Play Book Tag discussion

Starting with this book may not be the best way to get into Dickens. I'm glad it wasn't my first Dickens book because it might have put me off reading more of his work.

The story has a lot of characters, and some have similar names. There's a mystery with surprising twists. I really cared for the main characters and was quite satisfied with the ending. While subplots are not very important for the story development, I liked reading about side characters as well, (view spoiler)[especially when Mr. Fledgeby got what he deserved (hide spoiler)]. Dickens' witty comments on different topics made the story even more enjoyable.

One thing that bothered me, though, was Jenny Wren calling her dad "her son," (view spoiler)[and Bella doing the same with her father after getting married (hide spoiler)]. That was rather strange.

Nice review, Diana! I am planning to read all of Dickens' catalogue, and this is one I have yet to get to - maybe next year. I know it's quite an undertaking.

Joy D wrote: "Nice review, Diana! I am planning to read all of Dickens' catalogue, and this is one I have yet to get to - maybe next year. I know it's quite an undertaking."

Are there some of his books that you liked a lot?

Diana wrote: "Starting with this book may not be the best way to get into Dickens. I'm glad it wasn't my first Dickens book because it might have put me off reading more of his work.

The story has a lot of char..."

I think "old son" is/was a term of endearment used for anyone male, regardless of age or relationship. Can one of our British members clarify that?

This is one of Dickens I have not read but mean to. I do enjoy Dickens, submerging myself into his world.

Right now I am contemplating a reread of Bleak House as I have this case that my legal team and I are referring to as the one in the book, Jarndyce v. Jarndyce. It might turn into a group read!

Diana wrote: "Are there some of his books that you liked a lot? ..."

Yes! My favorites are:
David Copperfield *
A Tale of Two Cities
Great Expectations *
A Christmas Carol *
Bleak House (though this is another very long book)

* = These are the ones I recommend for those just getting started with Dickens.

I also liked but maybe not quite as much as the above:
Oliver Twist
The Pickwick Papers

I do love the classics, and Charles Dickens is one of my favorite classic authors, so I am a bit biased.

Another book I can recommend that helps understand Dickens' personal life experiences (that shaped his novels) is:
Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World

Joy D wrote: "Diana wrote: "Are there some of his books that you liked a lot? ..."

Yes! My favorites are:
David Copperfield *
A Tale of Two Cities
Great Expectations *
[book..."

Wow, what a list! Thanks for sharing, Joy. I've only read David Copperfield and Oliver Twist, the latter being the one that made me fall in love with Dickens
I think I'll give Great Expectations a go, see if I like it more than Our Mutual Friend