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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Idk I just don’t ever enjoy dickens as much as I think will
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Charles Dickens’ „David Copperfield“ is often hailed as one of the greatest novels of all time, and with good reason. Its blend of autobiographical elements, vivid characterizations, and sweeping narrative make it a cornerstone of Victorian literature. However, the novel is not without its flaws and complexities, which invite both admiration and critique.
One of the most remarkable aspects of „David Copperfield“ is Dickens’ talent for crafting memorable characters. From the ambitious and charmingly flawed Steerforth to the ever-optimistic Mr. Micawber, the cast is rich and varied. However, some characters border on caricatures, such as the villainous Uriah Heep, whose sycophantic behavior can feel one-dimensional. While these larger-than-life portrayals add humor and drama, they occasionally diminish the emotional nuance of the story.
The central theme of personal growth and self-discovery resonates deeply, as David navigates love, loss, and identity. His relationships, especially his complex bond with Steerforth, subtly hint at feelings that could transcend friendship. Though Dickens never explicitly addresses LGBTQIA+ identities — unsurprising given the constraints of his era — there’s an undeniable tension in their interactions. David’s admiration for Steerforth is described with an emotional intensity that suggests an undercurrent of romantic or unspoken desire. Similarly, the devotion of characters like Miss Mowcher or Agnes Wickfield occasionally blurs the lines between conventional expectations and more fluid interpretations of love and loyalty.
The novel’s pacing, however, can be uneven. While the early chapters brim with charm and the warmth of David’s childhood, the middle sections occasionally meander. Dickens’ tendency to moralize — common in Victorian literature — can feel heavy-handed, particularly when addressing themes like ambition, duty, and domesticity. Modern readers might find this preachiness dated, though it offers a window into the values and anxieties of the 19th century.
„David Copperfield“ is undeniably a masterpiece, yet its brilliance lies as much in its ambiguities and imperfections as in its strengths. Dickens’ ability to evoke complex, sometimes hidden emotions allows readers to find layers of meaning, including interpretations that may align with LGBTQIA+ perspectives. Whether intentional or a product of the reader’s lens, these moments add depth and relevance to a story that continues to captivate audiences today.
One of the most remarkable aspects of „David Copperfield“ is Dickens’ talent for crafting memorable characters. From the ambitious and charmingly flawed Steerforth to the ever-optimistic Mr. Micawber, the cast is rich and varied. However, some characters border on caricatures, such as the villainous Uriah Heep, whose sycophantic behavior can feel one-dimensional. While these larger-than-life portrayals add humor and drama, they occasionally diminish the emotional nuance of the story.
The central theme of personal growth and self-discovery resonates deeply, as David navigates love, loss, and identity. His relationships, especially his complex bond with Steerforth, subtly hint at feelings that could transcend friendship. Though Dickens never explicitly addresses LGBTQIA+ identities — unsurprising given the constraints of his era — there’s an undeniable tension in their interactions. David’s admiration for Steerforth is described with an emotional intensity that suggests an undercurrent of romantic or unspoken desire. Similarly, the devotion of characters like Miss Mowcher or Agnes Wickfield occasionally blurs the lines between conventional expectations and more fluid interpretations of love and loyalty.
The novel’s pacing, however, can be uneven. While the early chapters brim with charm and the warmth of David’s childhood, the middle sections occasionally meander. Dickens’ tendency to moralize — common in Victorian literature — can feel heavy-handed, particularly when addressing themes like ambition, duty, and domesticity. Modern readers might find this preachiness dated, though it offers a window into the values and anxieties of the 19th century.
„David Copperfield“ is undeniably a masterpiece, yet its brilliance lies as much in its ambiguities and imperfections as in its strengths. Dickens’ ability to evoke complex, sometimes hidden emotions allows readers to find layers of meaning, including interpretations that may align with LGBTQIA+ perspectives. Whether intentional or a product of the reader’s lens, these moments add depth and relevance to a story that continues to captivate audiences today.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol
I have a lot of thoughts about this! I spent two weeks immersing myself in it and I’m sad it’s over.
Ultimately I do agree with certain critiques of Dickens as an author - namely that he may have a tendency towards the saccharine/sentimental at the cost of more psychological depth. Also, maybe the semi-autobiographical nature of this book occasionally blurs into Dickens trying to vindicate certain aspects of his life. However! I think David Copperfield is a thoroughly enjoyable achievement as an epic, hilarious Bildungsroman. This book is enjoyable because of its scope and because of its teeming cast of characters and intertwining plot lines (even if not the height of realism or psychological depth a la Dostoevsky). (I feel like Micawber writing this review) I was deeply immersed in this, and I grew to love many of the characters - such that I feel a sense of loss in finishing the book. Thus, while I can understand why people like Woolf and Wilde critique Dickens and even agree with them, I still feel that the humor, charm, and breadth of this book created an engaging + stimulating reading experience. (Oh my god I really feel like Micawber writing a letter to David)!
I have to say - this is actually one of the funniest books I’ve read. Dickens’s sense of comedy is near-perfect. The absurdity of many of the rotating characters is incredible. I laughed out loud often, which is rare for me when reading. The humor is balanced with tragedy and reflection; many tragic things happen in this book (which is in part a critique of the societal structures that produce “easily thrown away children” who may be rendered helpless if not loved as David was loved). It does end with a pervading sense of love and of self-growth. Maybe that’s too sentimental; I don’t care. I enjoyed reading it.
Ultimately, I find myself with a larger appreciation for Dickens than I ever thought possible (as I have been a vocal hater of his for probably over a decade). My aunt has a masters and specialized in Victorian literature, and she loves Dickens. It was really fun to text her my thoughts on all the characters I loved/loved to hate (Betsey Trotwood my queen! Agnes the angel, Uriah the eel, Wilkins Micawber and the eternal belief that “something will turn up.”) anyways, I would like to read more Dickens and also more about his life and his effect on English social policies.
Ultimately I do agree with certain critiques of Dickens as an author - namely that he may have a tendency towards the saccharine/sentimental at the cost of more psychological depth. Also, maybe the semi-autobiographical nature of this book occasionally blurs into Dickens trying to vindicate certain aspects of his life. However! I think David Copperfield is a thoroughly enjoyable achievement as an epic, hilarious Bildungsroman. This book is enjoyable because of its scope and because of its teeming cast of characters and intertwining plot lines (even if not the height of realism or psychological depth a la Dostoevsky). (I feel like Micawber writing this review) I was deeply immersed in this, and I grew to love many of the characters - such that I feel a sense of loss in finishing the book. Thus, while I can understand why people like Woolf and Wilde critique Dickens and even agree with them, I still feel that the humor, charm, and breadth of this book created an engaging + stimulating reading experience. (Oh my god I really feel like Micawber writing a letter to David)!
I have to say - this is actually one of the funniest books I’ve read. Dickens’s sense of comedy is near-perfect. The absurdity of many of the rotating characters is incredible. I laughed out loud often, which is rare for me when reading. The humor is balanced with tragedy and reflection; many tragic things happen in this book (which is in part a critique of the societal structures that produce “easily thrown away children” who may be rendered helpless if not loved as David was loved). It does end with a pervading sense of love and of self-growth. Maybe that’s too sentimental; I don’t care. I enjoyed reading it.
Ultimately, I find myself with a larger appreciation for Dickens than I ever thought possible (as I have been a vocal hater of his for probably over a decade). My aunt has a masters and specialized in Victorian literature, and she loves Dickens. It was really fun to text her my thoughts on all the characters I loved/loved to hate (Betsey Trotwood my queen! Agnes the angel, Uriah the eel, Wilkins Micawber and the eternal belief that “something will turn up.”) anyways, I would like to read more Dickens and also more about his life and his effect on English social policies.
The beginning third is a page-turner, the middle a slog, and the end reasonably exciting if you aren't too burnt out by that time. The characters, especially the villains, leap off the page. I thought while I was reading it, a- what a great Multi-season (rather than the usual miniseries or movie adaptation) show this would make, and, b- maybe I should start reading some of the denser classics, like this one, in that way, a few chapters at a time, over a longer period. I did stretch this out more than usual, amongst other lighter picks, but golly is it long. Rounded up from a 3.5.
Dickens is very wordy, his storylines wander, many of his characters are larger than life and cartoonish, and his sentimentality borders on being sickly sweet. That being said it all works fantastically. As I read the pages I truly enjoyed the meandering journey through Copperfield’s life. The book departs from his prior writing by being an interior novel providing insights into the authors thoughts and feelings. David Copperfield represents Dickens at his creative best.
Oh this book and Richard's performance are so good. This is worth every second spent listening. After it's all over, I miss my friends in the pages, with whom I laughed and cried.
adventurous
emotional
medium-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:
Complicated
In my humblest opinion this was a great classic, perhaps top 3 of my favorite classics
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Though this book took me 2 months to read, I can safely say it is the best book I've ever read.
Haven't read Dickens in a long time and don't think I ever read this one. With an endless stream of fascinating, quirky, engaging characters (David Copperfield being the least interesting), it was the best book I've read in a long while. Such a pleasure to find an accessible, really long book that you can't put down!