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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
A masterpiece that has been discussed ad nauseam. I won't be able say anything that's never been said before. I read this in 2005, for my school class. The number of pages was daunting, but my English Literature teacher used to smirk at me and say, "It's going to get better.". Boy, it did get better, much, much better. A slow-burning, dim flame exploding into white hot brilliant illuminance.
It's a commentary on 19th century working class life in England, drawn from Dickens' own past. He himself mentions it's closest to his heart.
Even going back to it years later, the characters continue to fascinate. It's tough to elaborate without spoilers, but for the sake of an example, take David's first love, Little Emily. My younger self had never forgiven her. Half my life later, Dickens manages to show me a girl who made mistakes and suffered, because she wanted to change her station in life. It is also intriguing that Dickens' commentary on social mobility continues to be relevant now. Same patterns of exploitation repeating.
It's a commentary on 19th century working class life in England, drawn from Dickens' own past. He himself mentions it's closest to his heart.
Even going back to it years later, the characters continue to fascinate. It's tough to elaborate without spoilers, but for the sake of an example, take David's first love, Little Emily. My younger self had never forgiven her. Half my life later, Dickens manages to show me a girl who made mistakes and suffered, because she wanted to change her station in life. It is also intriguing that Dickens' commentary on social mobility continues to be relevant now. Same patterns of exploitation repeating.
Read it in my teens. It was very heavy (in weight) but I devoured it.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
A very readable epic tale about a young orphan and the rise and falls of his life. In the end it is a classic romance, but there is much comedy along the way.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
No doubt Dickens was one of the greatest authors of English literature, and no doubt David Copperfield was his masterpiece. The book brings up with naturalism discussions about topics, as feminism, classism, under employment, and public policies, that are still relevant today, which demonstrates how ahead of his time Dickens was (or how behind on those topics society still is).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Classism
Oh the minutiae. I get Dickens was paid by the word for this but seriously it's a good thing he has talent as I was eventually able to finsh this due to a rare pearly turn of phrase hidden in the pigsty of pedantics
So satisfied but so sad to finish this one, like saying goodbye to old friends... this is my favorite Dickens book to date. Ten stars for the audiobook read by Richard Armitage. By far THE best audiobook in existence, I think. So many characters and voices and accents, and he did them all brilliantly.
amazing narration by Richard Armitage. I cannot believe he didn't even get nominated for an Audie for this - maybe because it's an exclusive Audible version???? He absolutely added to the experience of reading this again. Particular standouts on the narration were his Macawber, Mr. Pegotty and Dora's aunts. I'm so excited to read Demon Copperfield now. don't be intimidated by length and by (what I consider) a slow start. The second half is amazing.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes