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Dombey and Son

The Audible Dickens Collection

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Dombey and Son

By: John Mullan - introduction, Charles Dickens
Narrated by: Owen Teale, John Mullan - introduction
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About this listen

Audible presents an original dramatisation of Charles Dickens' Dombey and Son, first published as Dealings with the Firm of Dombey and Son: Wholesale, Retail and for Exportation.

A literary masterpiece in which Dickens' gift for vivid characterisation is at its best, this is the story of a powerful man whose inability to appreciate those around him leads to his lonely demise and, later, his possible redemption.

This edition features an exclusive introduction written and narrated by John Mullan, professor of English at University College London.

About the book:

Paul Dombey, owner of the shipping company Dombey and Son, dreams of having a male heir to take on the family business. With only one daughter to speak of, his resentment grows and is often manifested through the neglectful if not abusive treatment of his wife, Fanny, and child, Florence.

Following the long-awaited birth of a boy, Mr Dombey triumphantly throws himself into the care and education of his pride and joy, his son, Paul, indifferent to the death of his wife following an arduous labour.

As his daughter grows in strength, beauty and kindness, his son's sickly disposition makes him weaker and weaker by the day. Despite the bond and friendship forged between the siblings, Mr Dombey continues to despise and resent Florence, and after a period of intended rest by the seaside, the family is once more rocked by a tragic death.

A touching and unexpectedly uplifting story of change, forgiveness and familial love, Dombey and Son will keep you gripped, moved and wholly surprised until the end.

About the author:

With his father incarcerated, Charles Dickens had to abandon his studies at a young age and set to work in a factory so as to support himself. Despite his short-lived education, Dickens went on to write 15 novels, various articles, novellas and short stories. These include Hard Times, Bleak House, Oliver Twist, Barnaby Rudge, Little Dorrit and A Tale of Two Cities. He lectured and led campaigns for children's rights and education and arguably became the ultimate self-made man.

Public Domain (P)2018 Audible, Ltd
Classics Emotionally Gripping Feel-Good Classics Literature Collection
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Dombey and Son is an often overlooked Dickens masterpiece. It is a very moving tale with brilliant touches of humour. Owen Teale's narration is exceptional, uniquely voicing the vast array of characters.

A wonderful novel, wonderfully narrated.

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Charles Dickens' superb writing, outstanding narration, engrossing story, characters vastly varied, humorous, delightful, wonderful epic.

grest classic storytelling

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The language is so beautiful. Yes, I know the stories can sound contrived but they are so beautifully constructed and with wonderful side messages, the book becomes compelling!

Classic Dickens

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A performance by Owen Teale of which Dickens would have been proud made for a delightful 41 hrs and 23 mins

A classic story wonderfully read

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A great classic story I thoroughly enjoyed and beautifully read. A book I will revisit again.

Now one of my favourite books

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Somehow, this title has never appealed to me and I had no knowledge of the story despite enjoying a great deal of Dickens.
I took it as a last resort yet discovers an amazing treasury of characters. So beautifully written, sympathetically read ( by Owen Teale), and crammed with comic asides, that had me chuckling to myself, despite the misogynistic storyline. That Dickens attempts to recognise the potential and strength of the female gender, and also displays the absurdities of wealth, the depth of poverty , once again illustrates his genius.

Forgotten treasure of a book

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Owen Teale did an excellent job narrating this audio book. I wish it lasted another 100 hours

Owen Teale

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His skill is unfathomable. Highly recommended for a long difficult work. Each character is rendered so distinctly.

Brilliant

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I’ve heard some superlative narrators reading Dickens but Owen Teal is the best - completely captivating! I listened every possible minute and he never puts a foot wrong, even with the challenge of a full cast of personalities all requiring a unique characterisation. Top notch: beautifully done. Thank you!

Utterly brilliant

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I have always loved this story by Dickens. I was thrilled to see it here on Audible and was absolutely blown away by the brilliant narration of this powerful story. In my opinion the narrator deserves some sort of an award. Each character was portrayed in a manner that left you in no doubt as to their unique personality - they came alive as the story unfolded. The narrator absolutely nailed it! Well worth a listen!

Masterful story and performance!

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