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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
This near 900 page tome is Dickens’ last novel and one that seems to divide lovers of the author. Having just finished it for the first time, I can understand why. The positives are there, the social critique, the array of engaging characters and their stories, and just the joy you feel reading Dickens. There are, however, things that would grate on the nerves of anyone with modern sensibilities. Neither of the two ‘heroes’, Rokesmith and Wrayburn, acts in a way that endears them to us. Rokesmith’s testing of Bella, and Wrayburn’s pursuit of Lizzie are quite unforgivable through modern eyes . These, however, would have probably been accepted by the contemporary reader and I think we ought to try and put those things to one side . Not my favorite Dickens by a long way but, as with all Dickens’ work, well worth reading.
Not quite all aspects of this book are worth 5 stars, but there are several aspects worth one million stars, so I rounded up.
(YOU REALLY HAD ME GOING THERE CHUCK OH MY HEART)
spoilery:
ok but I have to add,,, what author has the audacity to take their character from: he's grievously wounded! -> he's FATALLY wounded! -> there's NO hope! -> he's confirmed dead! -> he's... wait he's just dyING? -> he's lingering on... but death is still inevitable! -> he's... sure taking a long time about this whole "dying" thing -> he's probably still gonna die but there's a tiny bit of hope -> he's still a mess but HE LIVESSS & he's (almost) back on his feet!!!
in the hands of anyone else I would probably hate this but
Thank you sir I forgive you everything for sparing me that tragedy although you certainly didn't spare me the tears along the way!
(YOU REALLY HAD ME GOING THERE CHUCK OH MY HEART)
spoilery:
ok but I have to add,,, what author has the audacity to take their character from: he's grievously wounded! -> he's FATALLY wounded! -> there's NO hope! -> he's confirmed dead! -> he's... wait he's just dyING? -> he's lingering on... but death is still inevitable! -> he's... sure taking a long time about this whole "dying" thing -> he's probably still gonna die but there's a tiny bit of hope -> he's still a mess but HE LIVESSS & he's (almost) back on his feet!!!
in the hands of anyone else I would probably hate this but
Thank you sir I forgive you everything for sparing me that tragedy although you certainly didn't spare me the tears along the way!
Definitely one of my new favorite Dickens. Watching the BBC miniseries first actually helped me get through this book, because of all the various plot lines. Also, I had a greater appreciation for Dickens's prose reading this mammoth. His word choice in many paragraphs...beautiful. I wouldn't recommend this as an "intro to Dickens" book because of its size but it's definitely worth reading once you're comfortable with his style.
I struggled with this one until about halfway through it, when I finally started understanding how everyone was connected and the story started making sense.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Maybe the 8th best Dickens. Only flashes of his greatness.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Charles Dickens is typically an author that requires a lot of my attention; it can be hard work. This novel, though, wasn't too bad. Probably not the light reading I should have gone for on an airplane, but it made for an interesting look from airport security when I had to empty out my purse! I digress...
Dickens' scope in characters alone is remarkable in this novel; the middle/lower class of London and it's inhabitants make for the bulk of the story, as we watch them attempt a renegotiating of their stations, by hook or by crook. The silliest of the novels chapters was the Greco-Romanesque chorus, made up of the aristocracy, lords, etc of London life. Their shallow banter highlighted the difference in life experiences to be had based on social status; they cajoled and bantered as the more central characters to the plot struggled for life and love.
Also, Dickens tips his hat to the ever problematic racial issues of London with his character Riah; he continues to persevere in his wisdom despite being scorned by most characters for his being Jewish, and helps to rescue Lizzie Hexam from Bradley Headstone's attentions for a while. I found the saddest moment in the novel to be Riah's conversation with Miss Jenny towards the end of the novel, when he apologizes for having fooled her, but was sad that it was so easy to fool everyone that he was a cold-hearted man, simply because it was expected of Jews.
Dickens' novel is ever mysterious and full of life. While it is a good chunk to read, don't be too intimidated; it's worth the effort!
Dickens' scope in characters alone is remarkable in this novel; the middle/lower class of London and it's inhabitants make for the bulk of the story, as we watch them attempt a renegotiating of their stations, by hook or by crook. The silliest of the novels chapters was the Greco-Romanesque chorus, made up of the aristocracy, lords, etc of London life. Their shallow banter highlighted the difference in life experiences to be had based on social status; they cajoled and bantered as the more central characters to the plot struggled for life and love.
Also, Dickens tips his hat to the ever problematic racial issues of London with his character Riah; he continues to persevere in his wisdom despite being scorned by most characters for his being Jewish, and helps to rescue Lizzie Hexam from Bradley Headstone's attentions for a while. I found the saddest moment in the novel to be Riah's conversation with Miss Jenny towards the end of the novel, when he apologizes for having fooled her, but was sad that it was so easy to fool everyone that he was a cold-hearted man, simply because it was expected of Jews.
Dickens' novel is ever mysterious and full of life. While it is a good chunk to read, don't be too intimidated; it's worth the effort!
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Where do I even start with this? Let me just tell you that this is for sure one of the best books I've ever read and is truly a masterpiece. It is going to be quiet hard to put into words how much I loved this book but I'll try my best.
First of all, this was the second Charles Dickens book I've ever read (the first one being A Tale Of Two Cities) and surpassed all expectations I had going into it. To start off, the language was absolutely beautiful, complex and very detailed. Dickens somehow finds a way to describe everything in a unique and fascinating way that always has me writing a little "Wow" in the corner of my book. I also loved his very comical tone throughout the whole novel because contrary to A Tale Of Two Cities, where the tone was quite dark and sinister, Dickens cracked lots of jokes and made me chuckle very often.
Another main reason why this story was so good was because of all the characters and plotlines Dickens managed to write and weave together in a fascinating way. Just like the title of the book states, all the characters all have some sort of connection to each other or mutual friends. But what I appreciated a lot in this book was the fact that EVERY single character, even the minor ones, had a personality and weren't just put in there to serve as part of the plot. Even the servants had comical personalities and not one character was left bland, which I loved. Some of the characters that are on the top of my favorites list are probably Lizzie Hexam, Eugene Wrayburn, Bella Wilfer, Jenny Wren and Mr. Riah.
But what I love above all is the amazing messages this story portrayed and the themes hidden underneath such as that Society is always fake and everyone is always playing a part. This story is centered around themes of money, death and pretending to be someone you are not and just shows how Society itself is so centered around money and how love can truly change someone's prejudices and avaricious nature.
After reading this book, I can truly say that I have fallen in love with Dickens' writing, characters, and plot lines. The number of pages I sticky-noted can definitely prove that.
First of all, this was the second Charles Dickens book I've ever read (the first one being A Tale Of Two Cities) and surpassed all expectations I had going into it. To start off, the language was absolutely beautiful, complex and very detailed. Dickens somehow finds a way to describe everything in a unique and fascinating way that always has me writing a little "Wow" in the corner of my book. I also loved his very comical tone throughout the whole novel because contrary to A Tale Of Two Cities, where the tone was quite dark and sinister, Dickens cracked lots of jokes and made me chuckle very often.
Another main reason why this story was so good was because of all the characters and plotlines Dickens managed to write and weave together in a fascinating way. Just like the title of the book states, all the characters all have some sort of connection to each other or mutual friends. But what I appreciated a lot in this book was the fact that EVERY single character, even the minor ones, had a personality and weren't just put in there to serve as part of the plot. Even the servants had comical personalities and not one character was left bland, which I loved. Some of the characters that are on the top of my favorites list are probably Lizzie Hexam, Eugene Wrayburn, Bella Wilfer, Jenny Wren and Mr. Riah.
But what I love above all is the amazing messages this story portrayed and the themes hidden underneath such as that Society is always fake and everyone is always playing a part. This story is centered around themes of money, death and pretending to be someone you are not and just shows how Society itself is so centered around money and how love can truly change someone's prejudices and avaricious nature.
After reading this book, I can truly say that I have fallen in love with Dickens' writing, characters, and plot lines. The number of pages I sticky-noted can definitely prove that.