Bleak House (version 3)
Charles Dickens
Read by Mil Nicholson





The Chancery Court had jurisdiction over all matters of equity, including administration of estates, the guardianship of orphans, and disputed property disbursement. In Dickens’ time, some cases could take years to be settled, changing the lives of those involved. Esther Summerson, a young woman raised in a tough and unloving atmosphere, is unexpectedly requested to be a companion to two teenage orphans, Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, for whom the court has appointed as guardian, John Jarndyce. They take up residence at Mr. Jarndyce’s home, Bleak House. The story of their lives and fortunes is the main thrust of the novel, and is related at times through the eyes of Esther, whose gentle point of view gives the reader a different and more intimate perspective. Richard is sure his fortune is ‘just around the corner’ when the case of Jarndyce-v-Jarndyce, of which he and Ada will be beneficiaries, is settled. He tries his hand at a career or two, but he becomes obsessed with hastening the probate of the willed fortune he feels must soon be theirs. Further difficulties arise when he and Ada fall in love, while he, penniless, continues the quest to bring his case to justice. A scriber of legal documents dies, and from his death, questions arise which unearth secrets that the Jarndyce’s neighbour, Lady Dedlock, has kept hidden for years. Inspector Bucket enters the case, and begins investigating the disappearance of Lady Dedlock. In the dirt poor part of London comes a young boy called Joe who claims to ‘know noffink’ but who has witnessed something very important. Several other colorful characters are wound into the story. Nearly insane Miss Flite, who for years has attended court every day, with her little folder of documents, is ever hopeful of a settlement. Mr. Boythorn is a boisterous friend of Jarndyce who has a vendetta with Sir Leicester Dedlock. The Jellyby Family, invariably on the verge of a disaster, is neglected by their Mother who is obsessed with an overseas project. The Smallweed family is mean and avaricious – squeezing money from poor clients. Mr. Skimpole is the childlike captivating friend of Mr. Jarndyce who sees no harm in living off everybody else. Mr. Guppy fawns after Esther, and plots to steal documents with his friend Weevle. Mr. Woodcourt is a gentle surgeon and family friend, who becomes a hero. Since the writing of Bleak House, the property laws of England were changed, and disbursements were thenceforth conducted in court with the object of swiftly coming to a settlement for the benefit of inheritors. (Summary by Mil Nicholson)
(39 hr 24 min)Chapters
Preface | 5:40 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 1 | 17:10 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 2 | 18:22 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 3 | 52:03 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 4 | 30:42 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 5 | 38:07 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 6 | 58:39 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 7 | 27:38 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 8 | 51:50 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 9 | 40:32 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 10 | 28:08 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 11 | 38:23 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 12 | 37:14 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 13 | 41:50 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 14 | 56:31 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 15 | 44:01 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 16 | 22:33 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 17 | 38:13 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 18 | 48:18 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 19 | 38:06 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 20 | 36:30 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 21 | 46:11 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 22 | 35:17 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 23 | 48:14 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 24 | 47:47 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 25 | 24:15 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 26 | 34:57 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 27 | 31:22 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 28 | 29:55 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 29 | 24:53 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 30 | 40:39 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 31 | 42:20 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 32 | 33:35 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 33 | 37:29 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 34 | 40:58 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 35 | 42:47 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 36 | 42:29 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 37 | 50:43 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 38 | 27:52 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 39 | 41:58 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 40 | 32:20 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 41 | 22:48 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 42 | 19:57 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 43 | 44:28 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 44 | 20:10 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 45 | 32:37 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 46 | 24:26 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 47 | 42:11 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 48 | 41:37 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 49 | 35:55 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 50 | 25:49 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 51 | 31:20 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 52 | 29:00 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 53 | 30:27 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 54 | 58:53 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 55 | 41:41 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 56 | 20:18 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 57 | 46:44 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 58 | 44:53 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 59 | 35:54 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 60 | 33:13 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 61 | 29:54 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 62 | 25:51 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 63 | 21:50 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 64 | 31:07 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 65 | 23:46 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 66 | 11:44 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Chapter 67 | 11:46 | Read by Mil Nicholson |
Reviews
fantastic reading!





what a splendid recording of a novel that's by turns heartbreaking and heartwarming, with characters so rich you find yourself forgetting you don't know them . . . Mil provides each character with their own voice, and is so talented that I was startled a few times when I remembered that this was not a cast of readers, but one amazing person. what a priceless contribution, a can't-miss listen!





null
So, not one to usually find voice changing within the same reading that appealing; I found this readers abilities to be more than sufficient... they were astounding. I very much enjoyed the reading and the information. I will be looking her up on her website and shall be interested in more books that are read by her. Great story!





Four stars for the novel itself (it would be five but it is a bit long!) and five for Mil Nicholson's fabulous reading of it. I've always loved adaptations of Dickens' novels as his characterisation and description are so incredibly vivid. However, I struggle reading his work as his writing can be rather verbose. But this recording actually kept me on track. I'm really looking forward to tackling more of his works with the help of Ms Nicholson.
Dickens at his amazing nest





ameyer99
I love every single thing that Charles Dickens has written, but my 4 favorites are Dombey and Son, the old curiosity shop, little Dorrit, and now Bleak House. Mill Nicholson the narrator is absolutely unbelievable in her ability to portray so many different characters seriously she's unbelievable and has spoiled me when it comes to Dickens so I'm hoping she will read Pickwick papers hint hint
Long but oh so worth listening to!





Hospitable Georgian
Mil does a great job with the complex cast of characters. Thank you, Mil. Having only ever watched the movies which are so dark, I was unaware of Dickens humor. Listening to this book, i find myself laughing over many of his descriptions, especially Mr smallweed and his wife. A friend told me that i would not want the story to end...even after so many hours of listening. She was right. It was difficult to say good bye to Esther, my guardian, George, and so many others. Take time to enjoy Bleak House.
Amazing





uggs
A very big thank you to Mil Nicholson - what an amazing reader. The book is complex and has countless principal characters to follow; each are given a distinctive, believable, individual voice by the reader. Thank you for Dickens record of the folly of The Chancery Court and his social observations during that historical period, presenting the injustices which prevailed. Amazing novel; amazing author and a most amazing reader, who brings each character to life. This is by far the best version to listen to. You will not be disappointed. Thank you Mil Nicholson for giving your time, so that others can enjoy this classic.
Bleak House





oldperson
This is certainly a complex book and you need to "keep" going or loose the flavor and characters. Most fortunate that one can rerun and get back on track. Nonetheless, it is an outstanding accomplishment of Mr. Dickens and Mil Nicholson's skill and ardor bring it alive. This is an example of how it should be done.
Bleak House





deb =^..^=
Am only 1/3 of the way through the book ... and ... already don't want it to end. Anyone who knows Dickens knows how well his characters develop and weave in and out and mingle with each other. As a Librivox devotee I am always on the hunt for new narrators to listen to. This is my first time listening to Mil Nicholson who is fast, in a single story, is moving up my list of narrators. I cannot help but marvel at her range of voices to depict the myriad of characters ... Mil does it with ease.