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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
This was not my favorite Dickens book, but it was pretty good. The only bad thing I would have to say about it were there were too many characters. Specifically the Podsnaps and the Veneerings Didn't really need them. Other than that, a pretty enjoyable read.
finally finished. Some of Dickens' best work but also some plodding and frustrating stuff. well worth it though. Today it is making me ponder whether Cd was right about the power of love to make us better people.
Our Mutual Friend is “almost” Charles Dickens at his politically correct best. The depiction of a Jewish character and exploration of antisemitism is in sharp contrast to his earlier work Oliver Twist. There a multiple well developed strong and interesting female characters playing led roles within the plot lines. Finally he created a character with a physical challenge who is far more interesting and stronger than Tiny Tim. The term is “almost” since Dickens veered from the path laid down in the first ninety five percent of the novel to end with an ultra paternalistic conclusion. Never a good sign when the author adds an apologetic postscript.
That said this is one of Dickens’s greatest novels. The plot line is complex, the large number of characters are easy to get invested in, the descriptions of London are among the best in all of his novels, and the main theme of using versus lusting for money is very well done. This is near to top of my Dickens favorites!
That said this is one of Dickens’s greatest novels. The plot line is complex, the large number of characters are easy to get invested in, the descriptions of London are among the best in all of his novels, and the main theme of using versus lusting for money is very well done. This is near to top of my Dickens favorites!
At last! Dense but worth it. All the good characters get married and all the bad characters die. I feel as though all is right with the world.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you only ever read one Dickens, pick this one.
Reading Dickens in London means suddenly realising that you're walking down the very same road that you've just been reading about. So, bonus points for that.
The prose is mostly lively and often quite funny. The story and characters are Dickensian, thus often predictable. The central mystery is obvious from the start, but there are fun little turns along the way to the dénoument.
The prose is mostly lively and often quite funny. The story and characters are Dickensian, thus often predictable. The central mystery is obvious from the start, but there are fun little turns along the way to the dénoument.
funny
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
DNF at 33% coz I almost fell asleep every time I read this. BOR-ING.
I love Dickens but this is definitely one of my favourites. One of the best beginnings of any book.