Hard Times

Anton Lesser finds the emotive force behind Dickens's bleak social commentary, HARD TIMES, and gives it a unique reading. Dickens's stock characters are fleshed out by Lesser's quavering voice and given outward emotions, making these Victorian-era personas more accessible to contemporary listeners. Atypical for a Dickens story, HARD TIMES lacks any comic relief and reads like a case study of the industrial and utilitarian culture and how the inhabitants of a town built around those ideals are beaten down by it. By reading with a voice more suited to a period romance, Lesser places the emphasis on the feelings of the characters, effectively softening the edges of HARD TIMES. F.T. (c) AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine


Once in a while a great reader captures a classic work with such perfection that the listener can't put the headphones down. British actor Martin Jarvis, who lately achieved attention in the movie Titanic, attempts a full character portrayal, and succeeds--he glides effortlessly from one character to another. A sprightly old woman, for example, he enunciates in a high-pitched near-falsetto--it could be the woman herself. Professor Gradgrind's flat words sound like the prim schoolmaster he is. Mr. Bounderby, who throws his weight around throughout the book, is loud and blustery and insufferable. Jarvis carries the narrative portions nicely, too: His voice is precise, deliberate and yet smooth and expressive. Dickens was in the full flower of his talent when he wrote Hard Times, and this performance is a tribute to him. D.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine

Starred review from February 15, 2012

Hard Times is Dickens's most political novel. Taking place in the industrial burg of Coketown, the drama among the characters illustrates the author's view of the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and utilitarianism on the lives of all involved and is essentially a "moral fable" illustrating the principle that one reaps what one sows. VERDICT Anton Lesser, a classical actor and an award-winning audiobook reader, gives a spirited reading, bringing out the character of each persona--the dictatorial Gradgrind, the pompous Bounderby, and the meek Sissy--with skill and verve. An entertaining and captivating listening experience; all libraries should consider. [See the Dickens roundup, p. 68.--Ed.]--Michael T. Fein, Central Virginia Community Coll. Lib., Lynchburg

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