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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
I want to first mention a problematic aspect for a modern reader, so that we can set this aside - this quote is from the introduction of my Wordsworth edition (by Adrienne E. Gavin) that puts into words my uneasiness about this: "Twentieth century readers often find the three possible female romantic partners for David - - problematic in that they fall so clearly into the unflinching categories of 'Angel in the House', 'child-wife', and 'fallen woman' respectively. These female characters have much less scope for evolution than the male characters in the novel."
Regardless of this, I loved every second of the book, loved all the characters, and loved how it all wrapped up. Dickens is a master of dialogue - if you were to show me any quote from any character, without the dialogue tag, I could tell you who was speaking. Each character is distinctive, both in the way they speak, and in their appearance and mannerisms, and pop out of the pages fully alive. Caricatures some may be, but endlessly entertaining, and either lovable or hateful depending on their role in the story, and many of those who are lovable also come with their flaws.
In my opinion, Copperfield himself is something of a 'Gary Stu' around whom these characters circulate, but nevertheless he is adorable and I did not tire of his POV at all. As well as Mr Peggotty, I think Betsey Trotwood is my favourite character, she is awesome. One of my favourite scenes of hers was. I cried laughing, admittedly partly due to my relationship with the word 'undulate', thanks to my connection with BookTuber Merphy Napier. But regardless, Dickens is funny, his characters are funny. There are so many scenes I could pull out as highlights.
Not only that though, his writing can be atmospheric and descriptive too, bringing a setting vividly to life the way he does his characters. His prose is... I can't really describe it, it's delicious (I don't mean purple!), entertaining, dances along, almost kinda musical??
Moreover, although of course the book was initially published in serial form, as a linear, continuing narrative as opposed to a tightly plotted novel, you begin to realise that it does in fact have an intentional plot, due to the foreshadowing hints Dickens includes, with the threads of all the characters David meets weaving together and rushing along towards a finale. If you're wondering what happened to a certain character, you can rest assured they'll pop up again later. Like with a soap opera, you are compelled to keep reading chapter after chapter to find out what will happen next. And the ending doesn't disappoint, it is very satisfying.
I have actually read it in the past (20ish years ago) along with a few other Dickens, but hadn't remembered much at all about it (just remembered loving my Dickens phase). I don't think any other Dickens will beat it - I think it has to go down as one of my favourite classics of all time.
Spoiler
Agnes, Dora and Little Em'lyRegardless of this, I loved every second of the book, loved all the characters, and loved how it all wrapped up. Dickens is a master of dialogue - if you were to show me any quote from any character, without the dialogue tag, I could tell you who was speaking. Each character is distinctive, both in the way they speak, and in their appearance and mannerisms, and pop out of the pages fully alive. Caricatures some may be, but endlessly entertaining, and either lovable or hateful depending on their role in the story, and many of those who are lovable also come with their flaws.
In my opinion, Copperfield himself is something of a 'Gary Stu' around whom these characters circulate, but nevertheless he is adorable and I did not tire of his POV at all. As well as Mr Peggotty, I think Betsey Trotwood is my favourite character, she is awesome. One of my favourite scenes of hers was
Spoiler
her introduction and reaction to Uriah HeepNot only that though, his writing can be atmospheric and descriptive too, bringing a setting vividly to life the way he does his characters. His prose is... I can't really describe it, it's delicious (I don't mean purple!), entertaining, dances along, almost kinda musical??
Moreover, although of course the book was initially published in serial form, as a linear, continuing narrative as opposed to a tightly plotted novel, you begin to realise that it does in fact have an intentional plot, due to the foreshadowing hints Dickens includes, with the threads of all the characters David meets weaving together and rushing along towards a finale. If you're wondering what happened to a certain character, you can rest assured they'll pop up again later. Like with a soap opera, you are compelled to keep reading chapter after chapter to find out what will happen next. And the ending doesn't disappoint, it is very satisfying.
I have actually read it in the past (20ish years ago) along with a few other Dickens, but hadn't remembered much at all about it (just remembered loving my Dickens phase). I don't think any other Dickens will beat it - I think it has to go down as one of my favourite classics of all time.
adventurous
challenging
funny
relaxing
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:
N/A
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My favorite Dickens!
adventurous
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Maybe I am too spoiled with exciting plots, brilliant intrigue, and extreme justice being served, but I didn't enjoy David Copperfield as much as other Dickens's works. The characters were there and all brilliantly described, but the plot seemed like one long introduction, I longed for more. Subsequently I had to slog through this one and can only proffer 3 stars.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Audiobook
My very first Dickens. I read this immediately after Demon Copperhead, which I enjoyed much more. I struggle with Dickens-era writing. I like my books much more straightforward.
My very first Dickens. I read this immediately after Demon Copperhead, which I enjoyed much more. I struggle with Dickens-era writing. I like my books much more straightforward.
