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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
“Dombey and Son” isn’t the first book that comes to mind when you hear Charles Dickens mentioned - indeed, I would bet it would only come in at the very end of a list for most people. I didn’t know anything about it when I started reading, and so found myself pleasantly surprised.
It definitely has a very strong beginning - it has a great first sentence, which Dickens tends to be extremely good at, but even more than that. I found myself pulled into the story immediately, and that isn’t something I could say for all his books, or even most of them.
It does focus more on family dynamics rather than on societal issues, although they do come up (the railway and the changes it brings with it are one of the topics he deals with here). I suspect whether you enjoy it depends on how well you can tolerate his go-to tropes - dying children and self-sacrificing women, for example. What reading this taught me is that I can roll my eyes even when I am crying.
For the most parts, though, I enjoyed it, the way you enjoy a soap-y drama. And I loved everything involving Captain Cuttle, Sol Gills and Walter. And I loved Mr. Toots and was very pleased he got his HEA, too. Actually, and I realize this is saying much because Dickens is great at creating memorable characters, there are plenty of lovable characters in here.
As an aside, though, I am *shocked* that there is no fanfic about Captain Cuttle and Sol Gills.
It’s not the book I’d recommend if you just want to read *one* book by Dickens, but I had a really good time reading it. (I probably will never be able to rank them all properly, but it’s in the upper half of what I’ve read so far.)
It definitely has a very strong beginning - it has a great first sentence, which Dickens tends to be extremely good at, but even more than that. I found myself pulled into the story immediately, and that isn’t something I could say for all his books, or even most of them.
It does focus more on family dynamics rather than on societal issues, although they do come up (the railway and the changes it brings with it are one of the topics he deals with here). I suspect whether you enjoy it depends on how well you can tolerate his go-to tropes - dying children and self-sacrificing women, for example. What reading this taught me is that I can roll my eyes even when I am crying.
For the most parts, though, I enjoyed it, the way you enjoy a soap-y drama. And I loved everything involving Captain Cuttle, Sol Gills and Walter. And I loved Mr. Toots and was very pleased he got his HEA, too. Actually, and I realize this is saying much because Dickens is great at creating memorable characters, there are plenty of lovable characters in here.
As an aside, though, I am *shocked* that there is no fanfic about Captain Cuttle and Sol Gills.
It’s not the book I’d recommend if you just want to read *one* book by Dickens, but I had a really good time reading it. (I probably will never be able to rank them all properly, but it’s in the upper half of what I’ve read so far.)
This...this wonderful book has to be my favourite Dickens....it seems to be less talked about than many of Dickens books and I have no idea why, it is marvellous. I was persuaded to read it by Katie, of the Books and Things YouTube channel. I am so glad I did.
I love that Edith was so strong and managed to do what she did...I relished in the evilness of Carker, the manager, Toots was a delight, captain Cutter was fantastic....such brilliant characters! If I had to say a less positive thing it would be that Florence, the main character was a trifle flimsy and ummm annoying..and the end was a trifle too well tied up ( I like a bit left unknown and not everyone needs to get married) but it is of no consequence.... all in all a really good read! Excellent.
I love Dickens for the slow and even rambling nature of his stories...it is something that we seem to have lost the time for in this faster paced world. But that slowness gives scope for such understanding of character and place.
Just as an aside...after reading Dickens I do find myself seeing his characterisation in people I see out and about...and it makes me smile.
I love that Edith was so strong and managed to do what she did...I relished in the evilness of Carker, the manager, Toots was a delight, captain Cutter was fantastic....such brilliant characters! If I had to say a less positive thing it would be that Florence, the main character was a trifle flimsy and ummm annoying..and the end was a trifle too well tied up ( I like a bit left unknown and not everyone needs to get married) but it is of no consequence.... all in all a really good read! Excellent.
I love Dickens for the slow and even rambling nature of his stories...it is something that we seem to have lost the time for in this faster paced world. But that slowness gives scope for such understanding of character and place.
Just as an aside...after reading Dickens I do find myself seeing his characterisation in people I see out and about...and it makes me smile.
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A good read. Well worth the time spent.
slow-paced
I have never read a Dickens that I haven't ended up loving...even after a slow start. I love all the old "cliched" themes of retribution and redemption and forgiveness and the power of love and all that good stuff. Dickens was such a genius at creating memorable characters...villains, heroes, fools...all wonderful.
I am very pleased to have finished. This was an uphill climb, at times most arduous. The first 18 chapters lack drive and no character is egregious enough to build tension. On discovering, at that point, that there are 62 chapters, I almost despaired as I like to finish what I start. It does pick up, but I admit to skipping lengthy descriptive passages and digressions. Dickens makes powerful points about gender issues, class issues, commerce and parental responsibility but I was dissatisfied with the ending which whilst every loose end was tied, left untold the reason for the central hinge. Glad to have read it, but it isn't coming to my desert island!
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I restarted this book last summer and it has been a delight. I love the moral about the dangers of pride and money and the that all life is valuable. The lesson is learned not through three ghosts but through reflection and the consequences of Mr dombey's own actions. I loved the characters especially unrepentant Edith and Susan nipper. It was just ever so slightly too long winded for me.
My neighbor, a gentleman, suggested I read this Dickens as we share an appreciation for his books, but I'd never read it. He said "Dombey" is his favorite Dickens. Well I've still not read it, but I listened to it, and the story -- all about women, unique among Dickens' books I think -- and the reader were wonderful. He recorded this in the era when talking books were being recorded for the visually impaired. So this was a low-budget affair. It felt like just him and me in a room with a crackling fire; I could hear him stop for a drink of water from time to time, or to pause long enough to gather himself after a particularly emotional bit in the narrative. Anyway, great version. FYI the narrator of this Audible edition is John Richmond.
The story, though not my favorite, is up there. My fave still remains "Copperfield" -- if I'm using the shortcut true Dickens lovers use (jokes). Don't be in a hurry; it's something like 41 hours of audiobook. I listened for a good several weeks just driving around in my car and experienced several driveway moments. Since these books I believe came out in serial, it really put me back in time. Despite the fact I was in a modern conveyance, I could feel a little bit what it must have been like in the 19th century listening to our family's reader, probably trading voices when one tired. I highly recommend the experience.
The story, though not my favorite, is up there. My fave still remains "Copperfield" -- if I'm using the shortcut true Dickens lovers use (jokes). Don't be in a hurry; it's something like 41 hours of audiobook. I listened for a good several weeks just driving around in my car and experienced several driveway moments. Since these books I believe came out in serial, it really put me back in time. Despite the fact I was in a modern conveyance, I could feel a little bit what it must have been like in the 19th century listening to our family's reader, probably trading voices when one tired. I highly recommend the experience.
One strength of this one: the action is quicker to begin. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.