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First Written | 1859 |
Genre | Fiction |
Origin | UK |
Publisher | Allyn & Bacon |
My Copy | blue clothbound hardback |
First Read | June 10, 2013 |
A Tale of Two Cities
So, despite ATOTC being super famous, I've never held it in high regard. I've always told people (flippantly, of course), that it's the one they teach in high school because it's the shortest. That, and you can tie in a history unit with it as well.
But this time through it, I really enjoyed it. It's got rip-roaring pacing, great villains, and a plot that rolls on like a freight train. It lacks the things that are hallmarks of Dickens writing - it's not a very Dickensian Dickens - but still good. And that final scene between Mm. Defarge and Miss Pross is just made for cinema. High stakes, physical action, culture comedy. Totally great.
Noted on July 1, 2013
“Then tell Wind and Fire where to stop," returned madame; "but don't tell me.”
Quoted on July 1, 2013
A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other.
Quoted on July 1, 2013
“It is a long time,' repeated his wife; 'and when is it not a long time? Vengeance and retribution require a long time; it is the rule.'
'It does not take a long time to strike a man with Lightning,' said Defarge.
'How long,' demanded madame, composedly, 'does it take to make and store the lightning? Tell me?”
Quoted on July 1, 2013
He had a healthy colour in his cheeks, and his face, though lined, bore few traces of anxiety. But, perhaps the confidential bachelor clerks in Tellson’s Bank were principally occupied with the cares of other people; and perhaps second-hand cares, like second-hand clothes, come easily off and on.
Quoted on June 10, 2013