Customer Reviews

A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations: Two Novels (Oprah's Book Club)

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The novels and stories of Charles Dickens have been with us for almost 200 years for a reason. He is simply one of the best (some say, THE best) novelist who ever lived. Originally released in serialized form in magazines, each fresh installment would create an uproar as thousands of rabid readers rushed bookshops for the latest part fresh off the presses. In the United States, the ships carrying the magazine issues from England would often be stormed by readers who couldn't even wait for them to be unloaded. Such was the fervor Dickens' writing created.

With A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations, you have two of his best novels in one handy volume and at a great price.

Great Expectations has been called "the only perfect novel" by critics. It's a tale of redemption, secrets, romance and tragedy. There is something for everyone to savor in this timeless novel and like all great fiction, there is also valuable lessons to be learned. Dickens wrote for the people and though his style is outdated by today's standards, you'll find the themes and scenes are very much of the street and deal with everyday cares and concerns. It is the strength of this aspect of his writing that has led to its enduring through the centuries.

A Tale of Two Cities has twists that have been echoed in countless stories since then. This novel of the French Revolution is a-typical of Dickens as it is an historical tale and he usually wrote about the London of his time. But the book has transcended like so much of his work to the extent that it's has been referenced all through pop culture. Even Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan hinges it's dramatic high-points on the opening and closing lines of the novel. And this novel has, perhaps, both the best first and last lines in the history of fiction. Not bad for one book. Again, we've got intrigue, chases, escapes, unrequited love, romance and sacrifice.

With this great collection you'll find that the themes and ideas of all great storytelling are timeless and what we enjoy today is just a variation of what came before. As an author and avid reader myself, I know that great storytelling is timeless, eternal. With two of the best novels ever written, you're in for a treat with this collection.

This is more for a strong reader, having two books in one is very convenient for holidays and a SUPER value!

I cant believe I only paid close to $3 for this classic! worth every penny. Pss. the book says $23 as its original price.