Just Finished Reading: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (FP: 1859)

After 18 years in the Bastille Dr Manette, his life and family taken from him for reasons unknown, is finally released into the custody of a daughter he barely recognises and an English banker operating on his behalf. Quickly relocating to England and as far away as possible from arbitrary French justice the Manette family, father and daughter Lucie, are befriended by a mysterious gentleman Charles Darnay fleeing France for his own reasons. As friendship grows into love Darnay asks for Lucie’s hand in marriage but in order to do so with a clear conscience he must let the Doctor into his confidence regarding his hidden history. Meanwhile in France the political situation worsens with civil unrest and outbreaks of unthinkable violence. When Darnay receives a letter from a family servant in trouble with the revolutionary council honour dictates that he do everything in his power to help an innocent man evade the dreaded guillotine. But Darnay fails to recognise that the revolution has taken on a life of its own and is calling for more and more blood to satisfy its lust for revenge against the rich and powerful. Associated with a hated aristocrat Darnay is thrown into prison and scheduled for execution. With the Manette’s back in France working for his release the full history of Darnay comes to light and his death becomes more assured by the hour. What can anyone do against a country in turmoil whose provisional government no longer listens to reason and where a word spoken in haste to the wrong person can cost you your head?

After reading and enjoying my first foray into the Dickensian world I thought that I’d try something a bit more adventurous – although not too much. After seeing the 1935 Ronald Coleman version of the movie more than once (thanks Dad!) I thought I’d have a pretty good handle on the plot so wouldn’t have that much of an issue with the ins and outs of things. That wasn’t really how things went at all. Apart from the famous ending (no spoilers here!) I actually didn’t have a clue what was coming next all the way through. But what I did find, much to my surprise to be honest, was just how gripping the whole thing was because of that. I think a big factor in this was the number of great characters scattered throughout the 404 pages in my Vintage edition. Dr Manette himself was a crushed intellect coming to terms with his long imprisonment and the things he had to do to preserve his sanity. Lucie was a pure, innocent and dutiful daughter wanting only what was best for her father. Charles Darnay was the guilt ridden hero out to make the world a better place whilst his alter-ego Sydney Carton was a dissolute drunk looking for a final redemption. Then there was the comic relief provided by the lawyer Stryder and the sometime bodyguard and body snatcher Mr Jerry Cruncher and the rock at the centre of it all the sensible banker Mr Jarvis Lorry. But by far the standout character for me was the hard, unforgiving Madame Defarge who was both extremely admirable in her dedication to progressing the revolution and completely terrifying in her laser like focus on the deaths of aristocrats and anyone else who got in her way. She must have seemed an absolute monster to Victorian readers but what a truly amazing creation she was. Dickens obviously had some sympathy with the poor downtrodden revolutionaries otherwise he could not have put such fervent words in their mouths and thoughts in their heads. But I think what surprised me most of all in this deservedly classic novel was the level of violence portrayed during the revolution itself. The author pulled few punches and must have honestly shocked his readership – and especially his female readership – with the venom of the French protagonists. His detailed critique of the French system of privilege must have hit home on multiple occasions and made his English readership squirm in their chairs more than once. I’m glad to say that I’m really warming to Dickens. His storytelling is excellent, his characters brilliant (and often very funny) and his social commentary cuttingly sharp. Highly recommended.