A Tale of Two Cities

Brilliant, epic coming of age story.

In this ambitious, massive novel, Dickens brings plots, subplots, and unforgettable characters together to address themes of wealth's corrosive influence, the pain of love, and the meaning of friendship.

Although written in a dated, flowery, difficult style (by design), the actual ideas that Dickens explores are timeless. Not an easy read, but a worthwhile read.

The tone is dark, gothic, and foreboding. Dickens at times is lyrical in his descriptions of London of old. Central character Kip is complex; at times we love him, pity him, and dislike him. But we are never bored.

My favorite theme he illustrates is the idea of falling in love with the wrong person- especially how men can fall in love with women that do not love them at all. In fact, they often fall for the worst possible woman for them.

If you never were "forced" to read this in a literature class, try it out, you may love it. If you did wade through it as a young person, give it another try as an adult- it is certain to move you in a very different way.

One of the best books ever written, this book shows how our individual theories on why persons known to us behave. It also shows how the exuberance of youth, when we believe ourselves to be immortal, must be tempered. This tempering can only come with life experience and its necessary companion, time. The nature of how we humans relate to one another is also explored in various ways. The story also shows that experience can be a painful, even brutal teacher. The entire story is a contrast in what we seem to see (and therefore assume) and the truth of reality. I wish that I had read this book at a much younger age. (I would have given it five stars, but some parts are a bit lengthy and hard to read.)

This is one of those grand gems of English literature, also it was one of Dicken's first historical novels, since many of his other works, experiments in style, strayed away with its ramblings rather than followed the consistency of a formula story. If a reader is looking for an easily accessible book written by the world's greatest literary genius, they should read this book, rather than his other notable works, except "Great Expectations", which is a phenomenal work. His characterizations, command of dialogue, and descriptions, are awesome! I especially like Sydney Carton, who I picture in my mind's eye as a young and dashing Liam Neeson, who would perfectly fit the part in a film adaptation. This is truly English literature at its best. Dickens work, A Tale of Two Cities, is unmatched in the literary world! I think it a true test of someone's English abilities, especially ESL, if they can read and totally comprehend this sophisticated book. If you can say you have read and understood this literary work in its entirety, it will reflect a mastery in your English abilities because in this book you will find the finest presentation of English in print. Memorize this book and you have mastered the English language, guaranteed.

I received the book today and was VERY disappointed to find no annotations at all! I love this book and finally had to let my old college copy go, as I had worn it out. The annotations make all the difference in fully understanding the political and cultural relevance of the story while reading it. The editions that have the annotations at the bottom of the page are much more convenient to read and I was so pleased to read the review that iindicated that this edition has them all included in just that way. Imagine my surprise when I eagerly opened the book (which actually has the word “Annotated” on the cover) to find a very short biography of Dickens and a less than two page preface, but not a single annotation in the entire volume. I have never been so disappointed in a purchase from the store before. The reviews for this must have been written for another edition, and are very misleading, to say the least.

My previous review of this book was not published because, I was told, it violated the community guidelines. Evidently, if one uses only the author's last name, the computer in charge thinks one is saying something dirty. I have a degree in English literature, and I hold in very high esteem all of this author's work. This, and Little Dorrit, are two of my favorites.

If I had to choose between Great Expectations and Bleak House, I think i'd have a very hard time. In fact, I believe this is one of the best Dickens novel of all time. I couldn't believe I hadn't heard of it before. Anyways, this book has haunting, very well imagined, characters; each, with little quirks that make Dickens' characters so like us. Along with the relateable characters, the backdrop is foggy London where death is always a bit more eerie. At the end of the book, Dickens lets you in on what happens in every characters future (which I love). Now, just add spontaneous human combustion to the mix and you see why it's one of his best works!

I have seen many books and the Christmas Carol but this one is well illustrated it's a hardcover copy book and it's simply a piece of art.

It is well written, The cover is beautiful the pages are glassy and lovely and very healthy hearty product I wasn't expecting it to be so great. This book was a Christmas gift and when he opened this book the look on his face was enough for me to know that he loved the book.

It will be definitely kept in the family and it would be passed on.

How can you NOT love Charles Dickens? Even though I don't rate this as one of his better efforts (the ending is really too contrived), it's a notable work for the more emotionally evocative descriptions of place, the blistering critique of the United States (for which Dickens apologizes in his post script) and the characteristically rich,convoluted, and whimsical use of the English language which makes us all love Dickens so much. The Kindle edition is clean and free of typos. It's also FREE. What's not to love?

This review concerns the Minedition; Reprint edition (September 18, 2008) - Illustrated by Robert Ingpen - the store loves to group reviews for items of the same title together - I disagree with this policy. Following my review I have provided a direct link to the product I am reviewing. This book is one of my most beloved holiday traditions. I read it at least once every Christmas season. To my understanding this is the complete, unabridged work by Charles Dickens. The illustrations by Robert Ingpen are absolutely wonderful, and they compliment the story perfectly. The binding is good quality and the pages are made of very heavy paper stock. No reason this book should not hold up for years and years to come. I could not have asked for a better version of this cherished story, with so many editions out there I feel very fortunate to have stumbled across this one. It also includes Dicken's short story "A Christmas Tree". Click the following link for the product: A Christmas Carol

Focus on the Family's production of Oliver Twist is phenomenal - definitely for audiences ages twelve and up - but phenomenal. All of my tweens/teens loved this story. The characters are portrayed beautifully and the music/sound effects are flawless. We just finished it today, and my kids are ready to start it all over again . . . and to be honest with you, so am I. Great story - wonderful production!

Having recently read and enjoyed Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, I decided to up the ante by taking on his somewhat longer and more challenging David Copperfield. Already having sampled the writing style in Great Expectations, I found it somewhat easier to get into the flow of the story, and what a story it is.

Young David Copperfield is raised by his widowed mother Clara and their devoted servant Peggotty, both of whom care for and love him very much. His life rapidly changes however, with the marriage of his mother to the loathsome Mr. Murdstone and his sister Miss Murdstone, who move in and take over the household, including the care and instruction of young Davey.

From this point, we are introduced to a wide variety of richly drawn characters as Davey makes his way in the world. This novel is quite simply one of the greatest works of literature ever penned, widely acclaimed to be Dickens's finest. I found it to be fascinating, both with respect to the characters, the story and the historical underpinnings.

There is really no "story" here, as the book simply follows young David from his earliest years, through adolescence and into young adulthood. Along the way, he experiences great joy, heartbreaking loss and countless adventures set against the rich and detailed backdrop of Victorian England. Such characters as Uriah Heep, Mr. and Mrs. Micawber, Steerforth, Emily, Ham, Agnes Wickfield, Dr. and Annie Strong, Dora Spenlow, Thomas Traddles, Mr. Peggotty, Miss Dartle and countless others create an indelible impression on the reader as they drift into and out of the tale.

This review is also posted on Crazy for YA: [...]

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

Lucy Manette's father has finally been found! Well, her financial guardian, Mr. Lorry, knew, but kept it from her to guard her heart. When she finally meets with him above a wine shop, he is mad. His mind is set on making shoes, and he will not rest. When he catches sight of his daughter, he gets slightly better, and eventually, with much coaxing, Lucy--and only Lucy--brings him out of his madness. They help in the trial of Charles Darnay, who is accused of treason. Little do they know that Sydney Carton is the one really running the trial. Lucy is taken on a journey through the bloody French Revolution. Secrets are revealed, and when Lucy was just trying to find peace between the two cities, she is brought into the heart of the Revolution.

I’ve decided that I am going to try harder to read all the classics, and I decided this would start my adventure. Why? After finishing The Infernal Devices, I couldn’t stand not knowing who Sydney Carton was, and why Will is somewhat like him. Y’all know Will is my number one book crush, so I had to read this. Anywho, that’s why I read this. Plus I heard it was good. ;)

This was very hard to read. It was written very well, but incredibly hard to read. I like to call it “wading through language.” Dickens just goes on and on and on and on. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, I just got a little bored. Even if you get bored with the plot, KEEP READING.

*****This is one of those books that nothing really makes sense until the end, so keep reading! I happen to love this kind of book: when nothing seems to fit together, and then once you hit a certain point (usually later in the book), it all comes rushing back like a slap in the face. Everything becomes clear, and then you just can’t stop. SO KEEP READING!!! If you take anything from this review, please keep reading!

Anyway, on to the characters. I liked Lucy enough, but Dickens didn’t give her much to do. What she did do, though, I admired her bravery. She’s very caring, something you don’t find in many protagonists, and if they are, you don’t really see it, but here you do. Now, Charles Darnay...I really don’t know what to think of him. I guess he was only trying to escape his fate, not because it was dangerous, but because that’s just not the life he wanted. So I guess I do like him; I would probably do the same thing. Mr. Lorry is one of my favorites, though, just because he’s so loyal, protective, and brave. Sydney Carton: my favorite of the novel (Lucy’s second, Mr. Lorry third). (Surprise!) I can only explain this by the end. ***SPOILER*** My thoughts at the end: “Sydney, you selfless idiot no!!!!” ***END SPOILER***

Dickens creates a cast of lovely characters (you know what, I just like them all), uses incredible detail, and everything comes together at the end.

Some complain that Dickens is overdone, but sometimes it's just a joy to go along for the long ride, with swoops and dips and long trailings out of ideas. Sure we're manipulated, and yes, the characters are types, but with its political content, A TALE OF TWO CITIES explores the personal aspects of national identity and the conflicts of war. Just as we hope, human integrity can transcend national pettiness and individual evil. Whew, what a relief! That's the appeal of Dickens.

I watched the BBC movie and wanted to reread this classic. I was moved by the redemption and the section in which Brownlow talks about the Communion of Saints.

"After musing for some minutes the old man walked, with the same meditative face, into a back anteroom opening from the yard; and there, retiring to a corner, called up before his mind's eye a vast amphitheatre of faces over which a dusky curtain had hung for many years."

"He wandered over them again. He had called them into view, and it was not easy to replace the shroud that had so long concealed them. There were faces of friends, and foes, and of many that had been almost strangers peering intrusively from the crowd; there were faces of young and blooming girls that were now old women; there were faces that the grave had changed and closed upon, but which the mind, superior to its power, still dressed in thier old freshness and beauty, calling back the lustre of the eyes, the brightness of the smile, the beaming of the soul through its mask of clay, and whispering of beauty beyond the tomb, changed but to be heightened, and taken from earth only to be set up as a light, to shed a soft and gentle glow upon the path to Heaven."

Reunited in the Communion of Saints.

This tale operates on so many levels. Most obviously, it sets up multiple levels of contrast between characters, places, philosophies and world views. These contrasting forces are not portrayed as equal. The overriding impression is one of a dark and increasingly corrupt world, or rather such a human nature inflicted on the world. Yet in various places and in various people and relationships, we find glimpses of nobility, morality and love that give hope. One of the nastiest 'villains' meets a fitting end, while others seem to prosper. Some villains seem to grow uncomfortable with the evil they unleash only to find it unmanageable. The 'good' characters' strength is not in force but in hope, morality, endurance and love. As such, this is a somewhat religious story although I wouldn't see it as an evangelistic work. Dickens does not take sides with any single socio-economic group. His heroes range from a reformed grave robber to a reformed French lord. The key is that they have all experienced a reformation of sorts, leaving behind a corrupted beginning. So this is a tale of endurance, not one of breaking free.

This Kindle edition is a pleasure to read. There are no major problems with formatting.

Enjoy it!

There are two types of people in the world: those who consider Dickens a standard-bearer for great literature, and those with short attention spans who hate his old-fashioned, wordy style.If you are one of the latter, don’t bother trying to read this classic – you won’t appreciate it. If, on the other hand, you enjoy Dickens’ quirky characters, detailed descriptions of Victorian life and his juxtaposing of brutality and beauty, you should give this a read. Often labeled as a tragedy, upon closer reading you'll ultimately find a positive theme to A Tale of Two Cities – much in the same way Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy, but a great romance at the same time. So don’t let the “tragedy” label deter you from this classic novel’s personal story of love and redemption.

Finally got to reading this classic and I have no regrets in doing so. It was slow in the beginning and took me longer to read than many other books but the last quarter was intense and had me in suspense. This is a love story entwined within a time of chaos, a shift in power from corrupt aristocrat to vengeful peasant. I like the end but it left me wanting more.

Dickens is the master of metaphors! The images he paints with his words are as vivid as the paintings of the masters. His grasp of concepts, philosophical, and psychological and his rich erudition shine through in almost every page. He describes a country in the throes of revolution and contrasts it with another that (per his opinion) solved similar problems differently a lot earlier. Dickens may be guilty of jingoism, but there is certainly a semblance of truth in his story. As some one who naturally favors capitalism, the depictions of socialistic revolution ring true. Even without the historical analysis the story holds its own as an entertaining narrative of loyalty, fate, choices and unrequited love. It even has its moments where, despite its archaic phraseology, it communicates fast paced action. In places, dickens even abandons the convoluted sentences common in writings of his era for short action oriented sentences, almost as if foreshadowing the modern screen play oriented faction (fact inspired action) novels. All in all, a brilliant read!

This earlier Dickens novel is certainly not taut and polished, as is Great Expectations, but when it DOES concentrate on plot and character, as in the crime scenes toward the end of the book, Dickens gets into the head and guts of his character as Fyodor Dostoevsky himself could understand and emulate, and drives ahead with events in the best tradition of suspense thrillers. The novel is long, but if one takes time to enjoy the descriptive passages and the amply developed speech, dress, and mannerisms of the characters, the experience is like "reading" a movie. Critics have long noted Dickens' cinematic style...well before there was such a thing. Chuzzlewit is a beautiful example of this. Dickens was highly criticized by easily insulted Americans when they read his section on our 1840s lifestyles and manners. He was viewing America as a visiting Englishman, and although the characters are no where near as fully developed as those of his homeland, I really see no exaggeration in his portrayal of the wild, gun slinging, cocky, racist, my-way-or-the-highway American type. Of course that is not the whole picture, but it would be a memorable and true one to the casual visitor...then and now.

Although a huge Dickens fan, I put off reading this classic for a long time, expecting it to be more dry and historical than his other books. But, although set in the past, and apparently historically accurate, it is totally character-driven, and has all the elements of the best Dickens novels: romance, intrigue, social commentary, etc. There were some passages where it got a little confusing; I found myself wondering exactly who and what he was talking about. But that happens alot in his books; he delves right into some detailed descriptions that you just have to sort of absorb, and later, it all comes together and makes sense. By the end, this book had turned into an absolute thriller that I couldn't put down. And I also feel I have a much clearer understanding of the French Revolution than I ever got from school; they should have kids read this for history class instead of just literature class, because it really makes the whole thing come alive. Loved, loved, loved it.

I love old English books. The old form of speaking is delightful, even if it does take them pages to pronounce what we do in a single sentence. The belief of goodness in all is interesting, especially when goodness was considered an exclusive trait of the upper classes. A view into the lives and thoughts of 19th century characters should give each reader reasons to ponder.

Great Expectations is one of my two favorite books by Charles Dickens... and for me that speaks volumes as I'd read all 14 of his major novels at least two or three times, and even his incomplete "Mystery of Edwin Drood". Dickens was not just a great Victorian writer--he wrote "paintings". His words were his canvass and in reading them you can't help but see virtually everything as it unfolds. This is a love story; but it is also a great mystery and tale of adventure--with the typical smattering of Dickensian comic relief, such as with the Aged Parent. I don't want to throw in too many spoilers but I can say if you have seen any of the movie versions--you have NOT seen the full story. I've seen them all, and they inevitably change or leave out huge chunks of this story, which, for my part, provided an inspiration for a much later writer in completing her novel which was called "Gone With the Wind". It's truly a great read; but expect very detailed descriptions--that is Dickens' indelible trademark.

I couldn't finish this, barely started, when it was assigned in high school. Dickens' style is only understandable of someone echo is paid by the word. While it is better than Henry James's, it wastes a reader's time. Yet, once the interest hurdle is cleared, it is a helpful depiction of the evil that the French Revolution established to replace the evil aristocracy that caused it.

"David Copperfield" is the book that Dickens called his "favorite child."

I hadn't read this book since high school (long ago), so I had happily forgotten the plot and many of the characters. Upon re-reading, Dickens' genius in creating characters seemed obvious to me. His most memorable characters are "people" you may never forget. I certainly remembered Uriah Heep and Mr. Micawber.

Beginning at the beginning, have you ever encountered people as wicked and haughty as Mr. Murdstone and his incredible unmarried sister, Miss Murdstone? Have you ever met such people in the work of any other writer?

I would guess not. But there is also Peggoty (David's devoted nurse), the sadistic headmaster of a boys' school who enjoys beating his charges EVERY DAY, David's false idol Steerforth, and characters who truly boggle the mind -- unforgettable people like Uriah Heep and Mr. Micawber.

If you think this is easy to do, try it yourself! :-)

As for Dickens, Chesterton remarked that -- even if one of his characters was "stolen," he would be back the next day with someone just as fascinating. Chesterton also remarked that his characters were giants who generally did not change -- any more than Miss Murdstone. They were like the gods of Olympus in that respect. (In this book, though, there is one character who changes completely, and over night to boot.)

So much for the characters. The story is also interesting!

A very high recommendation!!

Best EVER? Yep. I would highly suggest reading "Liberty or Death: The French Revolution" or something similar before reading this novel. Doing so will greatly enhance the overall experience. Dickens is, well, Dickens! There is a reason hes been called a genius by so many people.

I believe Dickens pioneered the soap opera and was absolutely brilliant at it. In Bleak House, he takes a whole bunch of unrelated characters and creates stories around them that weave in and out of each other then come together at the end. His formula always includes a Goodie Two Shoes. It's usually a poor child, but in this case it's John Jarndyce, a rich older gentleman who doesn't see status, wealth, family name or customs as barriers to doing the right and good thing for people. That's refreshing because Dickens can paint all rich people with a dark and evil brush. There has to be a dark, evil rich villain in a Dickens book though and that is the lawyer, Mr. Tulkinghorn. There are other baddies as well, but none so scary as Mr. Tulkinghorn. He is just mean for the sake of being mean. Another Dickens theme is that money corrupts. That is here as well. It's never preachy, but he gets his message across. In short, the Dickens formula is definitely at work in Bleak House, but he uses his elements in such a different way that it never feels like you are redoing Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, Little Dorrit or any of the others. If you like Dickens, you will like this. The acting is fine. The settings definitely generate the appropriate feel and the story is top notch. A bit depressing perhaps, but very well done.

I had read several abridged "kiddie" versions of Oliver Twist when I was in middle school, and as a teen I was semi-addicted to the 1960's musical adaptation Oliver! so I thought that I knew all there was to know about this famous British literary urchin. Not so. Actually sitting down to read the full version of Oliver Twist has shown me that the original story is much more clever, and much darker, than I had anticipated.

Young Oliver is born in a workhouse, and although his single mother dies in childbirth and leaves him with no one to give him true care or attention, Oliver thrives, in a certain sense. He grows up in this workhouse, and the horrors of his childhood can seem all the worse because of the light comic tone of the narration. Charles Dickens is always a wonderful author for pointing out hypocrisy, cruelty, and social injustices, but though it's good to be made aware of the evils of the day, it can still be hard to read about children starving and being beaten. 9-year-old Oliver's situation is so dire, it's a relief when he escapes to London and finds himself trapped in a life of crime! At least when he's with the criminal gang of pickpockets, he gets to eat.

Notes on Oliver: I notice that Oliver speaks just a tad on the aristocratic side, when compared with the other boys in the book. He just doesn't have the same penchant for slang and sauciness as his peers. On this read-through, I also perceive for the first time that Oliver himself isn't all that interesting. He's 100% sympathetic--you want to save him and nurture him, but aside from his general goodness, he's a bit of a blank canvas. He's so incorruptibly pure, it's like it doesn't occur to him that anyone could possibly be deceptive or dishonest, which is why he's no good at thievery even after receiving some training.

One thing that hasn't changed for me while reading the book: I'm still ridiculously fond of the Artful Dodger. He wears a jauntily tilted hat and a gigantic tail-coat with rolled up sleeves, and he's altogether grubby, which makes him look like the coolest homeless middle-school-aged kid in literature, aside from Huckleberry Finn. He's got this big store of worldly knowledge and Oliver relates to Dodger like he's a bizarre type of grown-up, but as you're reading, you know that Dodger's really just a kid.

Things that surprised me: There's an entire main character in Oliver Twist that didn't appear in any adaptation I read or saw until now--Monks, Oliver's half-brother! Wow. I scarcely know what to do with the fact that there's this whole important person in the book itself, and yet he's so ultimately inconsequential to the heart of the story. Monks isn't much of a villain when compared to the murderous, abusive awfulness of Bill Sikes, and just adding more family drama to Oliver's origin story isn't all that interesting. I think the adaptations had the right idea when they removed him.

Also, things for the Artful Dodger go rather differently in the book than they do in the films and abridged books.

Well, Dickens is never anything but good reading, but I wound up liking the real Oliver Twist a good deal less than I thought I would. Maybe I should stick to re-reading A Christmas Carol instead. Grade: B

Favorite quotes:

"It's all over, Mrs. Thingummy!' said the surgeon at last." (pg 3)

'A clean shirt,' thought Oliver, 'is a very comfortable thing; and so are two pairs of darned stockings; and so is a penny; but they are small helps to a sixty-five miles' walk in winter time.' (pg 63)

Artful Dodger's first line: 'Hullo, my covey! What's the row?' (pg 66)

Fagin, to Sikes: "I'm afraid that, if the game was up with us, it might be up with a good many more, and that it would come out rather worse for you than it would for me, my dear.' (pg 110)

Scrooge has lived his life as a skinflint, never showing charity and certainly never embodying the Christmas spirit. As Christmas nears, Scrooge is visited by spectors of Christmas past, present, and future, to show him the error of his ways, and teach him that Christmas spirit must be held in one's heart all the days of one's life. Will Scrooge learn this lesson in time to save himself?

This is a story with which most of us are familiar. There are countless adaptations in the form of children's books, movies, and abridged texts, so I am quite familiar with the story. However, I have never actually read the complete original text. Imagine my surprise when I found such elegance and beauty in Dickens' original words. This coming from me, someone who does not always have the greatest appreciation of Dickens.

I have always loved this story, and found the message so deeply touching. I have so much empathy for Scrooge as a character, have suffered a lonely childhood and gone without real happiness his whole adult life. It is nice to see the theme of redemption so clearly illustrated in this tale. This is probably the classic Christmas story, and I imagine it will be, in some form, a permanent part of my holiday traditions.

Since a potential buyer might be wondering which edition to buy, I've decided to give a brief review of the edition instead of one of the story.

This is the 2003 reissue of the 1986 edition of the Bantam classic edition. This edition has the 1986 introduction by John Irving. It contains the Dickens classic in its intact form, with the original ending following it separately. It is 528 pages.

When Dickens first wrote Great Expectations, it had a different ending. There are some who feel that the original ending is more in line with modern tastes, and that Dickens "caved in" by changing the unhappy ending to one that was "more acceptable." Some feel that Dickens went too far in order to cater to his audience rather than stick to a literary standard. In the introduction, Irving discusses this issue among many others and suggests that Dickens was not so much driven by the audience as he was in touch with their lives when it came to inspiration. Ideas in literature may seem fantastic and improbable, but Irving points to events in Dickens's life that would seem equally improbable had they appeared in fiction. He also mentions modern real life events that, if put in a novel a decade earlier, would have seemed impossibly unrealistic.

Yes, Dickens was an optimist. But the new ending is not a "happily ever after" one so much as one that leaves the door open. I can't think of anything more suitable for a book entitled "Great Expectations."

"David Copperfield" by Charles Dickens is not a book I would recommend to everyone. I read it and it was a challenging read. I would recommend over this, if one wants to be introduced to Dickens' works, the books "Oliver Twist", "Great Expectations", "A Tale of Two Cities", and "A Christmas Carol". I have read those books. "A Tale of Two Cities" has a story that is difficult to follow, but it is not as difficult to follow for me as the story in "David Copperfield". Charles Dickens was a great author, but his novel "David Copperfield" is not a place for first timers to find out about him.

The book is narrated by David Copperfield. When the novel starts out he is a boy. His father died before he was born leaving his mother to raise him by herself. She marries another man who rules over him with tyranny. He is sent by his stepfather to a boarding school and then given a job. David Copperfield hates the job so he runs away to his aunt's house. Since his mother is dead, his aunt raises him. He gets another job as a proctor. I don't know what a proctor is. He then falls in love with a girl named Dora.

The novel has a number of characters. It had so many characters that I couldn't keep track of them. The two most memorable of the characters are Mr. Micawber and Uriah Heep. Mr. Micawber is always in debt to his creditors and ends up in prison repeatedly because of this. Uriah Heep is a disgusting character and he is so disgusting that I felt like washing my hands everytime I read about him.

While I admit that there is a lot of artistry in "David Copperfield", I would not recommend it for those looking for a book to introduce themselves to Dickens' works.

This book will capture your heart. It is masterfully written and could be describing the world, our relationships, and the complicated emotions we feel today. I looked up often, with eyes filled with tears, as I marveled at Dickens' ability to write...especially as he described his character's grief. Each page provided a gift...and a lesson.

Mandatory reading when I was in grammar school, had to reread to see why. After many years between reading and rereading I still do not understand why it was mandatory. Once into the book it became more interesting but would not say it is one of my favorites. Guess I have
to say Charles Dickens is not one of my favorite authors. Glad that I did reread though.

Bleak House is an exceptional novel written by an exceptional author. It contains most of the attributes that make a novel great. Tension,humor,irony,suspense,superb character development--all of these elements crafted brilliantly by one of the greatest writers in the history of English literature. This novel will not disappoint any fan of literature.

The only reason that I gave it four stars instead of five is because there is a minor flaw in the printing of the Signet Classics edition. Between pages four and five hundred there are about forty or fifty pages that are dupicated. For example when you get to page 450 --the next page are 443,444,445,446,447,448,449,and then 450,451 etc. until you get to 460--where it goes into this loop again and continues this duplication process until almost page 500. There is no content of the novel lost--just a number of duplicated,superfluous pages that only add to the thickness and bulk of a 900 + page novel.

Other than the problem with the page layout,the Signet edition is bound well,the print is clear and very readable and the flaw in the printing in my opinion is not that big a deal. And the novel itself is a rewarding read and well worth any minor incovenience caused by the printing error.

I've always had the suspicion that underneath the noble facade of revolt and social justice vs. exploitation existed a dark seedy underbelly of indiscriminate frustration and rage that did not make concessions for goodwill or sympathy. Thanks to Mr. Dickens, I've had my fill of reading such fictional accounts that may very well have done justice to capture the unbridled hate and chaos that was the French Revolution and subsequent "Terror". Through the protagonist(s?) and auxiliary players, Dickens has conveyed the entire spectrum of human emotion and capacity for reason. While some characters did seem relentless in their rather unrelenting vulnerability, hatred, or haplessness, the metamorphosis of some characters through their experiences in jail, despair, and euphoria tempered by the reality of the revolutionary machine seemed to add enough complexity to elicit admiration of the personal growth and redemption of these key players in the novel.

Certain parts are melodramatic, to be certain. But overall Dickens' portrayal of the gloomy atmosphere of France during and post revolution don't seem exaggerated. Liberté, égalité, fraternité...or death.

My re-read of David Copperfield reminded me of the challenge I have in reading Dickens. I find him long-winded and depressive, though an astute observer of humanity. There are passages meant to be read and shared aloud. One needs time, leisure, and at the minimum two other people simultaneously reading it to enjoy the work it takes to get through it.

It is hard to read Dickens without my mind filling with the many actors and stage sets and cinematography that have brought his works to the screen. It is hard to divorce those images from his descriptions of characters and place.
I had just re-read Bleak House as it was attached to a library download of 'The Solitary House' whose author a Dickens affictionato had written a Victorian fiction pulling characters from Bleak House and creating a mystery that follows a post Bleak House narrative.
Dickens was not as easy a read as I would have remembered. The structure and descriptive phrases seem more tedious than the once had. Lynn Shepherd's post Bleak House novel worked better for me, but did get me in a rhythm to 're-read the story that was the parent of her 'The Solitary House'.
I found myself with a better appreciation of Dickens' craft than at the first reading. Part of that was the reimmersion into the language common to Victorian novels, and to the mindset that permeated that era.
Worth the time to get reacquainted with the characters.

Arguably his greatest work, it's not an ideal starting point for delving into Dickens' novels, which is what I learned too late. Still, it was worth the effort. After reading Claire Tomalin's brilliant biography of the man, I decided to read this two volume masterpiece...and it took a while to complete. Some of the language is a bit archaic for us in the 21st century, and the depth of Dickens' writing throughout Bleak House can be hard to absorb at times, but it was a very rewarding book to complete.

A side note, I started the book in paper form (an old, dusty two volume edition) and took a break after the first volume, but after getting a Paperwhite Kindle I resumed reading it and found that the Kindle actually expedited my finally completing the book. The ability to instantly pull up the definition of a word is invaluable and the overall reading experience is improved because of this great, new Kindle. I was not sold on the devices until now, and it was because of the improved performance the Paperwhite version offers. The original Kindle pales greatly in comparison.

I agree with my humble predecessor. This truly is a splendid book. I chose it from a list of books we had to read for school, and I'm very glad I did. True,it drags on in some parts. I was furious to discover that the esteemed Mr. Dickens wrote this story in monthly installments for a magazine,and that the more words he wrote,the more he was paid! Despite that,he is still one of the greatest writers I have ever had the honor of discovering. The book starts slowly, builds up the suspense, then starts firing one event after the other. I may not be able to analyze the plot and writing structure the way the literary critics do, but I appreciated this literature all the same.

Sydney Carton is of course my favorite character,hands down. His transformation from the wine-addicted depressed young man to the noble savior is beautifully depicted, especially the eye-smarting speech he gave,or would've given according to Dickens, at the end. At last I can read A Little Princess and know what the Bastille is. At last I understand why the following words are some of the greatest in English literature:

" It is a far,far better thing that I do, than I have ever done;it is a far,far better rest that I go to,than I have ever known."

1. Pip the narrator. The story is essentially the story of Pip’s life as told by now older and wiser Pip as he reflects back on his life, the turning points and wrong decisions he made. The good , the bad and the ugly of his life. I identify with this Pip and do similar things myself.
2. Pip the protagonist. It is hard not to like the central character Pip. We see him grow up, we follow him wherever he goes, we get to hear his thoughts and empathise with his dreams and lovesick ways. We see some of ourselves in him. He makes mistakes and is annoying at times but aren’t we all?
3. The story. Unbelievable if you think about it but Dickens can make you believe the unbelievable if just for a while. As it was written in serial form there are continual tantalising developments at the end of chapters to whet your appetite for more (for example chapter XXXIV ends with the paragraph telling of the death of Mrs Joe Gargery). Each of the three parts of the novel deals with a different expectation, and we watch how Pip changes in the face of his changing expectations. The full story is not revealed until the final chapters but it is gripping all the way.
4. Characters. What an incredibly interesting group of characters with fascinating and appropriate names. Miss Havisham (HAVE A HAM), the rich eccentric who still wears her wedding dress after being jilted 25 years before. Mr Jaggers (JAG..) , the razor sharp lawyer, villains Orlick , Drummle ( a DRUM heavy abusive) and Compeyson (COME PAY ME) sound bad and the beautiful but unreachable Estella ( star). Dickens characters stick around in your mind long after you read his story.
5. Moral issues. In a time of great wealth in England there is great poverty and injustice. No one can describe these issues as well as Dickens.
6. Humour. There is a lot of excellent humour in Great Expectations. The Pocket household, which is an upside down Alice in Wonderland place run by the servants Flopson and Millers, is a good example.
7. Symbols, Imagery and allegory. The atmospherics of mists (in graveyard when he meets the convict), huge storm (when Magwitch visits), light (Joe’s forge a light across the marshes) and darkness are great in creating moods. Miss Havisham’s garden and mansion are symbols of wealth and privilege of high society. Perhaps Dickens has a message when we see they are decaying.
8. Beautiful writing. These words from the Narrator Pip say so much “ Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bind you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day”
9. Wealth of human issues. Crime, social class, injustice love and friendship in all its forms, bitterness and hate, unrequited love, coming of age and life’s expectations.
10. Dickensian. Dickens is to literature what Shakespeare is to plays. In the Oxford dictionary the term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

Charles Dickens is a master story-teller. Historians have classified this as his "least Dickensian" novel, and I think anyone who is familiar with his work would agree. There are very few light-hearted moments, and his symbolism comes across as rather heavy-handed. Still, he had reasons for all of this, and I think that this book should be evaluated in its own right, rather than in comparison to his other works.

Dickens presents a world gone mad. There is no justice for the poor. They are abused and ill-treated by the aristocracy. When they finally have their revenge, they are like wild animals, and are completely consumed with their lust for blood.

In the midst of all this is a family that just wants to survive, and a man who is secretly in love. He pledges that he would do anything to see his love happy, and in the end, keeps his promise.

This is a beautiful story about the power of love, redemption, and the human spirit. Every word and every action has meaning. This is not a novel to be rushed; it is one to be savored and cherished.

This is the 1938 printing of the story with illustrations by Everett Shinn. If you get some modern version of this story, yes it will have all the words.... but often they will have no illustrations. I believe there is something magical about having a beautiful picture to look at every once in a while while reading a story. This is especially true for children, but even as an adult, I enjoy a picture every once in a while. This copy is un-abridged and is 130 pages long. It has 30 nice small b&w line-drawings and ALSO about 14 full page COLOR "paintings" of many of the famous scenes in the book. This means, as you read, you see a picture every 2 or 3 pages! The book is 9 1/4 inches tall , 7 1/4 inches wide, and about 3/4 inches thick, hardback. If you don't have a copy of this on your shelf, i think this is a very good choice.

Interesting early psychological study. Gripping complex plot with highly developed characters, most of whom are multi facetted. The origins of the mad hatter scene from Alice in Wonderland are in the early chapters that take place in London. Also sense influence of Jane Austin's approach to character delineation through the characters own words and actions of extreme prejudice and obtuse sensibilities.

Dickens wrote this timeless story as a lesson for the Christmas season that every person can be changed from the ills of the world to be the person that resides within our nature. The Spirits that haunt and beckons us to see others in the light of truth touches us all to the core of our soul and transforms us to realize our self as part of the whole. So this story, tale or lesson is one that should not only be read during the holidays but be open with our hearts soul everyday.

An excellent book and lesson for everyone.

Being an avid Dickens fan means that I have become well-read in Dickens' works. I find that his seemingly most famous works - Olive Twist and Tale of Two Cities - are also some of my least favorite of his. Oliver Twist is a traditional Dicken's book, but Tale of Two Cities attempts to be historical. While most of his works take about a hundred pages to really get into, I found that Tale of Two Cities is less gripping than his other works, perhaps stifled by being accurate more than being descriptive. David Copperfield, Nicholas Nickleby, Chuzzlewit etc. have the distinctive elements of a Dickens novel. The humorous names, the humorous personalities and the wandering story-line because his characters are wandering people, all make a Dickens novel what we have come to expect. Personally, I think that you can gauge Dickens' writing style with Nicholas Nickleby, Oliver Twist and David Copperfield, but with Tale of Two Cities, it sounds like Dickens, but doesn't really have his passionate feel. Don't judge this author by this book alone.

"Bleak House" is my favorite Dickens novel. I've read it 3 or 4 times.

(This is saying a lot. It's tremendously long and complex.)

So I looked forward to seeing a good video adaptation.

The 1991 Diana Rigg version was a disappointment. Far too dark. Far too muddled in handling the many interweaving plots.

But this "Bleak House"--the Gillian Anderson version--is superb.

First, it doesn't simplify. It retains almost all the many, many characters, even though some period satire is lost. (Mr. Chadband, for example.) This conveys the huge sprawling complexity of Dickens's world.

Second, it is both bright and dark visually--moving from glorious pastoral and rustic scenery to the dark typhoid misery and mud of Tom All Alone's. This is thematically important, because the book is both very optimistic and darkly hopeless.

Third, it knows which characters are key. This version makes much of Mr. Tulkinghorn. He becomes the evil lynchpin of all the many plots. He is played wonderfully well by Charles Dance.

It also does an excellent job with Esther Summerson--a hard character to make real, but absolutely pivotal to the plot and the theme of judging by character rather than class (and also the theme of the inevitable links between class).

Likewise with the smooth faux-childish Harold Skimpole.

Fourth, it moves the big and clumsy action along rippingly. Quick jump-cuts, rapid changes, and unusual camera angles zoom the plots along at a rapid clip.

This is the brilliant version of "Bleak House" I have been waiting for. It matches the brilliance of the book for intensity and interest and depth.

Flawless and wonderful.

Beautiful book... Of course, it LOOKS like the "original"...but, it's not...(sigh)... IF you have the $$$$$ to seek out an original 1st edition, do so, but if your budget doesn't stretch that far, this is "as good as it gets" in a well-done imitation. (Don't be "hatin" on me...I gave it 5 stars, ok?!)

I absolutely adore Charles Dickens. His beautiful, poetic language, coupled with some of the courser English dialects spoken by some of the characters, makes for some very colorful scenes in the story. Additionally, his subtle humor often catches the reader by surprise, and makes it all the more hilarious. For example, when Mr. and Mrs. Bumble, two not-so-charming people, find themselves in a parish workhouse and divorce, Mr. Bumble is described as being so miserable that he forgets to be thankful to be rid of his wife.

Much of the story is sad, and there are some parts that are downright heart-breaking. However, the recurring idea of this story is hope. Hope that lives through innocence. Oliver is faced with some horrifying circumstances, and all throughout, he maintains his innocence and good heart. In the end, his purity shines through and is ultimately rewarded.

This book looses a star because it seemed like Dickens would go off on tangents that had nothing to do with the main story. After a while, it would become distracting. This book lacked the concise story-telling of some of his other works.

Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol epitomizes Christmas for me.... Dickens era London is the perfect backdrop for a timeless Christmas classic. For those of you who are not familiar with Dickens, he was quite the social reformer and many of his books have very strong themes and references to the working class and the poor. Dickens’s hope was that through literature he could bring awareness and help to the poor and downtrodden people. For Dickens celebrating Christmas was more than just a time to be jolly and eating a big Christmas goose and pudding with your family….it was a time for helping those less fortunate. In an era that saw much suffering and hard times, there was a real need to encourage those who could afford to help into action which we see very clearly here in A Christmas Carol.

Fascinating and suspenseful in the beginning, but the last few episodes felt rushed and the ending was unsatisfying. I haven't read Bleak House, so this may be the way Charles Dickens wrote the story, but nonetheless, it was an unsettling way to resolve the story. The performances were fascinating, and I think I'll take to saying, "Shake me up, Judy!" from now on. :)

Great Expectations is a classic for a reason. A great story, full of greed, intrigue, love and lost love, lies, happiness, loneliness, and life. I found it enjoyable to read, without any of the annoyances of things such as poor grammar or strange punctuation. (this is a thing with me, maybe not a big deal for everyone) The characters are thoughtfully developed, and the story line itself is compelling. Each time I was able to get some reading in, I was excited. Excited to find out what happens next, excited about who and why, and I was never disappointed. I found I could really empathize with a lot of the characters, and felt a part of the story because of it. I definitely recommend Great Expectations.

By the time he wrote David Copperfield, a book that stands at the midpoint of Charles Dickens' literary output, he had developed into an outstanding writer. With the publication of his final novels such as Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities, he had become a great writer, deserving of being acclaimed as one of the finest writers of the English language.

Some of Dickens' earlier novels are overloaded with a large cast of characters. However, by the time he wrote his later books such as Hard Times and Great Expectations he had successfully learned how to tell his stories with smaller ensembles. A Tale of Two Cities returns to the use of an abundance of characters, but all of whom are fully realized. Dickens seems to have learned a principle of parsimony, and he does not require a separate character for each plot twist. A single character may be used for more than a single line of plot development, thus allowing for greater depth of each character to be depicted.

The narrative and plot are particularly strong in A Tale of Two Cities. While perhaps not as exciting or as gripping as the latest Robert Ludlum novel, the story Dickens tells is an interesting and engaging one. The reader develops a genuine interest in the story and its characters, and wants to keep reading in order to "find out what happens next."

The context of the novel is the French Revolution of 1789, but this book is not a historical novel in the sense that it attempts to portray the events of that revolution. The French Revolution is a backdrop to Dickens' story, and occasionally intrudes in order to move the action forward. Those looking to A Tale of Two Cities as a historical fiction covering the French Revolution will be sorely disappointed. The book is exactly what its title suggests: a story comparing and contrasting two cities in two different countries in a particular historical epoch. The French and the English had their differences, and it is telling that Dickens chooses an era in which the two countries are *not* at war with each other for telling his story.

A Tale of Two Cities is a novel about character, and Dickens populates his story with some of the most interesting characters in English literature. Madame Defarge and her assiduous knitting stands out in particular. Surprisingly, the book lacks some of the psychological depth of Hard Times and Great Expectations, the two books which respectively precede and follow A Tale of Two Cities. The psychological element is not entirely missing, but this reader finds it interesting that a book so founded on character does not delve deeply into those characters' inner lives.

Dickens considered A Tale of Two Cities his best story, and indeed it is a good story well told. The stereotypical Victorian language is virtually absent, and many passages are sheer poetry. The book is a thoroughly enjoyable read. If a reader is seeking only a single Dickens book to read, this is the one I would recommend.

This book has earned a place among classic literature. This tale is based on a real historical event, the French Revolution otherwise known as the guillotine party. Charles Dickens is a master plot weaver. This complex plot makes a reader feel the experiences of the best of times and the worst of times, the season of Light, and the season of Darkness, the spring of hope, and the winter of despair,– and it is a thrilling read.The twists, turns and mysteries of this classic Victorian tale do not disappoint. The tale of two cities can make a person fall in love with literature.

The only flaw in any Dickens tale is his overuse of passive verbs. Dickens had little competition. Novelists were few enough in his day, so he did not have to wring all the power out of every verb, which creative writers of today are taught to do. Dickens could sell books based on the power of his plots alone. His complex plots hold a reader’s attention and distract from the dullness of the passive voice.

My favorite Christmas story book! I read it every year at Christmas time, and then I watch the videos. My two favorites are the versions with George C. Scott and Patrick Stewart as Ebenezer Scrooge. I enjoy Charles Dickens' stories, though they are usually very wordy and drawn-out. "A Christmas Carol" is not that way. It is a small book, and easy to read.

"Bleak House" boasts all the hallmarks of brilliant Dickens - a sprawling and ambitious plot (without the sacrifice of an iota of suspense or impetus), brimming with eccentric characters and an almost gothic thriller appeal.

With wit, complexity and lack of guile, Dickens' winds through an unflattering vision of the Victorian legal system, to heartrending household drama, to an investigation of homicide. All characters are intricately drawn, hitting a compelling balance between austere emotional honesty and caricature subjects.

At the outset, we are introduced to Richard Carstone and Ada Clare, two young orphans and wards of Chancery, who learn they are potential heirs to a vast fortune. As they learn more about their prospective windfall, they quickly find out that their destiny is at the hands of a shady legal system. Notwithstanding, the two orphans, particularly the young and naïve Richard Carstone, become entangled in a colossal protracted legal battle for their fortune, known as "Jarndyce & Jarndyce".

But at the root of the story is another orphan, Esther Summerson - poor and plain, trustworthy and kind - whose unknown descent proves to be entwined with the cool and aloof Lady Dedlock, a rich noble woman of 'dubious breeding'. The story unfolds further as Esther, and the young wards of court, Ada and Richard, are sent to live with a kind-hearted and benevolent guardian, John Jarndyce. While developing a deep love for Esther, which is truly touching and yet ultimately abandoned, John Jarndyce harbors a deeply unsettled past which inevitably comes to light.

Dickens ambitious "Bleak House" has fast become a personal favourite, and is a masterpiece that can be enjoyed over and over again - and has been, for generations.

I would never have tackled this novel if my daughter hadn't given it to us for Christmas and kept asking if we had read it. So when we needed a good book to read aloud in the spring, my husband and I began Our Mutual Friend. What a treat! I am amazed by any novelist's ability to create an array of characters and circumstances and then weave them all together in surprising ways. Dickens not only does this with great skill; he is also a caustic satirist of great humor, an absolute genius of character study, and a spirited social critic to boot. When the wicked finally get their comeuppance, those who apply the verbal medicine do so with an articulate fervor that is deeply satisfying. Not always an easy read, this book is definitely worth the effort.

This is a remarkable view of 19th century England with a gigantic cast of characters. If you want to understand history, develop your mind, improve your writing, and increase your vocabulary read this 1300 page novel with authentic pen and ink drawings. If you want to enjoy a good story with multiple plot lines, read this. I plan to re-read this book. Those who like Downton Abbey will like this.

Dickens' classic famously begins with, "I am born," and instantly we are emotionally bound to this unfortunate youth, David Copperfield. The author relates his tale from a tragic childhood to a shaky adolescence with such lavish detail that at times, you don't want him to grow up. The themes are familiar at first: an English boy attempting to transcend the suffering brought about by a controlling stepfather, a cruel headmaster and personal tragedy. What is exceptional are the many characters we are introduced to along the way. Peggotty is a solid, loyal, unwavering presence in Copperfield's life. Mr. Micawber, often a comic relief that drifts in and out of the story, undergoes a dramatic transformation by the end of the novel. Ham, Traddles, Betsey Trotwood, Uriah Heep, all are as unique as their names. Dickens is so good at developing rich characters, it's a real pleasure to imagine their mannerisms and hear their voices in your head. There is a great deal of hope in David Copperfield that lifts your spirits as you read, although the narrator's life is far from perfect. When he realizes, as an adult, that someone very close to him will soon be gone, he cherishes her all the more. When Copperfield mourns, we mourn with him. And when he recovers the will to live, our faith in humanity is restored! I so greatly enjoyed the emotional ebb and flow of this book that it may be my new favorite Dickens novel. The end is rich with irony, payoffs and catharsis. I cried all kinds of tears completing David Copperfield. But, overall, was left feeling, more than anything else, satisfied.

The title character, his mother and sister are thrown on the mercy of a cruel uncle when Nickleby senior dies penniless. In true Dickens style, there are many memorable characters, good and bad, and a very evil villian with dark secrets. Parts of the novel are more Picaresque than the typical Dickens, with Nicholas stumbling from one adventure to another in the English countryside as the danger of his Uncle dragging Nicholas' sister into his dark schemes increases. I do love the movie adaptation, by the way, but this one gives you the full effect, including the very real abuses that were being performed by the Yorkshire schoolmasters of Dickens' day.

- Paul Race, School Of The Rock

In this novel, Dickens takes us to the years just before & during the French Revolution of 1789, building a story that revolves around London & Paris. Dickens knew how to put together a page-turner. Many of his novels were first printed in sections at weekly intervals, and sold for a penny each installment, so the story had to have strong "what happens next" elements.

But what sets Dickens apart is his depiction of the social strata. In France it was aristocrats & downtrodden; in England it was the middle & working class (or more accurately if metaphorically white & blue-collar workers). Jerry Cruncher, bank messenger, part-time grave-robber & part-time bodyguard adds to the collection of wonderful Dickens characters. So does the banker Jarvis Lorry, a confirmed bachelor, "man of business" & wise old bird who shows almost despite himself the need to give & receive emotional comfort.

In our world of the ultra-rich 1% & the other 99%, a new revolution may be brewing. As inhumanity breeds inhumanity, so love, service & even sacrifice need to redress the balance. "A Tale of Two Cities" is also a story of today.

I debated whether to buy this or not. The description said for a 2-4 grader so that seemed pretty simplistic for me. On the other hand the length seemed too long for a little kid. I enjoy reading at night, but honestly I'm usually so tired I can only get thru a couple pages. I just read Robinson Crusoe which is fairly long and it took me a couple months to get thru it. So I was thinking this might actually fit my desire for a fun read, something not too long for night-time reading, and be a classic that I never actually read. I got the book and again had second thoughts, but after starting to read it I think it fits my needs perfectly. They kept enough of the original book that it flows nicely and I can get thru it in a reasonable amount of time.

If you are looking for the original version this is NOT it though!

Bleak House is my favorite novel by Charles Dickens. I enjoy his mix of emotions, mystery, love, whit, greed and humor. The book basically reads itself, it is fast paced and full of intricate plot twists and sub-plots. The novel centers around the famous trial of Jarndyce and Jarndyce and two young orphans whose fate and fortune may depend upon the trial. The fate of young Esther Summerson is also centered around the story and this young brave heroine quickly works her way into our hearts. Dickens does an excellent job of blending his wide range of characters together to create a Gothic classic.

I had high expectations for this mini-series, and I was very excited when I learned that Andrew Davies was involved. I have enjoyed all of his mini-series including Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility. I was extremely interested to see how he would capture the voice and tone of the novel and connect all the plots together into a short mini-series. Even though this mini-series is a longer one there is not a wasted minute. It moves fast and keeps the spirit of the novels. The casting is magic and I love Gillian Anderson as Lady Dedlock, she was a true ace. The plots blended together perfectly and even if it did not follow the novel totally, I thought it was faultless. If you enjoyed the novel or are a fan of British mini-series this one has something everyone will enjoy.

Having never rad this one before i decided to tackle it.....about 7 years ago. I started reading it on my phone, about 4 phones ago and was only reading it at appointments in the waiting rooms. I have kept up the tradition and have finally finished. Even though it took such a long time I really enjoyed the book. I would recommend Dickens to everyone who enjoys a good story.

Charles Dickens is arguably one of the best at using the power of the story to attack injustice in society. The BBC is arguably one of the best at turning a novel into a miniseries for TV. Combine the two and you have BLEAK HOUSE. The injustice in this case is the legal system that was known for dragging out the settlement of wills and estates until there was nothing left for the rightful heirs. The story begins in the Court of Chancery where the lawyers would meet regularly to give the court updates on their cases and get their fees approved. The heirs would be there, also, in hopes of some good news about their case, only to hear that 'progress was being made' and here's your invoice for services. The case in the story is Jarndyce and Jarndyce, a very large estate that has been contested for decades because there is a dispute over the will. Many have been ruined by the cost of the suit and many have given up, including John Jarndyce, an independently wealthy heir. He brings into his household a young man and woman, orphans and cousins, who are heirs and still hopeful of a settlement. Along with them comes a young lady who will be their personal attendant. From there the story takes many twists and turns as the lawsuit 'progresses' and so do their lives. It takes you from the country estates of the aristocrats to the squalid slums of the homeless as the plot emerges and expands. You experience the entire social strata of England during the story and how they are affected by the law. The acting is superb as well as the costumes, the music and the sets. It is 7.5 hours long so it is a commitment to watch but yet you can hardly stop watching. It is well worth the investment of time. A great story told by some of the best in the business. If you enjoyed the high quality of the HBO mini-series on John Adams,[...]

mystery, murder, sex, sorrow, joy...AND you also get Dickensian humor, and castigatingly vivid view of Jolly 'ol England. And its not the Disney view of society at all....So I laughed, I cried, and came to the same realization as when I read this book in 6th grade.......All governments are bad when left to their own devices, and mankind can easily devolve into it's lowest common denominator, or rise to the highest pinnacles of Angels. It is a long read, but Dickens weaves the lives of his myriad characters together, with some happy endings, and some sad. It is worth reading again, and worth pondering the parallels of our own society, and how close we are coming to the same end.