Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Schultz
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Immortal romance is set against violent French Revolution.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 2 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this is a beautifully written historical novel that offers a poignant exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and the impact of the French Revolution, but it presents a challenging read with its complex language and dense descriptions. While many appreciate its depth and character portrayals, some find it difficult to engage due to the slow pacing and heavy content, making it better suited for older teenagers and mature readers.
- beautifully written
- challenging read
- mature audience
- emotional depth
- complex language
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
At the beginning of A Tale of Two Cities, Dr. Alexandre Manette has been released after many years of wrongful imprisonment in France. He is reunited with his beautiful, pure-hearted daughter, Lucie, who tenderly cares for him and takes him with her to England to live. During the journey across the channel, Lucie meets Charles Darnay, a French instructor who becomes part of the Manettes' family circle. A secret about Charles' background eventually causes him, the Manettes, and some of their friends to return to France, where mob rule now drives the revolution and threatens to destroy them all.
Is It Any Good?
A TALE OF TWO CITIES masterfully interweaves political and personal events. It reveals much about the injustice that incited the French Revolution, the gray areas between the populist ideals and blind vengeance, and the toll the rebellion took on individuals. This is one of Charles Dickens' best-loved novels, with good reason. The plot is suspenseful, the scope is far-reaching, and the characters are as rich and affecting as can be. No love was ever sweeter than Lucie and Charles', no father and daughter were ever more deeply attached than the Manettes, and no character in English literature ever had a greater purpose, or better lines, than Sydney Carton.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Dickens intends for readers to feel and understand about the French Revolution. What is right and wrong?
Why does Sydney Carton do what he does?
What does Dickens seem to be suggesting is similar and/or different about his two cities?
Think about the Defarges' cohorts, Vengeance and the three Jacques. What do these characters represent?
A Tale of Two Cities is considered a classic and is often required reading in school. Why do you think that is?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Literary Fiction
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Barnes & Noble
- Publication date : April 20, 1894
- Number of pages : 448
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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