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A review by edenseve63
The Pickwick Papers: The Dickens Collection by Charles Dickens
5.0
It has been my ambition for some time to read the Dickens' canon in chronological publication order -- with the exception of "A Christmas Carol" which I read at the holidays. "The Pickwick Papers" was #1 on the list. I tried unsuccessfully to read the text, but time and eyesight being what it is, I didn't get far. A couple of weeks back I came across Audible's "The Dickens Collection" when I re-upped my membership. To my happiness I found this collection of Audible Dickens editions works perfectly with my schedule and allows me to get into the text with the aid of such marvelous narrators like Rory Kinnear, who made each and every character a clear and distinct individual not to be confused with any other.
Dickens, whose work originally came out in serial form, can be somewhat awkward for the modern readers when taken as a full novel. Had he been writing today, I can easily imagine Dickens having long-term gigs as a Show Runner with Netflix and Amazon. Long before tv cliffhangers left us wondering "who shot J.R. Ewing" Dickens had polished this art form. His topsy turvy plots often take one off on tangent adventures in the midst of the main storyline leaving the reader a bit confused. And perhaps, the modern reader can predict how plots will come together in the end after years of watching television serial dramas. But the joy of reading Dickens is he continually delights with humor, meaningful text and the gospel like lessons that remain timeless and universal.
Mr. Samuel Pickwick's papers, a report to his club members, on his adventures in each town, hamlet and city he comes to, be it a political rivalry between newspaper editors, or a family drama involving the Wardle family of the adorably named Dingley Dell and their romantic mishaps are all dutifully reported along with serious issues like the condition of those confined to debtors prison. Mr. Pickwick remains throughout the course of the novel kind-hearted, curious, generous and a pillar of morality in a world (like our own) that is sorely lacking in those traits. He can also, like all of us, lose patience with stupidity and become disheartened by the injustices he witnesses. A solitary single gentleman, he finds companionship among assorted characters, each with their distinct good and bad qualities. However, in a time when rank in society was clearly delineated, Pickwick (perhaps like Dickens) does not judge any person based on their place in the order of the day. This is clearly seen in his relationship with Samuel Weller and his father. An ordinary working man with little formal education, he not only serves as Pickwick's employee but his most trusted companion. This is never clearer than when Pickwick finds himself in the Fleet (debtors prison) because he refuses to pay compensation to his former landlady Mrs. Bardell who under the wicked hand of unscrupulous attorneys' Dodson and Fogg brings a case of breach of promise against him. Samuel Weller convinces his father Tony Weller to bring charges against his son and see that he is imprisoned alongside his master, Mr. Pickwick, in the Fleet. Sam's devotion to Pickwick and the childless Pickwick's fatherly feelings for Sam are among the most beautiful parts of the story.
Dickens like Daniel DeFoe sought to render the ills of society and depicting those consigned to the debtors prison fairly details the fateful course when job, money, home are all lost. On a spiritual and practical plain, the reader is taught the blessing of forgiveness in Pickwick's ultimate encounter with Messrs. Jingle and Trotter.
For those like myself, more familiar with Dickens more popular works, in The Pickwick Papers the reader foresees the origins of famed characters like Tiny Tim and Fagan to be reborn to great acclaim in his later novels. In true Dickensian fashion there is plenty of mayhem, miscommunication and hijinx to keep you laughing throughout and all loose ends are eventually tied up in a satisfying ending.
Dickens, whose work originally came out in serial form, can be somewhat awkward for the modern readers when taken as a full novel. Had he been writing today, I can easily imagine Dickens having long-term gigs as a Show Runner with Netflix and Amazon. Long before tv cliffhangers left us wondering "who shot J.R. Ewing" Dickens had polished this art form. His topsy turvy plots often take one off on tangent adventures in the midst of the main storyline leaving the reader a bit confused. And perhaps, the modern reader can predict how plots will come together in the end after years of watching television serial dramas. But the joy of reading Dickens is he continually delights with humor, meaningful text and the gospel like lessons that remain timeless and universal.
Mr. Samuel Pickwick's papers, a report to his club members, on his adventures in each town, hamlet and city he comes to, be it a political rivalry between newspaper editors, or a family drama involving the Wardle family of the adorably named Dingley Dell and their romantic mishaps are all dutifully reported along with serious issues like the condition of those confined to debtors prison. Mr. Pickwick remains throughout the course of the novel kind-hearted, curious, generous and a pillar of morality in a world (like our own) that is sorely lacking in those traits. He can also, like all of us, lose patience with stupidity and become disheartened by the injustices he witnesses. A solitary single gentleman, he finds companionship among assorted characters, each with their distinct good and bad qualities. However, in a time when rank in society was clearly delineated, Pickwick (perhaps like Dickens) does not judge any person based on their place in the order of the day. This is clearly seen in his relationship with Samuel Weller and his father. An ordinary working man with little formal education, he not only serves as Pickwick's employee but his most trusted companion. This is never clearer than when Pickwick finds himself in the Fleet (debtors prison) because he refuses to pay compensation to his former landlady Mrs. Bardell who under the wicked hand of unscrupulous attorneys' Dodson and Fogg brings a case of breach of promise against him. Samuel Weller convinces his father Tony Weller to bring charges against his son and see that he is imprisoned alongside his master, Mr. Pickwick, in the Fleet. Sam's devotion to Pickwick and the childless Pickwick's fatherly feelings for Sam are among the most beautiful parts of the story.
Dickens like Daniel DeFoe sought to render the ills of society and depicting those consigned to the debtors prison fairly details the fateful course when job, money, home are all lost. On a spiritual and practical plain, the reader is taught the blessing of forgiveness in Pickwick's ultimate encounter with Messrs. Jingle and Trotter.
For those like myself, more familiar with Dickens more popular works, in The Pickwick Papers the reader foresees the origins of famed characters like Tiny Tim and Fagan to be reborn to great acclaim in his later novels. In true Dickensian fashion there is plenty of mayhem, miscommunication and hijinx to keep you laughing throughout and all loose ends are eventually tied up in a satisfying ending.