Amazing. A Tale of Two Cities yet again listed as an also-ran. Like Chuzzlewit, I’ve read all of Dickens numerous times (and still struggle to remember lesser characters’ names!). And, although TTC isn’t my favorite (that’s Bleak House), it is the most notable. No other English writer at or near the time (and I can’t think of any Americans) dared reveal the French Revolution and its aftermath for what it was—a senseless, endless bloodbath that had nothing to do with liberte, equalite, fraternite and everything to do with greed, envy, hate, and, of course, distribution of wealth and state-sponsored atheism. And from the bloody mess of that revolution comes Sidney Carton, drunkard, jaded lawyer, and the very essence of heroism. Maggie Thatcher understood this.
Dickens scholars regard ATOTC as one of his worst novels along with Barnaby Rudge.
It’s very hard to decide on a favorite Dickens book for me. I think it’s Little Dorrit - No, Bleak House - No, Nicholas Nickleby - No, David Copperfield :)
” ‘Anywhere! I’m a-going to seek my niece through the wureld. I’m a-going to find my poor niece in her shame, and bring her back. No one stop me! ‘ “
Mr. Peggotty is maybe my favorite serious character. I think he’s symbolic.
But I _really_ like Newman Noggs a lot.
Little Dorrit I have in an antique form. Also have antiques of David Copperfield, in more than one volume (as a set). Little Dorrit is a great character.
I think David Copperfield isn’t the only one that brought tears to my eyes; I think I cried when I read “Tale of 2 Cities” and “Little Dorrit” and “Oliver Twist” too — But David Copperfield is the one that has made me cry several times!
Am glad that I was familiar with the character of Steerforth, so that when I finally ended up going out into the big city on my own, I was able to identify people like that, and (hopefully) stay away from them — Not to mention Uriah!
I love it when Aunt Betsey (Betsy?) saw Uriah and said “Don’t be galvanic, sir!” and asked what was the matter with him.
” ‘I ask your pardon, Miss Trotwood . . . I’m aware you’re nervous.’ “
Mr. Micawber is great.
“He’d write letters by the ream, if it was a capital offense!”
Think I’d better stop now ... :)