Any Friend of Nicholas Nickleby is a Friend of Mine...So,?

Question

--what's your favorite by Charles Dickens? Why?

Answer 1

The Christmas Carol! It was the first and the most influential Dickens novel I read. I remember being introduced to it when my third-grade teacher showed the class the B&W movie. Man, but did those rattling chains unnerve me! Then I got the book and read it. What always got me was the part where Scrooge sees his pauper's funeral. I'd re-read that over and over again, and couldn't tear my eyes away for the morbid fascination that held me captive. That was when I decided I wouldn't be like Scrooge when I grew up, so intent on making and saving money that I lost sight of what life really meant. A great lesson learned from a great book.

Oliver Twist I shall always remember as my companion throughout my chicken pox days. Or rather, one of my many literary companions. It was enjoyable, and I suspect that's largely from a desire on my part to read about someone in a more piteous condition than I was in. Not a very noble motive for wanting to read a Dickens novel, I'll admit. I like it well enough, but for a one gripe - the sentimentality and the fact that I don't get to see Oliver grow up. When I got to the end, I was half-stunned and disappointed to see him whisked away in a flurry of feminine arms and tears. What a letdown.

Of the other Dickens novels, I've only read David Copperfield. I really ought to get started on the rest. Next up on the Dickens reading list - the Pickwick Papers!

Answer 2

Probably "Our Mutual Friend." I like the somewhat more realistic approach to the story (as compared with stories like Nicholas Nickelby or Martin Chuzzlewit). Also, the characters are so dynaminc!

Answer 3

I was in the Nicholas Nickleby play when I was younger...

Answer 4

My favorite would have to be Oliver Twist - followed closely by 'A Christmas Carol. Pax -C

Answer 5

My favorite is Oliver Twist.