Author: Charles Dickens
Ages: 15 and up
There's not much I can say in the face of such a novel. In the first place, it's huge; a monstrous 721 pages. Secondly, it is a classic, so anything I'm going to say will back that up. Dickens proves himself time and time again to be one of the most brilliant and prolific writers of the 18th century. (On my list, he ranks up top with Jane Austen.) One of my favorite things about his writings are the numerous and unforgettable characters. Even though Dickens wrote many books with many characters in them, he still produces characters that are as similar to each other as hot is to cold. Both Mr. Micawber and Uriah Heep are so unforgettable, but yet so different. Dickens' characters are always complex and believable. His side plots are enthralling as twist and wind throughout the book completing the thoughts and ideas he is trying to convey as an author. Another asset of the book is the staunch moral overtone. Dickens may have had a mistress during his life, but you will never find him insinuating that adultery is acceptable. Thievery, deception, and malevolence all play parts in his writings, but all by the antagonists. When such vices are used by good characters, they are used with devastating results both to themselves and to everyone around them. A very good book that I will recommend to anyone.
Content Advisory: Minor curses such as d**n. An adulterous affair is hinted at, but it comes to nothing. One of the female characters in the book is seduced and runs away with a man.
No comments:
Post a Comment