A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Cities (1859) is a novel by Charles Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution. The novel depicts the plight of the French peasantry demoralized by the French aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same period.

The first half of this book killed me. I nearly died of boredom, but around halfway through the characters started to connect and form storylines that twisted together instead of remain individualistic. I really enjoyed the last couple chapters because there was some suspense. A literal life and death situation was at stake. I have to admit throughout this whole book, I was ashamed of my ignorance about the French Revolution. I knew the basics but I didn't realize what a terrifying, bloody, gory and violent time it was. Anyway, I'm proud of myself for finishing a classic such as this. Great read once you get into the writing style of Dickens.

7 out of 10