Werry Enjoyable!

A classic tale, well narrated. Full of Dickensian humour and typically rich characterisation. A long but light-heated read that I will listen to again. Recommended.

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What a performance!

This is not one of Dickens' finest stories. It is unquestionably a slight piece compared to his great works and if I had read it in paper form I may never have completed it. It is overly long and diverts into pointless (at last they seemed so to me) stories narrated by any of the book's characters at the drop of a hat!

However, I thoroughly enjoyed most of the 32 hours of this book because of the marvellous narration of David Timson. Every character was imbued with their own personality and maintained perfectly throughout the whole 32 hours: I think I noted one minor slip. An extraordinary professional performance delivered with perfect comic timing.

I am disappointed to note that there are only two other classics on audible read by Mr Timspon. I will listen to both of them, but really feel that someone should ask him to at least read every Dickens classic.

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Two geniuses

Dickens's comic genius is admirably served by David Timson. A truly virtuoso performance. Buy it!

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The funniest book ever

I'm a real fan of Dickens and I have to say that this has just become my favourite book of all time.
The book details a comical caper around England undertaken by Mr Pickwick and his friends. The scrapes and situations they get into are hysterical and kept me laughing from start to finish. The narrator was really easy on the ear, and you could tell which character was talking by the different voices and accents he used.
For anyone who thinks Dickens is dated or boring, give this a go. It's very entertaining; Dickens' novels were the "soap operas" of his time, and this one really takes the prize.

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1 person found this helpful

Mr Pickwick and the Members of his club

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, with no reservations.

What did you like best about this story?

This group of characters careering about the country are having a rip-roaring time and it is easy to get caught up in their adventures

Which character – as performed by David Timson – was your favourite?

Sam Weller without doubt.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A Rollicking Tale

Any additional comments?

A line from Great Expectations "What larks Pip!" could apply equally well with a slight change to "What larks Pick!"

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An upbeat romp

This was one of Dicken's earliest publications, originally serialised for a sporting magazine. Personally I prefer his earlier works as they are more cheerful, and the Pickwick Papers is no exception. Wonderful characters include big hearted and eternally adventurous Mr Pickwick, his faithful sharp-witted servant Sam Weller and Mr Winkle, ineptly aspiring sportsman not averse to a white lie or two. The large cast of characters can be confusing in book form, but in audio format with a fabulous reader like David Timson you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Very entertaining.

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5 people found this helpful

The best narrator ever

Write your review here (optional) but apparently requires at least 15 words regardless of that.

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Fantastic

Dickens at the height of eloquence and imagination
Also performed to perfection with multiple characters.

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Excellent except for East Anglian accents

This is an excellent reading. I was not familiar with the story but now it is one of my firm Dickens favourites. However (and isn't there always an however?) as good as David Timson is at reading it and bringing the characters beautifully to life, the accents of the characters in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich is the usual "mummerset". Please, when narrators are preparing to read, can they not at least listen to a genuine accent?



East Anglians speak with flat vowels and no rolled Rs.

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9 people found this helpful

Best Pickwick Papers Ever!

I've listened to a few different versions of 'The Pickwick Papers' over the years, and I absolutely adore the book. Dickens includes a huge range of wonderful characters, and in this audiobook David Timson has done a truly astounding job of bringing them all to life. It's a lengthy book (it is, after all, Dickens!) but the time flies by as you listen. There are a few audiobook versions out there, but in my personal opinion David Timson's narration is far and away the best. I loved the book.

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2 people found this helpful