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Bleak House
Penguin Classics presents Charles Dickens' epic Bleak House, adapted for downloadable audiobook and read by Ronald Pickup and Beatnie Edney.
As the interminable case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce grinds its way through the Court of Chancery, it draws together a disparate group of Ada and Richard Clare, whose inheritance is gradually being devoured by legal costs; Esther Summerson, a ward of court, whose parentage is a source of deepening mystery; the menacing lawyer Tulkinghorn; the determined sleuth Inspector Bucket; and even Jo, the destitute little crossing-sweeper. A savage, but often comic, indictment of a society that is rotten to the core, Bleak House is one of Dickens's most ambitious novels, with a range that extends from the drawing rooms of the aristocracy to the poorest of London slums.
Part of a series of abridged, vintage recordings taken from the Penguin Archives.
Affordable, collectable, quality productions - perfect for on-the-go listening.
As the interminable case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce grinds its way through the Court of Chancery, it draws together a disparate group of Ada and Richard Clare, whose inheritance is gradually being devoured by legal costs; Esther Summerson, a ward of court, whose parentage is a source of deepening mystery; the menacing lawyer Tulkinghorn; the determined sleuth Inspector Bucket; and even Jo, the destitute little crossing-sweeper. A savage, but often comic, indictment of a society that is rotten to the core, Bleak House is one of Dickens's most ambitious novels, with a range that extends from the drawing rooms of the aristocracy to the poorest of London slums.
Part of a series of abridged, vintage recordings taken from the Penguin Archives.
Affordable, collectable, quality productions - perfect for on-the-go listening.
Paperback
Published December 1, 1977
About the author
Charles Dickens
13.9k books32.5k followersCharles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.
Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.
Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.
On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.
(from Wikipedia)
Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.
Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.
On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 9, 2024
الترجمة سيئة
لم استطع ان احكم على مدى جودتها نظراً لاختلاف العصر .. لكن بسيطة وسطحية بشكل ملحوظ.. ف المجمل لم استمتع
لم استطع ان احكم على مدى جودتها نظراً لاختلاف العصر .. لكن بسيطة وسطحية بشكل ملحوظ.. ف المجمل لم استمتع
July 9, 2025
Really, Dickens? You wrap up each and every character's story except Inspector Bucket (who I quite liked), and you can't wrap up that final sentence?
Mild complaints about the ending aside, this was a good one. I rank it above Nicholas Nickleby and Great Expectations for sure, maybe above A Tale of Two Cities although that could be just that it's been a few years since I read the latter and don't remember it as well.
There are some solid, admirable characters in here, including some of the side characters (you know Dickens leaves no shortage of side characters haha). Sometimes I wondered if John Jarndyce was allegorical - he's the loving father figure who adopts those who at least didn't have a right to him, and at worst outright reject him (he doesn't stop loving that one either).
Also, if you're going to read this I'd recommend the audio version by Sean Barrett and Theresa Gallagher - they do a really good job, and having one narrator for Esther's POV and one for the omniscient narrator's passages helps break things up/keep things straight. I'd also recommend watching the 2005 show as you read - with the exception of Caddy Jellyby, it is true to every character it portrays.
Mild complaints about the ending aside, this was a good one. I rank it above Nicholas Nickleby and Great Expectations for sure, maybe above A Tale of Two Cities although that could be just that it's been a few years since I read the latter and don't remember it as well.
There are some solid, admirable characters in here, including some of the side characters (you know Dickens leaves no shortage of side characters haha). Sometimes I wondered if John Jarndyce was allegorical - he's the loving father figure who adopts those who at least didn't have a right to him, and at worst outright reject him (he doesn't stop loving that one either).
Also, if you're going to read this I'd recommend the audio version by Sean Barrett and Theresa Gallagher - they do a really good job, and having one narrator for Esther's POV and one for the omniscient narrator's passages helps break things up/keep things straight. I'd also recommend watching the 2005 show as you read - with the exception of Caddy Jellyby, it is true to every character it portrays.
December 15, 2015
♡ ابداع ♡ رواياته يعيشنك ف العصر للي فيهن القصص ^^ تحس انك في رسوم
December 28, 2021
رواية قصيرة لروائيّ كبير
مناسبة لمحبّي الأعمال الاجتماعيّة الكلاسيكيّة
عن الفتاة التي تكتشف أمها وتعيش مع متبنّيها
ولست منهم
مناسبة لمحبّي الأعمال الاجتماعيّة الكلاسيكيّة
عن الفتاة التي تكتشف أمها وتعيش مع متبنّيها
ولست منهم
October 7, 2026
I really enjoyed this one. I've often noticed that Dickens paints a beautiful picture of the impact that one kind, compassionate, wise Home-Maker can make on all surrounding her. In this book, he goes full out on that picture with the main character Esther and several side characters, placing them in stark contrast to the pain caused by the women who ignore their home for "more important things" like "charity". Many of the characters, men and women, were genuinely likeable, quirky, good-natured and honorable. I enjoyed spending time with them. My absolute favorite was a minor side character Mrs. Bagnet who was so quirky and relatable, but I admired her wisdom, tenacity, kindness and no fuss hard-working attitude.
One complaint is that Dickens occasionally wrote from Esther's perspective and made it pretty clear that he has no idea of the inner workings of a woman's mind. Value for it? Yes. Understanding? None. Also, there are about a thousand characters, so I found it helpful to read on my Kindle so I could search back and remember who each character was.
One complaint is that Dickens occasionally wrote from Esther's perspective and made it pretty clear that he has no idea of the inner workings of a woman's mind. Value for it? Yes. Understanding? None. Also, there are about a thousand characters, so I found it helpful to read on my Kindle so I could search back and remember who each character was.
December 15, 2025
This epic tale – about a complicated, LONG disputed will and the many people whose life it affects – ticks all the main Dickens boxes: contrived coincidences, blistering critiques of convoluted bureaucratic/legal processes, the evil shyster lawyers who exploit said processes to bleed poor, honest, ordinary people dry, abandoned orphans, people reunited with long-lost parents and sundry-assorted impoverished street urchins.
Told alternately by an omniscient narrator and the point of view of Esther Summerson, the heroine, the story, like all Dickens’s works, features a myriad of colourful characters, ranging from the angelic Esther to the pantomime villain lawyer, Tulkinghorn, and is part social critique, part tragic love story, part detective story.
Fantastic.
Told alternately by an omniscient narrator and the point of view of Esther Summerson, the heroine, the story, like all Dickens’s works, features a myriad of colourful characters, ranging from the angelic Esther to the pantomime villain lawyer, Tulkinghorn, and is part social critique, part tragic love story, part detective story.
Fantastic.
February 13, 2014
لم أستفيد منه بالمره :/
May 11, 2026
Dickens is the Master of characters. Make a character map early. There are so many that it can make your head swim!
When it was dark and stormy, I felt the need to turn on another lamp. When a fire blazed out of control, I could smell the smoke and feel the ash. I got stuck in the mud and felt the wind when it came from the east.
I didn’t particularly love Esther Summerson; to be the main character, Dickens did not do her justice. That being said, her way of redeeming others or being always present when redemption happens was lovely.
Read this book. Take your time with making the connections—they can slip right past unnoticed.
When it was dark and stormy, I felt the need to turn on another lamp. When a fire blazed out of control, I could smell the smoke and feel the ash. I got stuck in the mud and felt the wind when it came from the east.
I didn’t particularly love Esther Summerson; to be the main character, Dickens did not do her justice. That being said, her way of redeeming others or being always present when redemption happens was lovely.
Read this book. Take your time with making the connections—they can slip right past unnoticed.
November 16, 2025
This is delightful. It's sweet and charming. A little convoluted but I as I was listening to the audiobook, I could imagine a 19th century audience hanging on every word, wondering who the bad guys are and if they'll be caught and what will happen next. It was adorable and I loved it. .
October 1, 2026
Dickens never disappoints.
October 15, 2026
I love how there’s so many connections between the characters, but at points it was so pathetic and dramatic.
March 23, 2025
Read for uni - thoroughly enjoyed this book as I’ve always loved dickens style. I loved all the subplots and the way dickens perfectly captured humanity in his characters.
July 23, 2026
Originally published in 19 monthly parts, it's now presented as a single, hefty novel.
A great plot, and lots of great characters, as you would expect from Dickens. There are 2 stories running alongside each other in the book, with some minor characters appearing in both strands (making notes to help keep track of them all might be advisable).
But I find Dickens Victorian prose difficult to engage with. This is a big, dense book, crammed full of descriptions. Everything is described in infinitesimal detail. (He was paid by the word!) The language is beautiful, but it means that the story unfolds at an incredibly slow pace.
A good story, but a tough read.
A great plot, and lots of great characters, as you would expect from Dickens. There are 2 stories running alongside each other in the book, with some minor characters appearing in both strands (making notes to help keep track of them all might be advisable).
But I find Dickens Victorian prose difficult to engage with. This is a big, dense book, crammed full of descriptions. Everything is described in infinitesimal detail. (He was paid by the word!) The language is beautiful, but it means that the story unfolds at an incredibly slow pace.
A good story, but a tough read.
December 22, 2020
بالنسبه ليا توهت بين الشخصيات لانها كتيره بالنسبه لحجم الروايه الصغير ومحبتهاش اوى بس بديها نجمتين للاثر اللى تركته فى المجتمع وقت نشرها لانها ساعدت على تحفيز حركات اصلاح القانون والقضاء والتى نجحت فى ذلك بسبعينيات القرن الماضى
June 28, 2013
رواية خفيفة تحكي قصة بنت عاشت مع خالتها ثم انتقلت للعيش مع رجل أُوصي برعايتها، وتدور أحداثها في لندن.
لم تعجبني!
لم تعجبني!
May 10, 2014
شششششششششششششش
June 2, 2018
لم تعجبني الرواية على الاطلاق لان سرد القصص والاحداث جعلني غير قادر على ترتيبها وتذكرها وكثرة الاسماء في الرواية امر سيء ايضا
September 24, 2020
الاحداث مفتعلة ساذجة .. لربما هي اولى رواياته .. مؤسف فعلا
June 17, 2021
هي قصة تنقل لنا ملخص ما يحدث في إنجلترا في تلك الفترة وذكرت إحدى هذه القصص وهي قصة الفتاة استر ابنة السيدة الليدي ديدلوك من غير زوجها الحالي وعن ولي أمرها وغيرها من الأحداث المشوقة
November 30, 2023
نسخة عربية مبسطة ومشوهة لواحدة من كلاسيكيات الأدب الإنكليزي..... يحسب لهذه النسخة إعدادها البسيط لتناسب الأطفال وتعطي البالغين ملخص للرواية الاصلية
December 3, 2023
Dickens' finest work.
December 29, 2023
قصه اجتماعيه كلاسيكيه بائسه كعاده ديكنيز تأخذك الي ذلك الزمن البعيد اتخيل اشخاصه بتلك الفساتين المعهودة التي نشاهدها في الأفلام الأجنبية القديمه ولكنها جيده .
January 28, 2025
لم استمتع بها البته
July 22, 2025
Excellent. Beautiful.
November 12, 2025
نسخة شديدة التبسيط والاختصار لأطول روايات ديكنز.
February 23, 2026
قصة قصيرة للأطفال ربما...
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews