A Tale of Two Cities

Ah, what a story!

I cried, I laughed, I was outraged, I was on the edge of my seat. And more than anything, this book sparked a tremendous curiosity about the 18th century France.

I loved the plot of the story, but even more, I loved the author's writing style. There is such skill, such subtlety - it is truly exquisite!

If there's one thing the book lacks in, at least at first glance, that will be character work - the author drops these people in the action and doesn't spend too much time dwelling on their personalities or quirks. Personally, I do not find this to be a negative, as it's my impression that this is not the point of the story itself. It is to some degree an action-drama (if that is a thing you can imagine) and to a greater one a social commentary. The personality of the characters is not as relevant as their unique position in the more global events in which, through no fault of their own, they have been pulled.
The society itself is the main character of this story, and the protagonists and villains we follow are the supporting cast to help showcase the character and sensibilities of said society.

Do not be fooled by the page count, this is not a light read to pick up for pure entertainment (though I myself was greatly entertained). It pays off to take your time and think through the meaning behind the specific words utilised by the author. I promise you, the deservedly famous opening paragraph is not the only infinitely quotable one in this story.