A review by h_motionless
The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens

adventurous challenging slow-paced

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

3.25

The Old Curiosity Shop is fun and cozy, while tense and bleak at times, and balances the two very well. The cast of characters is immaculate, especially the villainous Quilp who stands out as one of Dickens’ most detestable antagonists. My two major problems with the novel, however, are the extraordinarily slow pacing in the middle portion of the novel, and Dickens’ tendency to over-write seemingly insignificant scenes, while almost brushing over the scenes with potent emotional impact.