Customer Reviews

A Far Better Rest

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

This story is worthy of sitting next to "A Tale Of Two Cities" in your library. This author places you on the threshhold of the French Revolution with such savvy, you'll feel like you have been transported there. The characters are richly portrayed, and lead you through the events of this bloody era as if you were a compatriot. If you like historical works, I highly recommend this book!

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!

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 (WritersMoon@aol.com) P.O. Box 182, Nesconset, NY 11767-0182 Copyright (c) 2000 Lynne Remick (UndercoverReader@aol.com) Reprinted with permission from Lynne Remick =============================================

I bought this because I had read some of Ms Alleyn's other works set just after the Revolutionand enjoyed them - particularly the portrayal of Sanson. So I thought I would give it whirl. I love the story of a Tale of Two Cities and Sydney Carton is one of my favorite literary characters. Is this Dickens' Carton? No. It's a reimagining of the tale. But I think I like this one just as much and the historical detail is far more accurate here than it is in Tale of Two Cities. Some reviewers may dismiss this as fluff but for one who did her degree in this period of history - there's not an ounce of fluff. The research is solid accurate well used and comes alive with detail. I've seen the ruins of the Abbey in Caen and understand the historial significance in using it. Kudos for not making St Just a monster but rather a driven idealist turned resigned pragmatist. The book captures the growing threat as the Revolution slowly inexorably devours her own. And when Carton comes to his decision at the end I cried just as much as I did with the Dicken's version. If you're a purist and put Dicken's on pedestal - don't read it but if you want a solid tale of life during the Revolution with a flawed hero - read it.

Unrequited love, redemption, politics and sex rolled into one terrific book!

I finished reading [A Far Better Rest] a day or so ago. It is an excellent "stand alone" book, but it is also the fictional back-story to [ A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens] It both follows and tells of the life of Carton during the period between when he was a school boy in a Paris boy's school with his mirror image friend, Darney, and the dreadful, stark, closing days of the French Revolution.

Brilliant. Inventive. Believable, to the degree that it brings the sense of characters, time and place completely to life. I really care about these players and what is happening in France during this time period as put forth by Ms. Alleyn.

If you love good writing and are interested in a more in depth history of how the revolution in France unfolded and the untold numbers who were subsequently guillotined as enemies of the Republic, then this is one book you will want to peruse and enjoy within its pages the story of star crossed lovers, politics, publishing, loss and betrayal in the process.

I felt that it would not be a tremendous leap for this to be written about present day irrationality in the arena of politics and personalities. Scary, what is done in the name of patriotism, sometimes, when there seems to be no brains and thinking behind the frenzy of feelings of hatred and blood-thirsty revenge.

Well worth your time and attention. Mission accomplished by the author with this stunning work of fiction. Five stars. It would be a marvelous screenplay given the proper treatment and a good director, producer and cast. (Masterpiece Theater, BBC, Merchant/Ivory quality film). Suspense abounds even though you know the story and the ending having already read Dicken's classic. A Far Better Rest is a "far better book", IMHO.