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The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens - 4* - My Review

Dickens’s first novel published in nineteen monthly installments over the course of 1836-1837. It is a story of the adventures of a group of friends in the English countryside. The protagonist is Samuel Pickwick, wealthy founder of the Pickwick Club. They travel by horse and carriage, overcome obstacles, and engage in comedic capers.

This serialized novel provided a primary form of entertainment, a mix of comedy, drama, and soap opera. It is amazing that this was Dickens’ first effort (at age twenty-four!) We find some inklings of content for future works. It was quite the sensation at its time of publication and showcases Dickens’s writing talents. It is long, but easy to digest in one or two chapters at a time. I enjoyed it immensely.

“I shall never regret having devoted the greater part of two years, the mixing with different varieties and shades of human character. Frivolous as my pursuit of novelty may have appeared to many, nearly the whole of my previous life having been devoted to business and the pursuit of wealth, numerous scenes of which I had no previous conception, have dawned upon me and, I hope, to the enlargement of my mind and the improvement of my understanding.”

This is quite entertaining on audio. A lot of the humor is still applicable, such as the fellow who says he is great at every sport, and of course he is a disaster. There is at least one TV series done I think by BBC which you might find at your library or on YouTube.

There are some stories sprinkled within the narrative, including one which is the precursor to A Christmas Carol. Because it came out as a serial, Dickens was able to adapt the story as he went along. Sam Weller was supposed to be a passing character but he was so popular that Dickens made him a regular, just as on TV series today.

Robin P wrote: "This is quite entertaining on audio. A lot of the humor is still applicable, such as the fellow who says he is great at every sport, and of course he is a disaster. There is at least one TV series ..."

Thanks for the info, Robin. I'll see if I can find the BBC version. I always enjoy them. You're right. The humor is still relevant. I really love Dickens. I decided to read this one after loving Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World. Plus, I saw Theresa had nominated Dickens for the WPF challenge, but he got cut by the randomizer.

Kateloves2read wrote: "I am adding this to my TBR.

I have only read two books by him and this needs to change asap!"

Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

One of Dickens' work I have not read. Love your review.

Thanks! It's a good one, Theresa. I am sure you would enjoy it.