Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit (version 2)
Charles Dickens
Read by Peter John Keeble
Martin Chuzzlewit was Dickens 6th novel, serially published in 1843 - 44. Irrespective of the fact that Dickens considered - "Chuzzlewit is in 100 points immeasurably the best of my stories"- it failed to resonate with, or capture the public's imagination as many of its predecessors had done. However by the1850s its popularity had risen and it eventually found recognition as the great novel that it is.
The beginning is somewhat protracted but the prose is magnificent throughout. The theme of the story is about selfishness and obstinacy. The callow eponymous hero Martin Chuzzlewit is estranged from his grandfather (Martin Chuzzlewit the elder) for having the temerity to fall in love with his grandfather's ward — Mary Graham. The Chuzzlewit family are all placed under the microscope as Martin journeys on a voyage of what can only be termed as "self-discovery". His journeying takes him to America, where his experiences change him forever and he returns a far better man.
Woven around the theme of the book are some of Dickens most finely drawn characters, ranging from the comic: Seth Pecksniff, an oily unctuous hypocrite, Mrs Gamp a nurse with a propensity for strong liquor and a delightful way of mangling the English language: to the macabre Jonas Chuzzlewit a dark brooding murderer. There are plots within plots, deception and artifice abound, confidence tricksters on both sides of the Atlantic, and a vicious murder.
This is a satirical novel, particularly when Martin is in America and Dickens, who never shirked from social criticism, utilized that portion of the book to express his feelings on his experiences during his visit to America in1842. It is a comical novel, humour being prevalent throughout, witness Mrs Gamp "Rich folk may ride on camels, but it ain't so easy for em to see out of the needles eye". The irrepressible and precocious young Bailey strutting and posing in his Footman's livery. The deeply melancholic Augustus Moddle, desperate to be run over but finding no takers! and doomed to marry the wrong sister. (31 hr 31 min)
Chapters
Reviews
Excellent story, well read.
Kayshy
I enjoyed the story very much. I am visually impaired and rely upon readers for my books. I have greatly enjoyed listening to the Librivox collecyion of Dickens' books. This was one I had not heard of, and was pleasantly surprised to find all the hallmarks of a great Dickens novel. Villains most foul, trusty comrades and friends, family intrigues, and a protagonist who has much to learn are woven together with full character development. Whule Mil Nicholsen is my favorite reader of Dicken's, this reader was very good, and does a fine job bringing this book to life. i am sorry, as I often am, to see the story end!
Jan
one of the best books I've listened to so far awesome and wonderful reader one of the best I've heard I will definitely be looking forward to listening to more of his readings and as far is the book itself Charles Dickens is the author not much more needs to be said as he is one of the world's best authors in my opinion just another captivating Story by him but I must say again Peter you made it all the more captivating
Delightful
Mary Direnzo
I can understand why Dickens was reluctant to leave these characters. What a delightful and complex bunch they are! I could have never gotten through the book without Mr. Keeble's wonderful narration, though. It is very dense and the language is often complicated. Some chapters tickled me so much that I repeated them a couple of times. This is a funny book and the narrator is perfect for the many voices.
F Gibson
I found this more heavy-going, plot-wise, than other novels by Dickens. And while I like Mr Keeble's voice, the narration was at times rather on one tone, and there were a few surprising mispronunciations. However, as i would never have got through the novel by reading it myself, am grateful for the reading. PS, I did really enjoy the reading of Mark Tapley's character.
Well done.
Bobbiann Markle
I liked the reader’s voice; it is well that he reads quickly, as it’s such a long book. There were a number of mistakes, but he spoke so quickly and confidently that they would be hard to notice unless one is following along in the text, as I was.
Sherlockholmes4ever
One of my favorite audiobooks. Thank you Mr. Peter Keeble for giving such a gift to the public. I could have no experience of timeless classics, such as Dickens novels, without your aid. Thank you & may kindness lay in your path as a small recompense.
Volume problems
A LibriVox Listener
I had to switch to the other version because this one was too hard to follow, even with my device volume all the way up.
Excellent reading
A LibriVox Listener
Great reading of a great book. There were a couple of repeats of a paragraph here and there, no biggie.