Set in the mid-19th century, A Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel by Charles Dickens that delves into the social and political turmoil of the French Revolution, exploring contrasting themes of resurrection, sacrifice, oppression, and liberty. The story begins with Mr. Jarvis Lorry’s journey to Paris, where he is on a mission to rescue Dr. Alexandre Manette, a former physician who, after years of suffering, has been “recalled to life.” The novel’s opening vividly depicts the contrasting conditions in England and France, emphasizing the hardships faced by the common people. While traveling on a Dover mail coach, Mr. Lorry encounters a mysterious messenger bearing an important message about Dr. Manette. Upon his arrival in Paris, he senses the ominous atmosphere of the brewing revolution. Madame Defarge’s wine shop symbolizes the growing resentment and anger fueling the revolutionary fervor, hinting at the characters’ intertwined fates as they embark on a journey seeking justice amid personal and political upheaval.

Book the First?Recalled to Life
CHAPTER I. The Period
CHAPTER II. The Mail
CHAPTER III. The Night Shadows
CHAPTER IV. The Preparation
CHAPTER V. The Wine-shop
CHAPTER VI. The Shoemaker

Book the Second?the Golden Thread
CHAPTER I. Five Years Later
CHAPTER II. A Sight
CHAPTER III. A Disappointment
CHAPTER IV. Congratulatory
CHAPTER V. The Jackal
CHAPTER VI. Hundreds of People
CHAPTER VII. Monseigneur in Town
CHAPTER VIII. Monseigneur in the Country
CHAPTER IX. The Gorgon’s Head
CHAPTER X. Two Promises
CHAPTER XI. A Companion Picture
CHAPTER XII. The Fellow of Delicacy
CHAPTER XIII. The Fellow of No Delicacy
CHAPTER XIV. The Honest Tradesman
CHAPTER XV. Knitting
CHAPTER XVI. Still Knitting
CHAPTER XVII. One Night
CHAPTER XVIII. Nine Days
CHAPTER XIX. An Opinion
CHAPTER XX. A Plea
CHAPTER XXI. Echoing Footsteps
CHAPTER XXII. The Sea Still Rises
CHAPTER XXIII. Fire Rises
CHAPTER XXIV. Drawn to the Loadstone Rock

Book the Third?the Track of a Storm
CHAPTER I. In Secret
CHAPTER II. The Grindstone
CHAPTER III. The Shadow
CHAPTER IV. Calm in Storm
CHAPTER V. The Wood-Sawyer
CHAPTER VI. Triumph
CHAPTER VII. A Knock at the Door
CHAPTER VIII. A Hand at Cards
CHAPTER IX. The Game Made
CHAPTER X. The Substance of the Shadow
CHAPTER XI. Dusk
CHAPTER XII. Darkness
CHAPTER XIII. Fifty-two
CHAPTER XIV. The Knitting Done
CHAPTER XV. The Footsteps Die Out For Ever