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3.8 AVERAGE
3.8 AVERAGE
“When I speak of home, I speak of the place where in default of a better--those I love are gathered together; and if that place where a gypsy's tent, or a barn, I should call it by the same good name notwithstanding.” - Charles Dickens, The Life And Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby
Nicholas Nickleby, his sister Kate, and their mother Catherine are forced to ask their relative Ralph for help after their father/husband dies. Trouble is, Ralph is a completely selfish businessman and sees this family as an imposition instead of an opportunity. He ships off Nicholas to a less-than-reputable boy's school to work as a teacher for a pittance, and hires out Kate and Catherine for even less.
As Nicholas and Kate come of age, they find themselves in a lot of (mis)adventures forced upon them by their antagonistic relative, and eventually come under the care of some decent, generous people. Then Dickens turns in some of his classic themes, good overcoming evil, the importance of a good marriage (when is standard in this era of writing), and having a happy ending even if it involves a major plot convenience.
My favourite part of this book was Dickens's criticism of the government, particularly with the muffin monopoly early on. I think I'm starting to key in on more of the themes and motifs that Dickens uses, and it helps a lot. I'm warming to Dickens's humour, but his style, and this era of serial writing leaves me wanting. In time, I'll continue down the Dickens path.
Nicholas Nickleby, his sister Kate, and their mother Catherine are forced to ask their relative Ralph for help after their father/husband dies. Trouble is, Ralph is a completely selfish businessman and sees this family as an imposition instead of an opportunity. He ships off Nicholas to a less-than-reputable boy's school to work as a teacher for a pittance, and hires out Kate and Catherine for even less.
As Nicholas and Kate come of age, they find themselves in a lot of (mis)adventures forced upon them by their antagonistic relative, and eventually come under the care of some decent, generous people. Then Dickens turns in some of his classic themes, good overcoming evil, the importance of a good marriage (when is standard in this era of writing), and having a happy ending even if it involves a major plot convenience.
My favourite part of this book was Dickens's criticism of the government, particularly with the muffin monopoly early on. I think I'm starting to key in on more of the themes and motifs that Dickens uses, and it helps a lot. I'm warming to Dickens's humour, but his style, and this era of serial writing leaves me wanting. In time, I'll continue down the Dickens path.
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Well, that took forever to read but it was well worth it. Not my favorite Dickens - that would be The Pickwick Papers - but still a solid, entertaining, satisfying novel.
Although much of the plot is driven by coincidental encouters, as much of Dickens' work is, I was still charmed by the interaction of characters in Nicholas Nickelby. Although the book meanders for much of the time, and there are all sorts of characters introduced, and requainted, I didn't mind its inability of focus on the straight and narrow.
Mrs. Nickelby by far was my favorite character. I can't say I was bored by any one character in the book, which is saying a lot, because there are many distinct personalities woven in here. Even Kate appeared to have some depth to her by the end, which I wasn't expecting out of a stock, pretty, sweet sister type.
The plot is typical Dickens fare, with your cunning villans contrasted with righteous heros. It's a long read, and you may get winded, but by the end, you realize that you've truly had a great time.
Mrs. Nickelby by far was my favorite character. I can't say I was bored by any one character in the book, which is saying a lot, because there are many distinct personalities woven in here. Even Kate appeared to have some depth to her by the end, which I wasn't expecting out of a stock, pretty, sweet sister type.
The plot is typical Dickens fare, with your cunning villans contrasted with righteous heros. It's a long read, and you may get winded, but by the end, you realize that you've truly had a great time.
challenging
funny
reflective
slow-paced
It has a lot going on in terms of plot and was a pretty good read.
I listened to this as an unabridged audio book. I enjoyed the way it was written in 19th century English. The characters were very well developed and memorable. I particularly liked Mr Dick and Mr Macabre. I think I got a lot more out of the audio book than I would have if I had read it. I plan to listen to more unabridged audio versions of Charles Dickens' books.
More memorable characters from Charles Dickens. I particularly liked Mr Macabre and Mr Dick.