A review by sheryl_macca
Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Dickens' first historical novel has long been regarded his biggest flop but it definitely has it's fans. I'm afraid I'm not one of them. I disliked the same things that most others seem to - the villains get all the focus, a lot of the action occurs 'off stage' and we only learn of it second hand, the first half of the book is too slow and arduous. I also feel that the satire no longer works since the anti-catholic Gordon Riots are hardly known of. 

I can understand why there's a passionate following for this book though. Dickens' legendary world building and character development is as strong as ever. The villains are truly hateful, manipulative, sly and self serving. His social commentary on Victorian Britain is ever present in the fatherless heroes, the doomed love of those who are considered too lowly and the gossip and judgements at the Maypole Inn (which is a thoroughly reputable establishment you understand).

I'm glad I stuck with it, the Gordon Riots deserve to be highlighted but it was a flop for me.