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The Old Curiosity Shop

By: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Anton Lesser
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Summary

Death, innocence, sacrifice and corruption - The Old Curiosity Shop is vintage Dickens. Provoking an unprecedented outpouring of public grief when it was first published, it follows the story of Little Nell and her feckless grandfather. Forced to leave their magical shop of curiosities in London, they are pursued across the English countryside by the grotesquely evil dwarf Quilp. They escape - but at what cost?

Part tragedy, part allegory, this is Dickens at his most intense; drawing on his own experiences, he weaves a story of extraordinary emotional power.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

Public Domain (P)2009 Naxos Audiobooks
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What listeners say about The Old Curiosity Shop

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Hooked very early on!

Fantastic book, I was nervous about the style of writing but I understood it all and enjoyed it! Waffles a bit in places but very enjoyable.

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Another great Dickens read by Anton Lesser

This is the second Dickens novel I have heard with Anton Lesser as the reader. Proof, though proof is not needed, of what a fantastic actor he is. Thank you.

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Wonderful.

It’s the first time I have heard this story in full. I really enjoyed listening to it during my walks on lockdown.
The narrator really captured the imagination, using different voices and pulling you into the story.
I will miss listening to it now!
Certainly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

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As relevant today as when written

As always Anton Lesser gives life to Dickens characters and descriptions letting light into the past

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Wow, heart warming and very sad in parts

I first bought this book because i love the ‘olde english’ dickens language and writing, and i’d listened to the Riddle of the Sands read by Lesser(which is an ace spy story pre ww1 based on sailing).

When listening to this i was hooked on the story from the outset but it is long and took some sticking too. I repeated sections were id lost concentration but the delightful language is so enjoyable, i didnt mind in the slightest.

What a great story, the characters are so well read by Anton and it’s absolutely great listen. I think i’ll listen to it many times.
My own favourite bit is around chapter 42 on (this version)where little Nell spots her grandfather in the park at night. Wow very tense i can’t how he came with that 10 minute section. listened about 3 times to that bit, tremendously written and of course read.

I found the characters tricky to follow and it makes me wonder if id be able to finish the written book. I find audible opens up all sorts of literature which otherwise i wouldn’t manage to read.

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Another amazing Dickens

beautifully read, it made me laugh and cry. Could easily listen to it all over again.

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Entertaining engaging classic novel

Really enjoyed this book the characters were brilliant such a shame that Nell died unreleased Kit found her and was with her and then married Barbara, narration was very good and added to the experience

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Tough going but worth it.

Many times I have attempted to read this book, but struggled with the language and the weird characters. Congratulations Anton Lesser for making it accessible; his range of voices is incredibly good. Yes, it is long winded, overly descriptive, and uses complicated language. But it is a pleasure to listen to. The basic plot is relatively simple. It made me smile and it made me cry. Dickens observations are so apt. The topics and the personalities are as relevant today as they were back then.

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Fantastic narration and book!

Couldn’t have loved this more, I never wanted it to end! The narration was incredible and the book itself is just stunningly descriptive

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    5 out of 5 stars

Dickens at his best....a rich confection motley array of characters and grotesques

Anton Lesser made coping with the many characters very easy. He has a range of voice characterisation which has no equal. I hope there are many more audio books read by him.

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