The Chimes by Charles Dickens (Free Audio Book)

 

 

The Chimes by Charles Dickens – A free audiobook

 

Narrated by Ruth Golding
 

The Chimes is the second Christmas book that Charles Dickens wrote and it was initially published in 1844. The Chimes may not have the same repertoire as Dickens’ first Christmas book, A Christmas Carol, but it is still a worthwhile work that features a lot of important issues about society.

The story takes place in a time when social and political strife was at its highest. The book tackles the era and tells of several strong moral messages. The story focuses on Toby “Trotty” Veck, a poor working class man whose daughter is about to marry on New Year’s Day. Trotty is at a low point on his life as everyday he reads about the rising crimes in his city. Further fueling his depression are the rich Alderman Cute and Sir Joseph Bowley who discriminates him at every opportunity pointing out that poor peasants like him has no place in society and that his beloved daughter, Meg, also has no right to marry.

One fateful night, Trotty hears the chimes of the church bells which pushed him to visit the belfry during New Year’s Eve. This decision, however, will prove to be something that will change his life forever.
 

You can listen below (it may take a moment to appear) or download here.
 

 

 

Book versions to buy from Amazon:

Kindle Edition
Paperback – December 3, 2008
Audible Audio Edition – Unabridged
Unknown Binding – 1908
Audio, Cassette – Abridged, Audiobook, Unabridged