“A Tale of Two Cities:” To Read or not to Read

As much as I love classic literature, I still have to get used to the writing of some of the late authors. Charles Dickens is no exception. I can’t tell you how many times I tried to read “A Tale of Two Cities” as a pre-teen and how many times I closed the book in utter exasperation. I just couldn’t get past the first few pages of long, descriptive narration. Finally, I decided to force myself to read it sometime this past year. If I’m going to be an ardent classic literature fan, I figured I should at least read one of the greatest classics to figure out why it is considered a classic.

Are you wondering if I liked it, if I made it through this time? My answer is yes, and I was not disappointed. In fact, it has become one of my all-time favorite books. I guess the statement’s true that you can’t judge a book by its cover, or in this case by the first few pages. It has the most beautiful ending of any book I’ve read. I won’t even give any hints as to the stories plot. You have to read it to find that out. Once you get past the beginning and used to Dickens’ writing throughout, the story draws you in and doesn’t let go until the final sacrificial act has been exacted. And let me tell you, the ending is a tear-jerker! Keep a box of tissues near by.

Just give this one a chance. You don’t even have to read the old version. In fact, Spark Notes allows you to read the book for free on its webpage; and it has a modern version you can read instead. You won’t be disappointed, and I think you’ll come away very touched by this story.

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