A Far Better Rest

A FAR BETTER REST
Susanne Alleyn
Publisher : Soho Press, July 2000
Format: Print/Hardcover, $25.00, 351 pp.
ISBN: 1-56947-197-5

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.
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