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Rick Kastelein asked this question about A Tale of Two Cities:
I just tried this book yesterday, and barely came trough the first 30 pages. I didnt exactly know who said what, and what there was said. Is it true that this book may be quite a work to read? That i just should try again in som years? Or do you have any tips on how to read this book in a nice way? :)
K Hansen Skip the first chapter. It sets the tone but doesn't add to the plot. There are lots of allusions to the time period which modern readers won't unders…moreSkip the first chapter. It sets the tone but doesn't add to the plot. There are lots of allusions to the time period which modern readers won't understand. It can bog you down unnecessarily.

The second chapter is dark and confusing, but focus on Jarvis Lorry (one of the passengers) and Jerry Cruncher (the man riding the horse delivering the message). He is supposed to be a funny sidekick. Don't take him too seriously. He talks to himself in third person. It's funny. Lorry is dreaming when in the coach, that's what makes it confusing.

You will soon meet Lucy (golden haired sweet heart) and Miss Pross (associated with the color red). Again, look at Miss Pross as a bit of a comical figure. When she pushes Lorry across the room to defend Lucy, it is supposed to be funny. Look at Lorry's reaction to her. Funny.

Then, as you proceed, think of it as a mystery. Dickens intentionally doesn't tell the reader everything. He will eventually and everything connects.

It is so worth the effort. (less)
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George Garrigues What great advice. I read the book more than fifty years ago and am back to it now. I am not skipping anything this time because it all has a meaning, ...more
Oct 07, 2018 01:44PM
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Claire I appreciate your explanation of the parts that are supposed to be funny. Since I haven't found anything funny on my own yet (Oh wait, I think I did c ...more
Feb 25, 2019 02:13PM
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A Tale of Two Cities
by Charles Dickens
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