Madan Suvedi

This is my third read by Charles Dickens after Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. I am not just happy but delighted as it proved beyond my expectations, feeling as if I don't need further reading for next few days. It's a historical novel set in two cities- Paris and London. First published in 1859, it covers the period bteween 1775 to 1795. Probably it's one of best non-subjective reading to understand French Revolution, rather a revolution in general. More or less, all sociopolitical revolutions around the world have similar foundation: poverty, disparity, oppressons and attrocities sufferred by the common poeple. Social disparity, revolution, ressurection and sacrifice are the major themes of the book. It's an emotional saga of a migrant family and its sufferring during the revolution. Dickens has made full justice to all 7 characters of the book. I rate Dickens' language medium in terms of difficulty for I had to rely on some external souces like CliffNotes and Wikipedia for better understanding of the book. At one point during the first part of the story, I had almost abandoned my reading as the author was building the foundations for the story. But later on, the degree of climax surged up progressively along with the pages turned. The level of excitement was at such that at one point when my Kindle had only 8% battery with 20 pages left, I had to hush up my family not to speak or ask me anything until I finish it. I mean I had no time to recharge. I read it on my Kindle in every possible way: while laying in my bed, crouching in sofa, shaving in wash basin, cooking on the kitchen slabs, dining on the table. In my seven day's reading, I even stole a whole day in my office chamber, lol! To the younger generations: If text books give you marks, certificates and career, the other books of literature give you life. This is one of those other books, therefore, a must read. CLASSICS NEVER LIE.