Dombey and Son

By: Charles Dickens

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

In this carefully crafted novel, Dickens reveals the complexity of London society in the enterprising 1840s as he takes the listener into the business firm and home of one of its most representative patriarchs, Paul Dombey. A sensitive family drama unfolds between this stern father, his two children, and aloof wife in which time and fateful events bring a slow, inexorable pressure to bear upon the hearts of all. In Paul Dombey we witness the force of social and personal arrogance ("For Dombey is as proud, Ma'am, as Lucifer") wrestling with his own stubborn, but not unredeemable, heart.(P)1996 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Frederick Davidson gives such a splendid dramatization of this family saga, set in London in the 1840's, that it's almost like watching theater." (AudioFile)

An under-appreciated classic

Dombey and Son deserves a spot near the top of Dickens' writings. Dickens addresses the themes of misogyny, love, humility, patience, pride, and forgiveness using a large cast of crisply drawn characters, both major and minor, and several intricately intertwined plot lines. In short, it's 19th century soap opera at its finest. While listening to the narrator, I can almost imagine myself sitting in an oil-lamp lit parlor listening to him read the book to a rapt audience. Ok, yes, Florence is a little too sweet and virtuous, Dombey too intransigent, Walter too noble, Karker too over-the-top nefarious, and the ending a little too neat in its tying-up of the loose ends of the various storylines, but these shortcomings are forgivable. Enjoy!

Quintessential Dickens

Excellent storyline with wonderfully written characters, along with an insightful look into English Victorian society. But I guess that applies to any of Dicken's books. Not my personal favorite, I think because one of the main characters is repellent. Still, I enjoyed it and recommend it.

Absolutely loved it!

This was so, so good . Absolutely loved the performance. Loved how Dickens wrapped up everything at the end. Dombey and Son has made its way right up to one of my favorite novels.

Masterful narration of a masterpiece

I love Dickens, but it took this brilliant performance by Frederick Davidson to make me appreciate this lesser known work. This is the master craftsman writing at the height of his genius - what a delight!

Great marriage between the reader and book.

Frederick Davidson reading and Charles Dickens writing are a Perfect combination.
Fredrick Davidson's reading is natural and not self consciousness. He knows(knew) the period, the accents and the class system of Dicken's time period This recording is a classic.