Author: Charles Dickens
Summary: (Warning: This summary reveals crucial plot elements and may spoil some of the tension of the book for a first time reader) The two cities inspiring the title are Paris and London at the time of the French Revolution. A French Nobleman, Charles Darnay, renounces his status in opposition to his uncle, the Marquis de St Evremonde, who has an utter disregard for the value of human lives, peasants in particular. A physician, Dr. Mannette, prisoner in the Bastille for 18 years, slowly recovers under the compassionate care of his daughter, Lucie. Darney leaves France and later falls in love with and marries Lucie. When he returns to France during the revolution to save a servant, Darney is arrested and condemned to death. In the end, an Englishman named Carton, who greatly resembles Darney, nobly sacrifices himself to save Darney.
Reading Level: Young Adult
Reviewed by: Amy Smith, 2005