Superb reading

Much as I enjoyed Miriam Margolyes reading of Bleak House, Rory Kinnear's recording of The Pickwick papers surpasses it. The characters and humour came alive, Old Mr Weller in particular had me laughing out loud. Please Audible can somebody record some of R.S.Surtees novels, Facey Romfords Hounds and Sponges Sporting Tour are of a similar humour to The Pickwick Papers

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11 people found this helpful

Well done Rory and well done Dickens.

Much credit for the enjoyment of this book must go to Rory Kinnear whose narration brings the whole thing to wonderful life. He never flags in his representation of the humour and individuality of each character and situation. It is hilarious. A real treat.

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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant

Of course one had been acquainted with Pickwick Papers and other Dickens’ novels but only now in my old age has this version, so brilliantly read given me so much pleasure.

Thank you

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1 person found this helpful

So you didn't think you needed to read Dickens?

A decision was made that I should read a selection of classic novels, after avoiding these for some fifty years. Now where to start, I knew of Dickens hadn't he wrote a Christmas Carol and there was a film with those hilarious Muppets. Yes Dickens it would be and the Pickwick Papers was Dickens first novel. It would be heavy going and perhaps a little dull, I mean aren't all classic stories like that? Better pick an audiobook. I shall put aside time and take in a chapter a day no matter what, I shall see this ordeal through, to the bitter end.
Samuel Pickwick has in his retirement formed the Pickwick Club, he is of some wealth after a working life in business, he is now in search of knowledge and discovery, After a meeting of the club it is decided that he and three fellow club members should now set off on travels further a field, neither he nor his friends are world wise and naivety and gullibility soon lands them numerous comical and awkward situations. However, throughout the book a transformation occurs and we watch the characters grow, and Pickwick changes from a figure of fun who we laugh at, to a wise and sage like individual from whom we would all wish to seek council from if not to someone to aspire to become.
Dickens characters grow and develop until they leave the book and become alive and we recognise them as old friends, and there is sadness in the final chapter as the story ends there is no more .
A chapter a day is a unrealistic expectation, for the story is worse than any addiction. You are drawn into Pickwick's world heart and soul, and each chapter end begs you to continue for just one more. Rory Kinnear's rendition is truly wonderful and he brings each character to life with enthusiasm, keeping the listener transfixed. I shall move on to another Dickens novel, but first I must listen to this one again. A winner from Audible.

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A total delight

This beautifully performed reading of Dickens’ most sunny and light-hearted novel is totally recommended. My pleasure was increased by following the text on my Kindle while listening to the reading. Thank you Audible for this treat.

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Brilliant!

This is as entertaining as I remember it from reading years ago, enhanced by the superb reading. The myriad of voices from Rory Kinnear is brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyable!

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Best Audible Book by far!

Firstly, I will confess that I haven't yet finished the book...Its a mammoth undertaking at 32 hours but I'm getting there, whenever time allows, however I couldn't hold off from singing its praises... Secondly, I'm a massive Charles Dickens fan so I'm a perhaps a little biased when it comes to his works but I can honestly say, this is by far the best Audible book I've listened to yet. The writing is brilliant and the depth and range of characters superb.. There are laugh out loud moments which can be a bit awkward when in public with headphones on!! .its a true illustration of why CD was one of our greatest ever writers. But on top of that, Rory Kinnear's narration and performance is sublime...he brings the characters to life in a way I would imagine CD to be very happy with. My favourites are Sam Weller and his father and although CD wrote them as funny, endearing, naughty, and loyal it needs the skills of Rory to capture that essence for the listening audience....I'm so pleased I finally got round to reading/listening to PP (after a visit to the Charles Dickens Museum) and that it is a performance of such high quality...Thank you Mr Dickens and huge well done to Rory!

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Well done Rory Kinnear

WOW. Huge respect to a great narrator.
Great story and brilliant narration with the many voices concerned.

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Great story and excellent telling

A funny and touching story with fantastic voice acting from Rory Kinnear. Really enjoyable - thanks

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Absolutely Wonderful!

This is the first Dickens novel I've ever listened to and I enjoyed every minute of it. The story is fabulously detailed: the individual stories of the great number of multi-faceted characters are interwoven perfectly, creating a complexity that means you're always entertained (but never confused) throughout the considerable length of the novel. Through the adventures of the utterly loveable Mr Pickwick, you experience the full range of emotions, from happiness and joy to sadness and desperation, rage and indignation to forgiveness and celebration. The novel is written in such a humanistic way, which has left me ruminating on the thought that, even though modern society is, in many ways, virtually unrecognisable from that of the mid 19th century, human nature and the fundamental forces and impulses that drive us are exactly the same.

Rory Kinnear did an exceptional job narrating this book. There really are a large number of characters, many of which appear regularly throughout the story, but each one was given an unique voice, always consistent and really well chosen, and it was very impressive to listen to. The pace was brisk but not excessively so - overall it perfectly suited the way the novel is written.

Needless to say, I wholeheartedly recommend this wonderful book to everyone!

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