A tale of two cities is one of the best known classic novels of all times. Rich in language, visualizations, deep emotions and marked by a strong narration, Charles Dickens considered it his best work.
Set in the times of French Revolution this novel brings to life the horror, the love, the courage and in general the intensity of the times. It created unforgettable characters like those of the strong and ruthless Madame Defarge, Doctor Alexandre Manette who despite much sufferings is kind and compassionate and Sydney Carton,the unrequited lover who sought redemption by making the ultimate sacrifice.
While the novel is not very heavy to read, it certainly stirrs stronger emotions, unlike the general feel good writes of Charles Dickens. This is essentially because its based in true history, the ruthlessness, the fear are true to the times. It must be read for the rich simplicity of language, memorable characters that are part of literary history and the sheer genius of Charles Dickens in presenting an ending that is full of hope yet beautifully sad.
It starts with the beautiful seemingly paradoxical lines :
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,
it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,
it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity"
And so it goes on...page by page,even as the story is at times seeping in sadness,one pauses and breathes a sigh at the breathtakingly beautiful magic , the words of a great writer can weave...
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