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Synopsis
A Tale of Two Cities is one of Charles Dickens's most exciting novels. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, it tells the story of a family threatened by the terrible events of the past. Doctor Manette was wrongly imprisoned in the Bastille for eighteen years without trial by the aristocratic authorities. Finally released, he is reunited with his daughter, Lucie, who despite her French ancestry has been brought up in London. Lucie falls in love with Charles Darnay, another expatriate, who has abandoned wealth and a title in France because of his political convictions. When revolution breaks out in Paris, Darnay returns to the city to help an old family servant, but there he is arrested because of the crimes committed by his relations. His wife, Lucie, their young daughter, and her aged father follow him across the Channel, thus putting all their lives in danger.
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Children's Literature
Charles Darnay, heir to a wealthy French aristocratic family, is unable to fathom the evils that his family has carried out across France. He curses his family name and returns to England to marry Lucie, the daughter of Doctor Manette. Manette, once a prisoner of the Bastille, becomes unstable when he learns his new son-in-law's true identity. A letter from a former servant urges Darnay to return to Paris. When he does, he is arrested and charged with all of his family's wrongdoings. Lucie and her father plan to save him, but the story behind Darnay's charges is brought to new light, as are plans to capture and kill Lucie. An unlikely character, Sydney Carton, has rescued Darnay before; for one final time, he sacrifices himself on behalf of Darnay and his family. A bigger font and wider format make this classic historical novel more accessible for modern readers. Following the text are useful guides for readers and teachers, including notes on Charles Dickens, character outlines, guiding questions, project suggestions, and a glossary of historical terms. The introduction by Roddy Doyle sets the stage for the intense history that Dickens has created. Reviewer: Patrice Russo Belotte