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chrissireads's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
smeets_books's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
gelainmariaelena's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
midwifereading's review against another edition
4.0
The more Dickens I read, the more I want to read. He is quickly taking his place as one of my top 10 favorite authors of all time. Just like all his books so far, it builds rather slowly, building each character piece by piece and weaving the story in fastidious illuminating detail to a short, satisfying climax. I loved every word.
I appreciated the picture of codependency and addiction in Nell's relationship with her grandfather, and how that plays out to the very end. The impact it has on their lives, as well as the lives of those they love. I enjoyed the evolution of Dick Swiveller's character from an insipid fop to a man of character. I relished a feeling of rightful hatred for Quilp, the villain. And Kit - dear, loving, kind, honorable Kit! Yes, he's a bit idealistic, to be sure, but I appreciate that in a story sometimes. It's nice to have someone to look up to in fiction without any disclaimers necessary. He has no dark side, though he has weaknesses and flaws. I loved that.
The whole story moved me from page to page. Though there are many wonderful books written and being written now, I still glory in the old ones. I don't know why. I just do. They are classics for a reason.
I appreciated the picture of codependency and addiction in Nell's relationship with her grandfather, and how that plays out to the very end. The impact it has on their lives, as well as the lives of those they love. I enjoyed the evolution of Dick Swiveller's character from an insipid fop to a man of character. I relished a feeling of rightful hatred for Quilp, the villain. And Kit - dear, loving, kind, honorable Kit! Yes, he's a bit idealistic, to be sure, but I appreciate that in a story sometimes. It's nice to have someone to look up to in fiction without any disclaimers necessary. He has no dark side, though he has weaknesses and flaws. I loved that.
The whole story moved me from page to page. Though there are many wonderful books written and being written now, I still glory in the old ones. I don't know why. I just do. They are classics for a reason.
clotalksbooks's review against another edition
sad
slow-paced
2.5
I wanted to enjoy this one, I really did. Starting to think that perhaps Dickens is just not for me. Although it is easier than some others, and there was more of a clear plot, I was just a little bored. I also don't like how Dickens paints characters' outside appearance as indicative of their moral character. Although this is done in other books, it felt more distasteful this time.
The beginning and end felt at a different pace to the middle. The final third was probably the part I enjoyed most, and there were some surprises in there that kept me listening.
The narrator did a good job at all the voices, making it clear who was who.
Just overall it was a miss for me. Not bad, just not to my taste.
The beginning and end felt at a different pace to the middle. The final third was probably the part I enjoyed most, and there were some surprises in there that kept me listening.
The narrator did a good job at all the voices, making it clear who was who.
Just overall it was a miss for me. Not bad, just not to my taste.
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
flamingo_and_owl_books's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
katykelly's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
I try and audioread a Dickens or two every year. I'd been holding back on this one, it's not one I knew from films or culture and I knew it's a sad one.
its very long too, but its easy to relish Dickens' convoluted and well constructed sentences. I didn't find it so easy to like the main characters, Nell and her grandfather. Put upon, good hearted and created for sympathy, I found their story mawkish and overly sentimental, though the audio narrator (though good) overly pushed this.
The minor characters were those I looked forward to seeing again - fantastically devilish Quilp, the Marchioness and the sniggersomely-named Dick Swiveller, and the Thenardier-like Brasses. They were great, some funny scenes, all much more lovely than Nell.
Nell is just too perfect and martyr-like. Never complaining, forgiving, drove me mad.
There's a lot of Victorian poverty here a mystery Gentleman whose identity these days would easily be guessed into the plot, but back them his role and would probably have been much more of a surprise.
It will never be one of my favourites, but I'm glad to be more familiar with it and some wonderful minor characters, who brought it to life and kept me listening.
I try and audioread a Dickens or two every year. I'd been holding back on this one, it's not one I knew from films or culture and I knew it's a sad one.
its very long too, but its easy to relish Dickens' convoluted and well constructed sentences. I didn't find it so easy to like the main characters, Nell and her grandfather. Put upon, good hearted and created for sympathy, I found their story mawkish and overly sentimental, though the audio narrator (though good) overly pushed this.
The minor characters were those I looked forward to seeing again - fantastically devilish Quilp, the Marchioness and the sniggersomely-named Dick Swiveller, and the Thenardier-like Brasses. They were great, some funny scenes, all much more lovely than Nell.
Nell is just too perfect and martyr-like. Never complaining, forgiving, drove me mad.
There's a lot of Victorian poverty here a mystery Gentleman whose identity these days would easily be guessed into the plot, but back them his role and would probably have been much more of a surprise.
It will never be one of my favourites, but I'm glad to be more familiar with it and some wonderful minor characters, who brought it to life and kept me listening.
deannalovesbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0