Bleak House (version 3)


Read by Mil Nicholson

(4.8 stars; 491 reviews)

The Chancery Court had jurisdiction over all matters of equity, including administration of estates, the guardianship of orphans, and disputed property disbursement. In Dickens’ time, some cases could take years to be settled, changing the lives of those involved.

Esther Summerson, a young woman raised in a tough and unloving atmosphere, is unexpectedly requested to be a companion to two teenage orphans, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, for whom the court has appointed as guardian, John Jarndyce. They take up residence at Mr. Jarndyce’s home, Bleak House. The story of their lives and fortunes is the main thrust of the novel, and is related at times through the eyes of Esther, whose gentle point of view gives the reader a different and more intimate perspective.

Richard is sure his fortune is ‘just around the corner’ when the case of Jarndyce-v-Jarndyce, of which he and Ada will be beneficiaries, is settled. He tries his hand at a career or two, but he becomes obsessed with hastening the probate of the willed fortune he feels must soon be theirs. Further difficulties arise when he and Ada fall in love, while he, penniless, continues the quest to bring his case to justice.

A scriber of legal documents dies, and from his death, questions arise which unearth secrets that the Jarndyce’s neighbour, Lady Dedlock, has kept hidden for years. Inspector Bucket enters the case, and begins investigating the disappearance of Lady Dedlock. In the dirt poor part of London comes a young boy called Joe who claims to ‘know noffink’ but who has witnessed something very important.

Several other colorful characters are wound into the story. Nearly insane Miss Flite, who for years has attended court every day, with her little folder of documents, is ever hopeful of a settlement. Mr. Boythorn is a boisterous friend of Jarndyce who has a vendetta with Sir Leicester Dedlock. The Jellyby Family, invariably on the verge of a disaster, is neglected by their Mother who is obsessed with an overseas project. The Smallweed family is mean and avaricious – squeezing money from poor clients. Mr. Skimpole is the childlike captivating friend of Mr. Jarndyce who sees no harm in living off everybody else. Mr. Guppy fawns after Esther, and plots to steal documents with his friend Weevle. Mr. Woodcourt is a gentle surgeon and family friend, who becomes a hero.

Since the writing of Bleak House, the property laws of England were changed, and disbursements were thenceforth conducted in court with the object of swiftly coming to a settlement for the benefit of inheritors.

(Summary by Mil Nicholson) (39 hr 24 min)

Chapters

Preface 5:40 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 1 17:10 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 2 18:22 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 3 52:03 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 4 30:42 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 5 38:07 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 6 58:39 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 7 27:38 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 8 51:50 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 9 40:32 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 10 28:08 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 11 38:23 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 12 37:14 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 13 41:50 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 14 56:31 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 15 44:01 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 16 22:33 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 17 38:13 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 18 48:18 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 19 38:06 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 20 36:30 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 21 46:11 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 22 35:17 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 23 48:14 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 24 47:47 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 25 24:15 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 26 34:57 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 27 31:22 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 28 29:55 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 29 24:53 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 30 40:39 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 31 42:20 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 32 33:35 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 33 37:29 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 34 40:58 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 35 42:47 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 36 42:29 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 37 50:43 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 38 27:52 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 39 41:58 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 40 32:20 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 41 22:48 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 42 19:57 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 43 44:28 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 44 20:10 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 45 32:37 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 46 24:26 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 47 42:11 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 48 41:37 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 49 35:55 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 50 25:49 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 51 31:20 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 52 29:00 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 53 30:27 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 54 58:53 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 55 41:41 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 56 20:18 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 57 46:44 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 58 44:53 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 59 35:54 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 60 33:13 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 61 29:54 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 62 25:51 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 63 21:50 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 64 31:07 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 65 23:46 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 66 11:44 Read by Mil Nicholson
Chapter 67 11:46 Read by Mil Nicholson

Reviews

Amazing


(5 stars)

A very big thank you to Mil Nicholson - what an amazing reader. The book is complex and has countless principal characters to follow; each are given a distinctive, believable, individual voice by the reader. Thank you for Dickens record of the folly of The Chancery Court and his social observations during that historical period, presenting the injustices which prevailed. Amazing novel; amazing author and a most amazing reader, who brings each character to life. This is by far the best version to listen to. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Mil Nicholson for giving your time, so that others can enjoy this classic.

Long but oh so worth listening to!


(4.5 stars)

Mil does a great job with the complex cast of characters. Thank you, Mil. Having only ever watched the movies which are so dark, I was unaware of Dickens humor. Listening to this book, i find myself laughing over many of his descriptions, especially Mr smallweed and his wife. A friend told me that i would not want the story to end...even after so many hours of listening. She was right. It was difficult to say good bye to Esther, my guardian, George, and so many others. Take time to enjoy Bleak House.

wonderful


(4 stars)

Ms. Nicholson is such an incredible reader! She gives each and every one of the innumerable characters a voice and presents the story as a whole very well. Even though at first glance the book will seem to be very long, by the time it is finished you really wanted will not want it to end! My favorite Dickens books are actually the lesser known ones (e.g. Dombey and Son, Nicholas Nickeby) and Bleak House will definitely take its place among them. Dickens really lets his humor shine in this story. Hope you enjoy!


(4.5 stars)

Four stars for the novel itself (it would be five but it is a bit long!) and five for Mil Nicholson's fabulous reading of it. I've always loved adaptations of Dickens' novels as his characterisation and description are so incredibly vivid. However, I struggle reading his work as his writing can be rather verbose. But this recording actually kept me on track. I'm really looking forward to tackling more of his works with the help of Ms Nicholson.

fantastic reading!


(5 stars)

what a splendid recording of a novel that's by turns heartbreaking and heartwarming, with characters so rich you find yourself forgetting you don't know them . . . Mil provides each character with their own voice, and is so talented that I was startled a few times when I remembered that this was not a cast of readers, but one amazing person. what a priceless contribution, a can't-miss listen!

Bleak House


(5 stars)

<br />This took me 30 days from start to end. <i>Bleak House</i> is a long, complex novel. Mil Nicholson deserves recognition for her efforts. This is a monumental work. For LibriVox, it stands among the best of the best and no doubt for a generation or more it will be the definitive free version. ps. If you've never read BH prepare yourself, this is a very complex novel by design. The opening scene with fog and mud is your symbolic hint: nothing is very clear in this story. First, get a good list of characters, you will need it. The Wikipedia page has one but it's not very good. Volume 30 of "Novels for Students" (Gale, 2010, library book) has a good one. Second, I highly recommend the 8-hour BBC drama made in 2005. It clarifies many plotlines and characterizations that are murky in the novel. And, it's an amazing film in its own right, the acting, costumes and sets are superb. But read the novel first of course, the film takes some liberties with plot, is abridged and not original dialogue - think of it as a condiment, relish. [STB|1930|06012012]

Bleak House: A Masterpiece!


(5 stars)

Having seen the gorgeous adaptation of Bleak House starring Gillian Anderson, I was familiar with the story and characters that I would meet in this novel. That said, this book is so rich in detail, so beautiful in its tragic dealings with Lady Dedlock and Richard, and so poignant that it far surpassed the TV program. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book and would heartily recommend it. Like the other Dickens novels I have read, this one has a wide array of quirky characters, both heros and villains, and complex intertwining between these folks makes the plot intricate. Mil Nicholson is an absolute dream narrator; she brings this novel to life. Through her powerful, rich voice, Dickens' wry humor shines through, as well as his tremendous understanding of humans' capacity for both love and cruelty. She is unforgettable. I am kicking myself for not listening to this novel sooner.

Relaxing


(5 stars)

I hadn't read any of Dickens' books for a long time, and had forgotten what a sense of humour he has. I really enjoyed the colourful characters in the book, and the reader did a fabulous job of providing each one with a unique voice. I took this book along on a recent trip, and when I really couldn't get to sleep on the plane or in a hotel, I would play this book. It would relax me right to sleep and I would wake up later and have to go back and listen to whatever I hadn't heard because I didn't want to miss anything! That makes it sound like it was a boring book, but it wasn't; I just found it relaxing and soothing to listen to. I plan to find more books read by this reader.