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3.33 AVERAGE
3.33 AVERAGE
slow-paced
I had a hard time getting through Hard times
(for legal fictions) kind of a banger! main female characters who don’t end up dead and actually end up relatively happy? what more can you ask for in a victorian novel
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
What a treat it is to read a short Dickens novel. This had all the flavor and humor and commentary of a longer Dickens novel but was a quicker read, which was nice. I love his longer novels, too, but being able to get through it in a couple weeks is a nice change. I knew nothing about this novel, and I would say that it’s a hidden Dickens gem. The ideas in this book about child psychology, poverty, the complicated nature of capitalism, curating a public image (one that is aspirational rather than real), and family dynamics feel strangely contemporary. There’s so much to discuss here amidst Dickens’ usual beautiful writing. I think this is definitely one I’ll read again in order to gain all the insight.
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Loveable characters:
No
Well after my last Dickens experience, I had great expectations.
And this was a decent book, the city of Coketown is built up pretty vividly in my mind, but the characters that walk through it are just fine. Too many of them felt like vehicles to smack me on the head with the themes he was going for. Fortunately the main family drama really worked for me, and the final moments of each 'book' were absolutely phenomenal. The ending especially was beautifully done; the way he wrote it will stick with me for quite a while.
Overall I had fun, but I feel like this book was probably more impactful at a time when my present society didn't tend to agree with all the points Dickens makes within. Still, it's nice that he thought what he thought at the time, and his writing style is still one that resonates with me.
And this was a decent book, the city of Coketown is built up pretty vividly in my mind, but the characters that walk through it are just fine. Too many of them felt like vehicles to smack me on the head with the themes he was going for. Fortunately the main family drama really worked for me, and the final moments of each 'book' were absolutely phenomenal. The ending especially was beautifully done; the way he wrote it will stick with me for quite a while.
Overall I had fun, but I feel like this book was probably more impactful at a time when my present society didn't tend to agree with all the points Dickens makes within. Still, it's nice that he thought what he thought at the time, and his writing style is still one that resonates with me.
industrial blues. boring, writing style was ok but I struggled to get through. if you want to fall asleep while reading, this might be for you. ugh.