The Hobbit star Richard Armitage lends his voice to a new recording of the Charles Dickens classic David Copperfield, thought to be Dickens’ most autobiographical work. David Copperfield follows the titular character through his tumultuous life, encountering characters like his wicked stepfather and his lovely, eccentric great-aunt.

In the preface to the book’s 1867 edition, Dickens made his affection for this particular book known, writing, “Of all my books, I like this the best. It will be easily believed that I am a fond parent to every child of my fancy, and that no one can ever love that family as dearly as I love them. But, like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield.“