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Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol'
- Narrated by: Tom Baker
- Length: 3 hrs
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Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol'
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Summary
Tom Baker reads Charles Dickens' timeless seasonal story.
Charles Dickens' story of solitary miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is taught the true meaning of Christmas by the three ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, has become one of the timeless classics of English literature. First published in 1843, it introduces us not only to Scrooge himself but also to the memorable characters of underpaid desk clerk Bob Cratchit and his poor family, the poorest amongst whom is the ailing and crippled Tiny Tim.
In this new recording, Tom Baker delivers a tour-de-force performance as he narrates the story. The listener joins Scrooge on Christmas Eve, witnesses the visitation of Marley's ghost, and is given a glimpse of the many homes and lives which Scrooge has touched in his wretched life to date. This ultimately uplifting tale is a festive delight to be treasured and listened to again and again.
What listeners say about Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol'
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- pinCUSHION7
- 05-12-12
No Jelly Babies - but A book Full of Life
I chose to download and buy this audible title because of the Narrator Tom Baker. Remember him when he was Dr Who . A man with such character. He also did the program The Book Tower.
Dickens books are often hard going, but that was the times he wrote about, life was very hard in those days, and I am glad they are part of history. This book really came to life, and is exciting from start to finish. Hope this will encourage you to buy it.
Well Done to Tom Baker for such an enjoyable listen.
16 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- James
- 19-11-12
If the cover wasnt good enough.....
I've started getting into the Christmas mood, a little early you may say, but it's happened. After seeing all the hugely positive reviews on Amazon for this I downloaded it, and I can see why they all loved it so much.
I didn't realise it before, but Tom Baker is such a hero, I'm going to send a copy to my sister in Singapore, just to make her homesick. Highly recommended with a festive drink on a rainy night.
10 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stuart
- 24-12-15
Masterful performance of classic tale
Flamboyant performance from legendary actor of legendary tale of a man transformed. Made our Christmas Eve.
9 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- val
- 04-12-13
Classic Christmas Tale
Would you consider the audio edition of Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol' to be better than the print version?
I enjoyed listening to the book, as it was much easier going than I remember from reading it some years ago.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I have always liked Bob Crachett the best, his ability to try to defend Scrooge in the face of his awful treatment at his hands, gives me some faith in humankind.
Which character – as performed by Tom Baker – was your favourite?
Scrooge definately, the absolute ideal person to bring him to life, as I always imagined him sounding.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
No, I expected it to be quite heavy going and to need to listen in bite sized chunks, in fact I was able to listen for much more sustained periods than I imagined.
Any additional comments?
Absolutely the best way to experience Dickens, I look forward to listening to another true classic, without the 'heavy going' of the printed page to detract from the enjoyment.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- DaemonDoll777
- 06-12-12
Simply a joy to the ears!
What could be better this holiday season than settling into your favourite armchair, mulled wine and mince pie in hand, and A Chrstmas Carol keeping the kids occupied before you have to get up off your bum again and get dinner started for the hungry masses!
Choosing Tom Baker as the reader was nothing short of a stroke of genius, his voice lends depth and personality to the recording and assists in creating a atmosphere that is both exciting and engaging. In my opinion, this is one of the finest productions of the British classic ever and am sure will become a new yearly tradition in our house.
We'll have to see what the kids think, but I believe this will go down almost as well Christmas dinner!
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kathryn T
- 23-12-15
Brilliantly narrated
Tom Baker has exactly the right kind of voice for this book. He portrays the emotions so well and made it a joy to listen to.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
- Tod Werewolf
- 16-12-12
SO BAD
I love A Christmas Carol, But Tom Baker and the production of this Audible book ruin one of the greatest stories of all time, Dickens would cry at the distracting background muzak and Bakers little Britain monolog.
Baker has a fantastic voice, but here he should have left well alone.
Only good point was it was free!. Waste of time and may put first timers to this tear jerking tale, Off for life.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. Stephen Lloyd
- 11-03-16
brings to life
Tom baker really brings back memories of my childhood watching it on first on TV this audiobook is wonderful
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Regent
- 28-11-15
Good version - Tom's voice is superb for ot
I love this story anyway, but this is the best spoken version I've heard. Tom is sublime.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alex
- 28-12-14
Wonderful
Dickens is a wonderful writer and this story is timeless. The performance is spot on and I can't recommend it highly enough.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ian
- 07-10-12
An Instant Tradition
What did you love best about Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol'?
Tom Baker's rich, plummy tones are a perfect match for this most popular of all Christmas-themed tales.
What did you like best about this story?
It's a tale that can at once send shivers down your spine on a chilly Christmas Eve and make you yearn to celebrate the spirit of the season all year long.
Have you listened to any of Tom Baker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I've heard Baker's interpretation of The Hound of the Baskerville, as well as his participating role in a full-cast presentation of Nicholas Nickleby. I've further enjoyed his quirky new take on his most famous role, Dr. Who, in BBC Radio's Nest Cottage series of stories. And I've also heard his more-traditional take on the role in the latest Big Finish 4th Doctor adventures.
Baker has always been, and remains, a masterful narrator. The only other actors I can think of who can offer any challenge to him (IMHO) are RSC stalwarts Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellan and Derek Jacobi. Not bad company to keep! This latest performance continues his impeccable standards of audio narration.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Few romantics can fail to be moved by the scene in which the old miser watches his younger self allow the girl that he once loved - and his best chance for a truly meaningful and happy life - walk out of his live forever, with the heart-breaking words... "for love of him you once were."
Any additional comments?
I'm a big Dickens fan who has made The Christmas Carol a part of my holiday season every year since I was 18. I've read the novella many times over the intervening years and regularly look to incorporate new takes of the tale into each Christmas. I always try to watch at least one screen adaptation each year also.
In recent years I've tried to make time to squeeze in at least one other Dickens Christmas tale each year. I highly recommend the short story "The Goblins Who Stole a Sexton" which shares many themes with The Carol. But Cricket on the Hearth, A Christmas Tree and The Chimes are also favorites. The Signalman is an unrelated ghostly tale that seems - for no good reason - to fit the season well.
I'm looking forward to sharing this excellent and evocative new audio adaptation with my family and hope that it becomes a part of many Christmases to come. Thanks for this early Christmas present!
6 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- William Draper
- 04-12-18
excellent
I have listened to at least six different narrations of the story, and this Tom Baker version is the best.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Sarah Hadley
- 25-01-13
Tom Baker Brings New Life to Old Xmas Chestnut
Would you consider the audio edition of Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol' to be better than the print version?
Definitely. While I respect "A Christmas Carol" as a major cultural influence, it has never been one of my favorite Christmas stories. Tom Baker's narration makes it much more enjoyable for me.
What other book might you compare Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol' to and why?
In the '70s and '80s Tom Baker narrated a few ghost stories and abridged sci-fi classics like "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Anyone who has heard those will find that his narration style has not changed. He has a theatrical delivery that fits the Victorian text (portions of which Dickens himself performed to audiences).
What about Tom Baker’s performance did you like?
It's so alive! This is not a clipped, "proper" reading of a classic, but a living text. Baker's voice is rich and plummy, with different tones for different characters and a lot of enthusiasm both in happy moments and chilling reveals. This is truly a performance, as if a favorite uncle came over for Christmas and started reading you the story.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I was surprised by the material in "A Christmas Carol" which doesn't get adapted by most filmmakers (we've all seen multiple TV or movie versions, right?). My favorite is when the Ghost of Christmas Present takes Scrooge on a tour of London and reveals to him the two children under his robes: the boy, Ignorance, and the girl, Want. "Beware them both, but most of all - beware this boy!"
Any additional comments?
I haven't read "A Christmas Carol" in over a decade because the story has never been a favorite. I'm so pleased I took a chance on this audiobook and reacquainted myself. I would recommend this performance to anyone.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- John
- 24-12-21
Splendid!
I liked very minute of this magnificent version of a truly marvelous work.
I strongly recommend it.
It makes the celebration of Christmas a magic and delightful event.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- chuknzig
- 09-01-13
A Must for Tom Baker Fans
Would you consider the audio edition of Tom Baker Reads 'A Christmas Carol' to be better than the print version?
Absolutely. Tom Baker has an excellent voice and his delivery is perfect.
How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?
Well, it is a classic story even if Charles Dickens is a bit off.
Have you listened to any of Tom Baker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
No I haven't. I did realize he did. I would listen to the newspaper if Tom read it.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
Old grouch gets a personality overhaul.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Edward D. Patton
- 17-12-22
Amazingly Perfect
Absolutely fantastic performance by Tom Baker. I would recommend this version to any fan of the classic story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jenn
- 16-12-22
Love it!
Nothing like my favorite Doctor Tom Baker reading such a well-written Christmas classic. Anger, sorrow, remorse and joy expressed perfectly.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- AirWolfe1
- 07-12-22
Excellent Narration!!
Very captivating narration. Out of all the number of this tale, this is one of the best versions of this story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Henry Wright
- 30-11-22
Excellent reading of a classic story.
Tom Baker gives a brilliant performance here. The reading is stirring and heartfelt. Merry Christmas.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amy Burton
- 22-11-22
Loved it!
Tom, you pulled thus off BEAUTIFULLY!! Thank you for this masterful rendition. It's exactly what the next generation needs!