Little Dorrit

Gripping

If you could sum up Little Dorrit in three words, what would they be?

Compelling, fluent, beautiful.

What other book might you compare Little Dorrit to and why?

Nicholas Nickelby. Both have characterisations that are descriptively magnificent and story lines that 'race' along in a linguistically serpentine adventure.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

William Dorrit ( little Dorrit's father).

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

Funny .......but yes if the truth must be known I have taken to extra long walks just to listen.

Any additional comments?

Charles Dickens is my penchant at the moment. Simon Vance has made the journey just that much more colorful.

17 people found this helpful

The plot is quite convoluted, Vance is great

I don't want to spoil the end for those of you who don't know how Dickens wraps up this story. So I'll just say that I found it quite convoluted, pulling things from a hat - coincidences that are even beyond the typical 19th century coincidences in literature. I also wasn't enamored with the main character, Little Dorrit. She was too selfless. Hillel wisely said "If I am not for myself, who would be for me" - you have to take care of yourself, too. The commandment to love your fellow as yourself means that you have to love yourself first. Little Dorrit is held up as an ideal, and I would consider her psychologically damaged (and there are certainly reasons to be found). In fact, each of the characters could be discussed in depth, and that is what makes this book, in spite of its far-fetched plot devices, very good literature, worth reading (or better, listening to - hey, this is Audible!) Some of the characters are quite amusing, and Dickens, as always, develops them well. And of course, his writing is always a pleasure. But, by far, my favorite parts are the descriptions of the Circumlocution Office. This is simply brilliant, and so entirely appropriate for any government bureaucracy, still so relevant.
Simon Vance is superb in his reading of the book. You can't get better, and he does a wonderful job of portraying each character, and giving each one his/her own voice.
If you like Dickens, you'll like this book, but I would not suggest it as a first introduction to Dickens.

7 people found this helpful

Delightfully interpreted.

What made the experience of listening to Little Dorrit the most enjoyable?

Simon Vance interpreted each of the characters, bringing mood, tone and light to this narrative.

9 people found this helpful

Great narration

Simon Vance portrayed Mrs. Finching and Mr. Dorrit so well, I like the audiobook better than the book.

2 people found this helpful

mushy old story, well read

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Depends if they like Dickens..if yes then for sure

What other book might you compare Little Dorrit to and why?

many other Dickens

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

he's wonderful, especially with the classics.I try to find books that he "reads"

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

no...never do

Any additional comments?

not at the moment

5 people found this helpful

One of my favorite Dickens stories.

I love this story, its a true classic with amazing characters, wont be my last time getting lost in this great tale.

3 people found this helpful

Style and Class

I am a great Charles Dickens fan and I have read most of his books several times but I had not gotten around to Little Dorrit. When I purchased this Audible (Blackstone Audiobook) I was very pleased to see it was being read by Simon Vance. The book was charming and Vance with his usual style and class, brings the characters to life. This is a thoroughly pleasurable listen.

3 people found this helpful

Love all Dickens Books

Wonderful and even better the second time. Now listening to All his books for the second time and even better the second time.

2 people found this helpful

Fantastic Narrator!!!

Would you listen to Little Dorrit again? Why?

I would not listen to this book again because it was too long. But I loved listening to it the first time.

What did you like best about this story?

All of the interwoven characters and their stories.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

I loved them all, but Flora was divine.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No I did not.

Any additional comments?

Just a very well performed book, a delight to listen to.

2 people found this helpful

Good for listening to over and over again.

This was recommended to me by a professor I had and I have greatly enjoyed it. I love the way Dickens poked fun at the bureaucratic system and those who prosper from it. A sweet tale of love, generosity and patience, given depth by the troubles and trials endured by all the various characters.