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sharonhurlbut 's review for:
Nicholas Nickleby
by Charles Dickens
"Nicholas Nickleby" is a fascinating book when you consider that Dickens wrote it simultaneously with "Oliver Twist." They are quite clearly appositional works. While Oliver is a character of little agency, worked on by criminals of the lowest order, Nicholas is a very active individual who must struggle against the machinations of a single person - his own uncle. Where "Oliver Twist" is quite dark, menacing, and serious, "Nicholas Nickleby" harks back more to Dickens' earlier works with a great deal of social satire and depiction of the absurdities of 19th century London.
I found this book very enjoyable, particularly after having just read the much more malevolent "Oliver Twist." Even more than his previous works, there is a great deal of plot in this story. It is amazing how well Dickens is able to weave together so many separate strands into a wonderfully gratifying narrative of heroes, rogues, innocents, and devils. It does feel cumbrous at times, but the denouement of each storyline is incredibly satisfying. Like his other works, this was published serially and Dickens is a master of the cliffhanger, impelling the reader to continue onward time and time again. His ability to build suspense, both from chapter to chapter and from beginning to end, is unparalleled.
Nicholas is an endearing character, if only because he has all the best qualities that we would each like to imagine within ourselves. He is the epitome of taking the high road, in complete contrast to his uncle, who, as we find in the end, would even dispose of his own child in order to gain his ends. There are so many delightful characters here -- Noggs, Lillyvick, Miss La Creepy, Tim Linkinwater. I can only say, you will never be lonely if you read this book because the company is extraordinary.
I recommend this book highly. It may be a bit long for some readers, but it is well worth the time and effort.
I found this book very enjoyable, particularly after having just read the much more malevolent "Oliver Twist." Even more than his previous works, there is a great deal of plot in this story. It is amazing how well Dickens is able to weave together so many separate strands into a wonderfully gratifying narrative of heroes, rogues, innocents, and devils. It does feel cumbrous at times, but the denouement of each storyline is incredibly satisfying. Like his other works, this was published serially and Dickens is a master of the cliffhanger, impelling the reader to continue onward time and time again. His ability to build suspense, both from chapter to chapter and from beginning to end, is unparalleled.
Nicholas is an endearing character, if only because he has all the best qualities that we would each like to imagine within ourselves. He is the epitome of taking the high road, in complete contrast to his uncle, who, as we find in the end, would even dispose of his own child in order to gain his ends. There are so many delightful characters here -- Noggs, Lillyvick, Miss La Creepy, Tim Linkinwater. I can only say, you will never be lonely if you read this book because the company is extraordinary.
I recommend this book highly. It may be a bit long for some readers, but it is well worth the time and effort.