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The Old Curiosity Shop

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The Old Curiosity Shop

By: Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Anton Lesser
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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 Classics Heartfelt
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Would you listen to The Old Curiosity Shop again? Why?

No. It was beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but it should be enjoyed for what it is. Don't delve too deep.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Old Curiosity Shop?

The opening scene, the walk, the encounter, the intriguing revelations. Gorgeous.

What does Anton Lesser bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Mr Lesser is an extraordinarily talented narrator. He manages to evoke so many larger than life characters who are working within a long and complex plot, he is funny,sad, sympathetic and downright horrible, Brilliant!

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

I laughed a lot!

Good old Charlie!

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A great story with polarized characters. Daniel Quilp is just brilliantly conceived and very malevolent, though hugely entertaining. The main story of the Grandfather and little Nell is tragic and heart-rending, but there's a lot more besides which brings about some great twists and surprises along the way. Anton Lesser is brilliant throughout, particularly his Quilp

Great Story and Brilliantly Narrated!

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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.

Wow, heart warming and very sad in parts

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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.

Wonderful.

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I read this book when I was 20. I am 50 this month. It was the first Dickens book I read and the beginning of years of sumptuous enjoyment. I worried the return would be a disappointment; it wasn't, mainly because the narration was so exceptional I've been trawling audible for all Anton Lesser unabridged dickens. Hats off to endeavour's chain smoking boss.

Lesser spotted brilliance

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