This is an excellent, third novel, by Charles Dickens. Mr. Dickens writes very lengthy novels by modern standards. They tend to explore social injustice and are laced with ironic humor. There is also occasional great emotion and pathos. Mister Dickens has the ability to make me, as a reader, identify with characters, to like some and also not like others.
This particular story is about a young man, the title character, and his family, following the death of his father. Nicholas Nickleby is a fine and honorable young man, who is a true gentleman and also possesses both moral and physical strength. He only displays the latter when necessary and appropriate, otherwise he appears to be a meek, kind, gentle spirit. After his father dies he undertakes to take care of the rest of his family. The story is about all of the characters,, the good and the miscreant, and all of the adventures and misadventures that he encounters.
As I understand it, this novel was published in a serialized format over many months. My Kindle version has, I believe, 65 chapters, some of which are quite lengthy. I read the book and listened to an audiobook narration simultaneously. The audiobook was narrated by Simon Vance. His work was excellent and added much enjoyment. I read about a chapter a day and it took about two months. Speaking for myself it was well worth it. At the same time, I am quite sure that its length will not suit the tastes of some readers.
I have read numerous works by Mr. Dickens and am now trying to read all of his worksn order. The setting is contemporary London of the author's day. This novel fits the pattern of wry humor and observations about social injustice in contemporary British society. Mr. Dickens combines a host of skills. He writes beautifully of natural scenery. He also is able, at times, to evoke great emotion. There is a scene in this novel wherein a fine young man dies. It is extremely well written and poignant. While painful, it was beautifully written and may have been my favorite part of the novel.
There is also a chapter wherein the characters stop at a public house for a night and the various guests spin tales. The chapter almost seems to be a non sequiiter. What it reminded me of, stylistically, is a Victorian era version of "The Canterbury Tales". I do not know for sure if that was the point or not.
There is also a part of the story wherein a character conceals himself in a room whilst a malevolent conspiracy is being conceived of. This was a device that Shakespeare employed at times. An example of this that comes to mind is Polonius in "Hamlet". Again, I do not know if Mr. Dickens was paying tribute to Shakespeare or not at that point.
In summary, this is a very fine novel that is of great length. When I speak to modern readers it is very clear to me that some do not wish to read something of this length. In that regard this novel will not fit all modern tastes. Speaking for myself, I enjoyed it very much and Charles Dickens has become one of my favorite authors. Thank You...
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Kindle Customer
A fascinating story of medeival times
Reviewed in India on December 17, 2023
Paul Douglas Lovell
Finished this comfortable read
Reviewed in Germany on June 17, 2021