive commentary on the social injustices of Victorian England.

“A Tale of Two Cities,” published in 1859, is widely regarded as one of Dickens’ greatest achievements. The novel’s exploration of the French Revolution and its themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption have resonated with readers across generations and cemented Dickens’ legacy as one of the most influential authors of all time.

Publication History and Reception

“A Tale of Two Cities” was first published in weekly installments in Dickens’ literary periodical “All the Year Round” from April to November 1859. It was later published as a complete novel in three volumes in 1859 by Chapman & Hall in London.

Upon its initial release, the novel received widespread critical acclaim and commercial success. Readers were captivated by Dickens’ vivid depiction of the French Revolution and his exploration of timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and the duality of human nature.

Over the years, “A Tale of Two Cities” has been adapted numerous times for film, television, and stage productions, further solidifying its status as a literary classic. The novel has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be widely read and studied in schools and universities around the world.

In recognition of its enduring impact and literary merit, “A Tale of Two Cities” has been included in various lists of the greatest novels of all.

Bibliographic Details

• Author(s): Charles Dickens
• Title: A Tale of Two Cities
• Applicable Genres: Historical Fiction, Classic Literature
• Bisac Categories: FICTION / Classics, FICTION / Historical / General
• Publisher: Chapman & Hall (original publisher)
• Place of publication: London, England
• Year of publication: 1859
• ISBN: 978-0141439600
• Page count: 489 pages
• Format: Hardcover, Paperback, E-book
• Language: English
• Subject/Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Classic Literature
• Library of Congress Classification (LCC): PR4571 .A6 1994
• Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC): 823/.8

Where to Buy

You can purchase “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens on Bookshop.org

Other Reviews

• Goodreads – Average rating: 3.8/5 stars from over 1 million ratings
• Amazon – Average rating: 4.5/5 stars from over 5,000 reviews
• Penguin Random House – “A novel of supreme artistry, unforgettable characters, and a timeless exploration of the duality of human nature.”

We hope this EPIC review is as epic as your experience when reading “A Tale of Two Cities!”

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Parents' guide to, a tale of two cities.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 2 Reviews
• Kids Say 13 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

Immortal romance is set against violent French Revolution.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Charles Dickens' masterpiece, A Tale of Two Cities , sets a riveting story of romantic and familial love against the violent drama of the French Revolution. The personal and the political are deeply connected, and complicated, and additional historical background regarding the…

Why Age 14+?

In an early scene in the book, in the Parisian suburb of Saint Antoine, a wine b

Most of the violence in A Tale of Two Cities is portrayed quite lyrical

A letter written by Dr. Manette relates the story of his being called to treat a

Any Positive Content?

Each of the central characters in A Tale of Two Cities -- the Manette/D

Personal love and devotion are the greatest virtues in A Tale of Two Cities

Dickens' 1859 masterpiece sets a sweet romance against the backdrop of the F

Parents need to know that Charles Dickens' masterpiece, A Tale of Two Cities , sets a riveting story of romantic and familial love against the violent drama of the French Revolution. The personal and the political are deeply connected, and complicated, and additional historical background regarding the French monarchy, feudal system, and French Revolution will help young readers appreciate the novel. It's also worth noting that though this is one of Dickens' best-loved works, it is atypical of the author in some ways. A Tale of Two Cities has fewer humorous, colorful characters than others of his most-read books (other than the Crunchers), and the plot is more grand and far-reaching.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

In an early scene in the book, in the Parisian suburb of Saint Antoine, a wine barrel has fallen off of a truck and broken, and villagers partake of the spillage. The Defarges own a wine shop there, where wine and brandy are consumed. In England, men drink ale and spirits, and one important character is an alcoholic who considers himself beyond help.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Violence & Scariness

Most of the violence in A Tale of Two Cities is portrayed quite lyrically, but there is quite a bit of it. Numerous people are beheaded on the guillotine. A woman is shot and killed. Dr. Manette is called to treat a brother who has been fatally wounded, and whose sister has been impregnated and driven mad by rape and abuse.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

A letter written by Dr. Manette relates the story of his being called to treat a young woman who has been raped and impregnated by an abusive aristocrat. Other than that, married couples occasionally kiss and embrace.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Role Models

Each of the central characters in A Tale of Two Cities -- the Manette/Darnay family and their friends -- is more pure and examplary than the last. Dr. Manette is a loving father and caring physician. Lucie Manette is a devoted daughter, wife, and mother. Mr. Lorry and Miss Pross are reliable protectors. Charles Darnay gives up wealth and station out of his own sense of fairness. And Sydney Carton is the soul of loving sacrifice.

Positive Messages

Personal love and devotion are the greatest virtues in A Tale of Two Cities , despite the tidal power of the political revolution. The love between father and daughter, between husband and wife, and the selfless devotion of friends become increasingly precious as they are threatened by blind vengeance. Also, though Christianity is misused by aristocrats to support their superior status, true faith is the greatest comfort in one character's darkest hour.

Educational Value

Dickens' 1859 masterpiece sets a sweet romance against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Readers will learn about the class inequality, perpetuated by aristocrats, that kept many French people in fear and abject poverty, and incited the citizens to condemn the monarchy. The novel also depicts machinations of the English legal system in the late 18th century, and shows the ways of household life, travel, and business on each side of the English Channel.

Where to Read

Parent and kid reviews.

• Parents say (2)
• Kids say (13)

Based on 2 parent reviews

A tale of 2 cities

What's the story.

At the beginning of A Tale of Two Cities , Dr. Alexandre Manette has been released after many years of wrongful imprisonment in France. He is reunited with his beautiful, pure-hearted daughter, Lucie, who tenderly cares for him and takes him with her to England to live. During the journey across the channel, Lucie meets Charles Darnay, a French instructor who becomes part of the Manettes' family circle. A secret about Charles' background eventually causes him, the Manettes, and some of their friends to return to France, where mob rule now drives the revolution and threatens to destroy them all.

Is It Any Good?

A TALE OF TWO CITIES masterfully interweaves political and personal events. It reveals much about the injustice that incited the French Revolution, the gray areas between the populist ideals and blind vengeance, and the toll the rebellion took on individuals. This is one of Charles Dickens' best-loved novels, with good reason. The plot is suspenseful, the scope is far-reaching, and the characters are as rich and affecting as can be. No love was ever sweeter than Lucie and Charles', no father and daughter were ever more deeply attached than the Manettes, and no character in English literature ever had a greater purpose, or better lines, than Sydney Carton.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about what Dickens intends for readers to feel and understand about the French Revolution. What is right and wrong?

Why does Sydney Carton do what he does?

What does Dickens seem to be suggesting is similar and/or different about his two cities?

Think about the Defarges' cohorts, Vengeance and the three Jacques. What do these characters represent?

A Tale of Two Cities is considered a classic and is often required reading in school. Why do you think that is?

Book Details

• Author : Charles Dickens
• Genre : Literary Fiction
• Topics : Friendship , History
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : Barnes & Noble
• Publication date : April 20, 1894
• Number of pages : 448
• Last updated : June 9, 2015

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The Book Corner Chronicles

Book Reviews

“A Tale of Two Cities” By Charles Dickens Review

A Tale of Two Cities is Charles Dickens’s great historical novel, set against the violent upheaval of the French Revolution. The most famous and perhaps the most popular of his works, it compresses an event of immense complexity to the scale of a family history, with a cast of characters that includes a bloodthirsty ogress and an antihero as believably flawed as any in modern fiction. Though the least typical of the author’s novels, A Tale of Two Cities still underscores many of his enduring themes—imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal.

i actually didn’t have any expectations for this book and it turns out that it was far better than I had though about it would be. Its important to say that I didn’t know anything about this book before getting into it. 

This book is a very heavy reading because it doesn’t have any humour, and it talks about storming of the Bastille around 50 years after it happened. This book also contains a lot of very violent ogress. 

The characters here were actually very good, even thou I didn’t love them, I still liked them a lot to care about them. 

Some characters in this book were better than others. And by this I mean that some characters were shallow and flat and straight forward uninteresting. But some of the other characters were very interesting and I liked them a lot. 

This book is a roller coaster of a read because it contains a lot of good and bad moments for me personally. And because of it my thoughts about this book are all over the place when it comes to this book. 

The writing style in this book was very good, show how it was available to suck me into the story against my will. It was like the author knew what words to use to completely grab my attention and to not let it go. 

Even thou the writing style was available to suck me into the story, some of the moments really throw me out of the beat and made me like “WTF an I reading?”. Because some moments in this book didn’t sit well with me. 

I Give This Book 3 / 5

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Book Review: A Tale of Two Cities

Profound human love and the most repugnant savagery, horror and redemption, a heroine and a grotesque revenger, two families with dark secrets, two cities, all in the backdrop of the bloodbath that was the French Revelation. In reading it, be prepared for the "Best of Times and the Worst of Times."

Like all great stories, the brilliance of this tale is its ability to not only intimately draw us into the tangled lives of these characters, battered by the historical tyrannies of their time, but to use their story as a parable to understand the human narrative as a whole. Perhaps this is why Dickens believed this book to be his magnam opus; perhaps he felt like it was his clearest statement of what he believed.

The struggles of a small family open the reader's eyes to understanding the larger struggles of humanity in general. We learn not only about the turmoil and violence plaguing France at the time of the French Revolution, but the sin and darkness plaguing our human race. Through this story, we understand principles which will prove true for all times and all places. Dickens writes that the evil cruelty of the French aristocracy gave birth to something according to its kind, the French Revolution, as all things since beginning of creation have produced according to their kind. Evil begets more evil. This is the story of humanity.

But redemption and resurrection echo throughout the novel as well. Darnay had a mother, who, though an aristocrat, once sought to make restitution for the something incredibly cruel her heartless husband had done. This woman is mentioned only once briefly in the whole book, but her influence on her son Charles Darnay profoundly changed the course of Darnay's life and the whole book.

Even Dickens' style of writing is a reflection on the truth of real life. For instance, every single scene in the book is important to the story, although for the first half of the book, the reader can't figure out how it will come together. But at the end, as everything is revealed, the reader can think back and see the purpose for each scene. Similarly, as we walk through life, we rarely understand the purpose for the various scenes we find ourselves in. Although we will never understand completely until heaven, there are times when it is all brought together and we see the purposes behind puzzling circumstances.

In typical Dickens style, this book is written to tug at your heart strings. But this is not done in a manipulative or sentimental way, but in the most straightforward way possible: by giving an often newspaper-sounding account of the events that take place in each scene. Yet any reader with a pulse will be profoundly moved in numerous scenes. How does he do this? By focusing his accounts on the human element, the true purpose behind any story. Woven through every page in this book is the message that every human being counts. Collectivism, sacrificing the individual for the group, is shown to be barbaric.

Another stroke of genius is Dickens uncanny way of portraying evil. Madame DeFarge becomes in the book everything that she hates. The reason she got to be the way she is, was because of something terrible that was done to her sister and brother by the aristocracy when she was still young. And yet, at the end of the novel, it is said of her that as she puts men and women to death, she cares nothing that they may be innocent, or that they may leave behind a bereft sister or brother or wife. She only cares that more and more people die, and she is never satisfied.

In a pre-Flannery O'Connor style, Dickens leaves the reader no room for false hopes in the goodness of humanity. He wants to take your false hopes and hit them out of the ballpark never to be seen again. If there's one thing that this story was supposed to shatter, it is the myth that man is getting better and better, and the solutions to his sin is minor. Redemption is possible, but the price is higher than any of us imagined.

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Nonfiction Books » Economics Books » Fiction Recommended by Economists

A tale of two cities, by charles dickens.

Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities is about poverty in London and Paris and the book with perhaps the most famous opening and closing lines in English literature: ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness…’ and, at closing, ‘It is a far, far, better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to, than I have ever known.’

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“Every decision I make, I try to evaluate if it will help improve the quality of life of every Angeleno. But Dickens really dissects both the aristocrats and the revolutionaries, to show that change is never easy. As progressives, we value government’s role and power to improve our cities and communities, but at the same time we must never forget that the ends never justify the means. And that the majority cannot deprive the minority of their inalienable rights that come with a democracy.” Read more...

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