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A review by raxorrr
Hard Times by Charles Dickens
2.0
my fourth Dickens novel. if i had to rank the novels I've read by him, this would probably fall at the bottom, not because I disliked it but it's mediocre compared to the others.
to begin with, the book is a social critique of the effects of industrialization on individuals and society. about how the era brought forth an emphasis for profit over well-being and about how through utilitarian philosophy, the human soul and emotions are neglected. I liked the message as a whole but it felt a bit overt. most chapters started with a blunt criticism of coketown, the dwelling of the main cast. something along the lines of "Coketown's dreary ambiance and decaying walls ensured that its residents were deprived of sunlight." this is my own rendition of it but it might just as well be an excerpt from the novel.
the characters are all representations of a certain theme being conveyed by the author. the twist (iykyk) was something i did not see coming, but it made so much sense. i wasn't a fan of the main conflict since it emphasized the presence of minor characters too much which felt odd. a focus on the central figures would have better relayed the message. i also felt the crime itself wasn't grave enough to throw light on the issues he sought to address. it could've been done a lot better.
overall, i had fun with the story and it was a quick read (although my tracked dates would say otherwise). probably wouldn't read again though :) next is hopefully Great Expectations or Bleak House
to begin with, the book is a social critique of the effects of industrialization on individuals and society. about how the era brought forth an emphasis for profit over well-being and about how through utilitarian philosophy, the human soul and emotions are neglected. I liked the message as a whole but it felt a bit overt. most chapters started with a blunt criticism of coketown, the dwelling of the main cast. something along the lines of "Coketown's dreary ambiance and decaying walls ensured that its residents were deprived of sunlight." this is my own rendition of it but it might just as well be an excerpt from the novel.
the characters are all representations of a certain theme being conveyed by the author. the twist (iykyk) was something i did not see coming, but it made so much sense. i wasn't a fan of the main conflict since it emphasized the presence of minor characters too much which felt odd. a focus on the central figures would have better relayed the message. i also felt the crime itself wasn't grave enough to throw light on the issues he sought to address. it could've been done a lot better.
overall, i had fun with the story and it was a quick read (although my tracked dates would say otherwise). probably wouldn't read again though :) next is hopefully Great Expectations or Bleak House