backpackingbookworm 's review for:

The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens

4.25

adventurous funny informative lighthearted relaxing medium-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

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This was my first full commitment to a Dickens novel (not counting A Christmas Carol) and I thought it was utterly whimsical and wonderful. It didn't read as a typical novel which makes sense, seeing as the book was originally released episodically in a newspaper series over a period of almost two years. I enjoyed these 'stories within a story' which added colour to the characters and helped us get to know them in the most organic way possible. It felt like we were travelling with the Pickwickians and experiencing their adventures which ranged from frightful mishaps and festivities to late-night tales told by new friends.

Even though I didn't read it the way it was intended to be read, I felt such a connection to the characters, especially the title character, Mr Pickwick, who found himself caught up in a number of hilarious incidents and was an absolute joy to behold. Sam was another brilliantly constructed character who was the joker of the pack but also a loyal and worthy friend of Mr Pickwick, despite being employed as his servant. Their blossoming friendship and joint experiences never failed to put a smile on my face.

The characters felt so familiar and became ingrained in my daily life; I'm sad that their adventures are now over and will definitely be adding this one to my reread pile.

Rating breakdown

• Plot/narrative - 4.2
• Writing style/readability - 3.9
• Characters - 4.5
• Diverse themes - 4.1
• Ending - 4.2

Overall - 4.2