A Far Better Rest

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful novel of the French Revolution
Review: A Far Better Rest is a wonderful retelling of A Tale of Two Cities from Sydney Carton's point of view. It tells the story of Carton's entire life, filling in the gaps in A Tale of Two Cities, where Carton disappears for several years. But not only does Susanne Alleyn do a great job at filling in Carton's "missing years", but she also writes an excellent novel of the French Revolution that stands completely on its own. Yes, it does help if you've read A Tale of Two Cities first, but it is not absolutely necessary. I have not read it for several years, and it's amazing how much I had forgotten. (For example, I had forgotten that Sydney Carton had gone to school in France.) Alleyn's description of the events of the Revolution is far more accurate than Dickens', as she explains in the afterword. Also, I love the way Alleyn introduces historical figures into her narrative; it was a clever touch, to have Carton and Darnay go to school with Robespierre and Desmoulins, for example. And Alleyn's original characters, especially Eleonore, are great additions to the story. I have read many historical novels about the French Revolution; this is one of the best.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful novel of the French Revolution
Review: A Far Better Rest is a wonderful retelling of A Tale of Two Cities from Sydney Carton's point of view. It tells the story of Carton's entire life, filling in the gaps in A Tale of Two Cities, where Carton disappears for several years. But not only does Susanne Alleyn do a great job at filling in Carton's "missing years", but she also writes an excellent novel of the French Revolution that stands completely on its own. Yes, it does help if you've read A Tale of Two Cities first, but it is not absolutely necessary. I have not read it for several years, and it's amazing how much I had forgotten. (For example, I had forgotten that Sydney Carton had gone to school in France.) Alleyn's description of the events of the Revolution is far more accurate than Dickens', as she explains in the afterword. Also, I love the way Alleyn introduces historical figures into her narrative; it was a clever touch, to have Carton and Darnay go to school with Robespierre and Desmoulins, for example. And Alleyn's original characters, especially Eleonore, are great additions to the story. I have read many historical novels about the French Revolution; this is one of the best.

Rating:
Summary: In A Word.."Outstanding!"
Review: Absolutely wonderful reading. Susanne Alleyn's style brings you accurately into the world of the French revolution even deeper than Dickens' Two Cities.. The story is fresh and alive.

Her story is one into which you can sink you teeth. Its beefy and deep. Even for those who are not necessarily into historic novels or romance A Far Better Rest offers excellent reading. Outstanding work by a first time novelists!

ONE WARNING: Be sure you are comfortable, with your favorite beverage and munchies near by. Once you pick it up and start reading you won't want to put it down!

Five stars or two thumbs up on thumbs-up on this one. You'll love it!

Rating:
Summary: Adds believability to Dickens' classic
Review: For anyone who found the plot and ambiance of A Tale of Two Cities exhilarating but was somewhat disappointed by Dickens' lack of depth in characters and blatant misportrayal of historical fact, Susanne Alleyn's vivid reimagining of Dickens' classic does much to enhance the believability of the original work. While maintaining Dickens' air of tense and high drama, as well as (quite incredibly) Dickens' language, Alleyn adds depth and background to Sydney Carton's ultimate self-sacrifice and does pays much attention to the historical details of the French Revolution, something Dickens himself scrupulously neglected. By weaving compelling strands of Dickens' original plot together with some brilliant ones of her own (including Eleanore d'Ambert, Carton's brilliant and brave lover who I like a lot more than Lucie :)) , Alleyn makes Carton's final decision more understandable, and yet, far more laudable. A Far Better Rest is an exquisitely crafted page-turner that will have surprises even for the most avid reader of Dickens.

Rating:
Summary: Fluff
Review: I bought this book because occasionally I do the same thing Alleyn did - I continue stories begun by others. But I never submit them for publication, and I'd never trifle with one of the masters, as she did. For what it claims to be, this book is entertaining, but for someone who was really gripped by "A Tale of Two Cities," this is annoying fluff. I can't believe any of the romantic revelations about Carton that she spins, from the existence of an illegitimate child to Lucie's preferring him over Darnay. (There is more than that, but I don't want to give it all away.) She also makes Carton a central figure at the heart of the Revolution's beginnings, placing him just below Robespierre in influence and notoriety in Paris. I disbelieved this book so much that I almost stopped reading it - but had to see what other nonsense was part of the story. There are some interesting holes filled in - why does Carton resemble Charles so much? why was he in Paris anyway? and so on - but even these seem contrived.

It's a well-written book, grammatically (except her unconventional use of Msr. for Monsieur is a bit jarring, as is the constant use of the contraction "tho'" throughout - the only contraction I noticed in the book, it's liberally sprinkled throughout the pages). It is entertaining *IF* you do not consider "A Tale of Two Cities" to be a masterwork. I do consider it such, and therefore this book is merely a trifling ripoff of Dickens' vision. Not worth the price, especially since it wasn't available in paperback.

Rating:
Summary: A Far Better Rest
Review: I loved the Dickens classic, the very best. This book only completes it for me, making it an ever richer tale. The author has done a first rate job. I recommend it highly for anyone who loves period detail and a respect for history that A FAR BETTER REST portrays. My hats off to two great writers, Dickens and Alleyn!

Rating:
Summary: A great story re-told by a superb writer.
Review: One of the most chilling portrayals of the French Revolution is Dicken's extra-ordinary and unusual love story, A Tale of Two Cities. In a Far Better Rest, author and rare book dealer Susanne Alleyn retells Dicken's heartrending classic. In Alleyn's version, the story centers around late-protagonist Sydney Carton and sheds light on the shadows of his existence. Susanne Alleyn's first novel presents her as an accomplished writer with a knack for detail. She skillfully conjures not only the historical settings of 18th century London and Paris, but aptly overlays the culture, language and politics as well. However, although Alleyn's style captures the essence of the period and keeps most of the story's skeleton intact, Alleyn strives to contribute sub-plots of her own. Unfortunately, the newly-devised events, backstory and supporting characters seem to be unnecessary baubles and pockets on the cloaks of our beloved Dickens' creations. A Far Better Rest imagines anti-hero Sydney Carton as a player in politics and journalism. In comparison to my recollection of the original tale, these achievements go across the grain of the effective characterization of Carton. For was it not his reluctance to take life by its horns that portrayed him as such a pitiful character and led to the thrilling climax when he makes the ultimate sacrifice at the end? Dickens may very well have given as much thought to the background of his characters as does Alleyn, however, it may be supposed that he left these details out because they were not completely essential to the movement of plot in the story he wished to tell. As his characters were extremely well-crafted and effective, their motivations can be found in their demeanor and actions, and would not necessarily have to be substantiated with a history of events. Of course, any author who re-tells a beloved classic must realize that he/she has to contend with those who revere the original version. Due to the merits of Susanne Alleyn's talent, I would definitely pick up anything penned by this author in the future, however, in the case of A Tale Of Two Cities, I do believe that Dickens said it best and that no one need mince his words.

Lynne Remick, Reviewer

Rating:
Summary: In the Words of Dickens
Review: One of the most chilling portrayals of the French Revolution is Dicken's extra-ordinary and unusual love story, A Tale of Two Cities.

In a FAR BETTER REST, author and rare book dealer SUSANNE ALLEYN retells Dicken's heartrending classic. In Alleyn's version, the story centers around late-protagonist Sydney Carton and sheds light on the shadows of his existence.

SUSANNE ALLEYN's first novel presents her as an accomplished writer with a knack for detail. She skillfully conjures not only the historical settings of 18th century London and Paris, but aptly overlays the culture, language and politics as well.

However, although Alleyn's style captures the essence of the period and keeps most of the story's skeleton intact, Alleyn strives to contribute sub-plots of her own. Unfortunately, the newly-devised events, backstory and supporting characters seem to be unnecessary baubles and pockets on the cloaks of our beloved Dickens' creations.

A FAR BETTER REST imagines anti-hero Sydney Carton as a player in politics and journalism. In comparison to my recollection of the original tale, these achievements go across the grain of the effective characterization of Carton. For was it not his reluctance to take life by its horns that portrayed him as such a pitiful character and led to the thrilling climax when he makes the ultimate sacrifice at the end?

Dickens may very well have given as much thought to the background of his characters as does Alleyn, however, it may be supposed that he left these details out out because they were not completely essential to the movement of plot in the story he wished to tell. As his characters were extremely well-crafted and effective, their motivations can be found in their demeanor and actions, and would not necessarily have to be substantiated with a history of events.

Of course, any author who re-tells a beloved classic must realize that he/she has to contend with those who revere the original version. Due to the merits of SUSANNE ALLEYN'S talent, I would definitely pick up anything penned by this author in the future, however, in the case of A TALE OF TWO CITIES, I do believe that Dickens said it best and that no one need mince his words.

Writers Moon reViews ([e-mail]) P.O. Box 182, Nesconset, NY 11767-0182 Copyright (c) 2000 Lynne Remick ([e-mail]) Reprinted with permission from Lynne Remick =============================================

Rating:
Summary: Alleyn reimagines a classic Dickens tale...
Review: Susanne Alleyn pulls off a feat that not many writers can do. She takes a classic of literature "A Tale of two Cities", and she reimagines the story from the point of view of Sydney Carton, and she manages to add a completely different story on top of the events of "Two Cities" from Carton's perspective. Alleyn seemlessly weaves the unforgetable fictional characters of Dickens(Charles Darney, Madame Lafarge, Carton, Lucie Manette) and grounds the story using real historical characters(Camille Desmoulions, Robespierre, Charlotte Corday), and Alleyn adds a few of her own(Eleanore "Leo" D'Ambert). The full tragedy of the French Revolution is portrayed here, using historical details Dickens didn't bother with. Alleyn's work is great fiction, and a reason why some great works should be reimagined by those who know what they're doing.

Rating:
Summary: great story!
Review: Sydney Carton is one of Dickens most enigmatic characters.His novel leaves many questions about Carton unanswered.Susanne Alleyn has addressed many of these questions in her lively account where Carton tells the story of his life.The characters,both historical and fictional,are very real and alive.There are many surprises and twists.The descriptions of 18th century life are accurate and the 18th century language gives the story a very real feel of the times.If you like Tale of Two Cities, then A Far Better Rest is a must read!