David Copperfield

Superlative reading

David Copperfield is one of the books that I have returned to most often in my life, and it is the book that reveals the most depth with each re-reading. The wonderful cast of characters is often remarked upon, but the most meaningful aspect of this novel to me is the passionate reflection on certain emotions and experiences, most notably grief and regret.

My first choice when I joined Audible was Patrick Tull's reading of David Copperfield. I had listened to it on audiocassette from the library years ago and was thrilled to be able to hear it again. This is one of those narrations that lifts an already great novel to an even higher level. Tull reads with humor, pathos and deep feeling throughout. There is a quality of wisdom and perspective to the way that Tull personifies David, the title character, as he reflects on his experiences. I can honestly say that I laughed and cried many times as I listened to this beloved book. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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Simply the best performance of any book on Audible

We all know. A great classic. Marvelous work of English literature, etc, etc.. But... This performance is something very special. Brought to life with real heart and a masterful actor's sense of pacing and emotion. Patrick Tull brings Dickens' David Copperfield to life. Indeed he brings out subtleties of feeling and scene painting the average reader might miss (gasp!). I never thought I would say this, but this is an audible read-out-loud version that actually improves the reader's experience. Always intelligent and aware, Tull never clods unsmilingly right through Dickens ever-present gentle humor, nor does he minimize the genuine strong emotional content of this novel. No dry Victorian restraint here. Dickens emerges not only as a whimsical master of vivid and deft imaginative prose but as a powerful voice of moral force and profound emotion. Get this version even if you have another one already. You won't be disappointed.

1 person found this helpful

Great Story and Narrator

I chose this audiobook because I have become a huge fan of Patrick Tull's reading of the Aubrey-Maturin series. I have not been disappointed with David Copperfield. I have not "read" the book, but I believe I would not enjoy it nearly as much as I do listening to Tull's voice acting.

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Worth Reading Again

I looked forward to listening to this every day. the characters were very entertaining. The reader was excellent.

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Brilliant

Timeless, superb and tenderest of stories... No one could have performed a better narration than Patrick Tull!

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Among the most amazing man made things I've encou

It's hard to write about such an amazing writer. I can't believe how much this story has drawn me in. The characters are so loveable and despicable and often inspirational. It's hard to imagine that anything could make this story better, nonetheless Patrick Tull has done it (again). He's unbelievably good.

Wonderful Story, Superb Narrator.

This is one of Dickens' best. Patrick Tull is a brilliant and distinguished stage and film actor who can help you understand the author's intent through his interpretation of the characters.

Audio

I wasn't able to listen more than about 20 minutes of this wonderful story about my favorite fictional character. Maybe it was how his voice was recorded but I couldn't take Patrick Tull's voice. After listening to Fredrick Davidson read War and Peace Tull's voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard. I purchase a different book rather than listening to this.

The Endurance of Deckens is Reconfirmed

What made the experience of listening to David Copperfield the most enjoyable?

The excellent writing of Charles Dickens.

What other book might you compare David Copperfield to and why?

Moby Dick. Both were extremely well written but excessively long.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He put great expression in his narration and I am sure the dialects were authentic, but he was very difficult to understand.

Any additional comments?

I am glad I selected this book regardless of the difficulty with the narration.

Thought I'd give Dickens a try.

I am one of the few people I guess, that just doesn't like Charles Dicken's writing.
He takes FOREVER to describe something, or to get to the point.
He is a masterful writer of course, but he just doesn't "move it along" fast enough for me.
I just couldn't get into this classic.

1 person found this helpful