The Pickwick Papers

The Audible Dickens Collection

By: Charles Dickens, Neil Gaiman

Narrated by: Rory Kinnear, Neil Gaiman

This edition of The Pickwick Papers features an exclusive introduction, written and narrated by Neil Gaiman.

This Audible Exclusive retelling of Charles Dickens’ first novel, The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club, or as we now know it, The Pickwick Papers, is brought expertly to life by multi-award-winning actor Rory Kinnear.

A huge success, The Pickwick Papers catapulted young Dickens to fame and sold over 40,000 copies by the release of the last instalment. Stage adaptations were soon performed and merchandise quickly sold out to a public who dreamed of owning their own Pickwick cigars, song books and china figurines.

About the book

When Samuel Pickwick decides to establish and preside over a travelling society, he unknowingly brings together three of the oddest men in all of London: Tracy Tupman, the loveless self-professed ladies’ man, Augustus Snodgrass, the poet who’s never put pen to paper, and Nathaniel Winkle, the endlessly clumsy sportsman.

Introductions made and plans established, the ‘Pickwickians’ set off in search of new adventures outside of the confines of the city. Along with a host of other colourful Dickensian characters such as Mr Pickwick’s love-struck landlady, Mrs Bardell, and his trusty sidekick, Sam Weller.

The Pickwick Papers manages to both move and amuse the listener as the protagonists find themselves in a whole host of bizarre situations they had not bargained for.

About the author

With his father incarcerated, Charles Dickens had to abandon his studies at a young age and worked in a factory to support himself. Despite his short-lived education, Dickens went on to write 15 novels, various articles, novellas and short stories. He lectured and led campaigns for children's rights and education and arguably became the ultimate self-made man. Dickens had strong values, and they pervade The Pickwick Papers, which is not only one of his most comical texts but one in which he lays the groundwork for future satires expressing his deep-felt discontent with Victorian values.

About the narrator

Rory Kinnear is an award-winning actor for his work both on stage and on screen. He is known for his portrayal of Bill Tanner in the James Bond films and is also recognisable for his television work including Black Mirror and Count Arthur Strong. His audiobook credits include Anthony Horowitz’s The Word Is Murder, Nutshell by Ian McEwan, and now this fantastic version of The Pickwick Papers.

Public Domain (P)2018 Audible, Ltd

Pickwick Papers

Narration was brilliant. Laughed and cried. Well done Rory and Neil. A long book which “ne-wer”lagged.

Dickens at his most light hearted

If some of the darker novels by Dickens have deterred you from listening, this is the book for you. I found myself smiling and laughing through much of the story, and the narrator is pure genius. I don’t think I have ever heard such a large repertoire of voices, and his handling of the humor made it even better. When you finish this one, you’ll feel like you’re saying goodbye to old friends.

Amazing, Wonderful Narration, Voices and Accents

One of the best narrated books I’ve listened to.
Laugh out loud funny and deeply heartwarming.
Amazing vocabulary, heartwarming story, and colorful characters brought to live with masterful narration. Couldn’t ask for better.

The characters

I loved the whole book. It was funny and sweet! Sam and Pickwick were amazing!

Wonderful Storytelling!

The Pickwick Papers had long been on my list of books to read someday...I have now read six Dickens novels and although this is not his most famous one, it is his first and brought him immediate fame. That alone makes it worthy of attention.

It took a little time to get into it but as I got to know the characters it became increasingly enjoyable. Many of the situations are quite hilarious and at times I even laughed aloud. The funniest story is the Bagman's Story found in chapter fourteen. The book starts out almost as a collection of short stories but eventually coalesces into a novel as the plot and characters develop.

I actually read the text as it was narrated by Rory Kinnear. The narration was impeccable and added greatly to my overall enjoyment of the book. The narrator's use of different accents for each of the many characters and his ability to seamlessly switch from one voice to another is quite impressive! I would love to know how much time and research the narrator devoted to preparing for and delivering such an outstanding reading of The Pickwick Papers.

In the future I plan to read more Dickens and will also look for more books narrated by Rory Kinnear.

In closing, I would suggest that this is not a book to plow through quickly but is best read at a pace of perhaps one chapter a day.