Good evening and welcome to the sleepy bookshelf.

This season I am excited to be reading our first Charles Dickens novel, not including

the novella A Christmas Carol.

It has been tricky to include them in the past, as I have always thought they are far too

long or far too bleak.

Although bringing classic novels to live and introducing important authors or stories to our

audience has become important to us, what remains paramount is that you always get a good

night's sleep. After all, that's what

makes this the sleepy bookshelf. Having looked into a tale of two cities, however, I think

this one will have just the right balance. Charles Dickens was a renowned English writer and social critic, celebrated for his vivid characters and depictions of Victorian society.

His works often explored the harsh realities of life for the poor and the injustices within social institutions.

Dickens's ability to blend humour with pathos and his sharp critique of social issues

has made him one of the most influential authors in English literature.

His works continue to resonate with readers today

for their timeless themes and compelling narratives. We know our listeners are as unique as our novels,

and lucky for you our bookshelf is varied, with lots of different types of

stories to lull you into a deep sleep. The following is a preview, to give you an idea of

what to expect from this season. A tale of two cities is set during the period of the French Revolution and follows

the lives of several characters in both Paris and London.

The story contrasts the experiences of these two cities, reflecting the stark differences

between their social classes and political climates.

The book begins with Dr. Manette, who is released from 18 years of wrongful imprisonment in the Bastille,

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