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3.87 AVERAGE
3.87 AVERAGE
It is rare in Dickens that I am aware that he was paid by the word....but this one reminded me. Its storylines are uncharacteristically diffuse --to the point where it feels as if he's abandoned them. And, as in "A Christmas Carol," I found the spiritual transformation of one of the central characters contrived. However, there are searing and all-too-realistic portraits of emotional abuse here, brutal even for Dickens; compared to the victimised children in this book, his orphans were fortunate. As a parent, I found this an excellent how-NOT-to guide.
Made the decision to read Dickens in the publication order after reading Little Dorrit and Bleak House and being inspired by the YouTube Channel “Books and Things”. Dombey and Sons is first great novel Dickens published. The book is both comedy and tragedy as well as a morality play. He creates great characters, who we grow to care for, and uses them to tell a complex story. Highly recommend this book!
Clearly the best in our Dickens group reads so far. Plot cohesive, understandable and with purpose. Less characters (thank goodness), each well-developed in comparison with earlier books.
not my favorite dickens. it has its moments, but this is pretty unengaging stuff, especially when compared to his best material (ie "copperfield).
My first Dickens novel—and I get it now. There are so many fantastically done elements in this novel. The heartbreaking father-daughter relationship. Edith and her feminine rage and pride. All the endearing side characters. Little Paul and what the sea was always saying to him. I could go on.
However, after 3 weeks and 950 pages, with a tear-stained face, I am very happy to say it’s finally over lol.
Actual rating: 3.75
However, after 3 weeks and 950 pages, with a tear-stained face, I am very happy to say it’s finally over lol.
Actual rating: 3.75
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-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
Dombey & Son is a long novel, originally published as a serial in 1846 - 1848. Paul Dombey is a wealthy man, the head of a trading house, something like an import/export business, in London. He has high hopes that his newborn son will eventually enter and carry on the family business. As for his daughter, Florence, Mr Dombey is incapable of showing her any affection. Like other Dickens novels, Dombey & Son has many characters. It’s a sympathetic story, and has some soap-opera-like elements. But the characters — most of them, anyway — are complex in a way that is uniquely Dickens. The main themes are class, extreme wealth, poverty, marriage, and cruelty. Redemption, too, but only in the final chapters. The relationship between the rich Mr Dombey and his household servants is prominent. Likewise, Dombey’s relationship with his firm’s employees is a significant plot element. I liked Dombey & Son. Dickens was an amazing writer, and even today, so long after its publication, Dombey & Son is well worth reading.
This was phenomenal! The way Dickens made his characters here made me feel extreme emotions from extreme anger to sadness to happiness. Also, the message that Dickens was telling was quite interesting; my theory is that Dickens was trying to talk about how pride can destroy us all and ruin relationships. I would so recommend it!
5 stars-
Absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. Amazing characters, moving plot, and fantastic writing. This novel is so underrated and should be considered one of Dickens’ masterpieces. It explores gender in such an interesting way, and the corruption of money and greed. Not to mention one of the most satisfying endings in literature. Cannot wait to reread someday.
Absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. Amazing characters, moving plot, and fantastic writing. This novel is so underrated and should be considered one of Dickens’ masterpieces. It explores gender in such an interesting way, and the corruption of money and greed. Not to mention one of the most satisfying endings in literature. Cannot wait to reread someday.
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes