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bookerino's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
This was a lot funnier than I was expecting it to be. Some people find it to be depressing, but I did not. I really appreciate the self awareness the main character has of his traumatic past and how it affects his current state of mind. But it's always said in a humorous tone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Kidnapping and Classism
Minor: Mental illness
waytoomanybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When I decided to read this, I was skeptical. It's a little intimidating to pick up a 575 page whopper, especially a classic, because I was expecting purple prose and a tedious plot. But those judgements were completely wrong! I loved this book so much!
Every character that is introduced is, in some form or fashion, integral to the plot. Even the ones that aren't named (such as Trabb's boy and Aged Parent). All of the characters have flaws and virtues, and there is great contrast between the characters who embrace change and those who resist it. I also liked that every character's arc was tied up by the end of the novel.
I was also surprised to see that Dickens was class conscious and interested in social justice reform! I, again, expected that a nearly 200 year old book would be so sympathetic to less fortunate memeber of society. In addition, I appreciated that there was a conversation about how education, elocution, and fashion all play a role in society's treatment and expectations of a person. It was a pleasant surprise to connect so much with Dickens' social/political views!
In addition to these comparisons of characters individually, it was enjoyable to see how these differences play out when characters are in the same scene together, as well as how each setting affected the way a character felt and acted.
My other favorite aspect was that the main male characters were portrayed as being both emotionally vulnerable and incredibly loving of their friends and family. Male characters having close friendships, male characters being allowed to cry, male characters being allowed to nurse a friend back to health, and male characters being allowed to show love and affection was so refreshing! I can't think of a single contemporary book, show, or movie I've seen recently that portrays that.
Every character that is introduced is, in some form or fashion, integral to the plot. Even the ones that aren't named (such as Trabb's boy and Aged Parent). All of the characters have flaws and virtues, and there is great contrast between the characters who embrace change and those who resist it. I also liked that every character's arc was tied up by the end of the novel.
I was also surprised to see that Dickens was class conscious and interested in social justice reform! I, again, expected that a nearly 200 year old book would be so sympathetic to less fortunate memeber of society. In addition, I appreciated that there was a conversation about how education, elocution, and fashion all play a role in society's treatment and expectations of a person. It was a pleasant surprise to connect so much with Dickens' social/political views!
In addition to these comparisons of characters individually, it was enjoyable to see how these differences play out when characters are in the same scene together, as well as how each setting affected the way a character felt and acted.
My other favorite aspect was that the main male characters were portrayed as being both emotionally vulnerable and incredibly loving of their friends and family. Male characters having close friendships, male characters being allowed to cry, male characters being allowed to nurse a friend back to health, and male characters being allowed to show love and affection was so refreshing! I can't think of a single contemporary book, show, or movie I've seen recently that portrays that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Toxic relationship, and Violence
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