A Tale of Two Cities - Review

Charles Dickens is one of the most famed and prolific writers of the 19th century. His book, A Tale of Two Cities, is a novel of historical fiction set during the time of French revolution. The book was originally published via weekly installments and in three parts. It tells the story of Charles Darnay and his wife Lucy as they struggle to be united in a world torn apart by espionage, lies, and revolution. This is a serial drama if there ever was one. The number of twists are both numerous and complex. Many characters entertain many relationships in a style of writing that has long since become overlooked. The book moves slowly and deliberately while tucking away many stones of brilliance along a path well lit in literary excellence. The abilities of Dickens are exceptional and he is a master of his craft.

A true serial drama.

I would recommend reading this book. It is not an easy read but is quite rewarding. The content of the story is as remarkable as the style. Dickens does well to reveal the human struggle embedded within the french revolution. There are a chorus of moral and religious tones throughout the book which render Dickens' work both profound and edifying.

I want to leave you with the opening few lines which have been immortalized as one of the great works of literature ever written. You should read this book.

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.