My summer reading continued this week with Charles Dickens' Bleak House.
This is the first time I've read this one, and now I think it might be my favorite Dickens book. The plot is elaborate and filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Young Esther grows up knowing that she has somehow shamed her mother, whom she never knew. She falls into happy circumstances when a benefactor steps forward to provide for her education and subsequent position as a companion to his ward Ada. This benefactor, John Jarndyce, is embroiled in a lawsuit which has been held up in court for years with no settlement in sight. He is a noble character, like a perfect reformed Ebenezer Scrooge, bent on assisting everyone who comes within his sphere of influence.
The scenes of happy home life are pleasant to read and reveal much of Dickens' sentimental character and ideals. He is merciless with some of the parents depicted, however, and their beastly behavior is shocking and humorous.
Will the lawsuit ever be finished? Will Esther ever discover her true parentage? Will she find love and happiness at last? The ending is both surprising and satisfying. Five stars. A great read.
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7 people stopped folding laundry to write:
I love, love Dickens. I've read many of his novels but I cannot get through Bleak House!! I started it in January and finally let myself drop it because it was hindering my ability to read anything else!!
I think that's one I missed too, I will have to add it ti my list
In the past year I've "read" (actually audio) most of the Dickens books. It started with my desire to re-read A Tale of Two Cities and I realized I had never read anything else of his! The audio is great on these books because it truly gives them that English flare. You should try The Three Musketeers series by Alexander Dumas...or anything by him. He was great!
I miss reading... will do more once the kids are in school. I hope.
I find Dickens a mixed bag. Love some, detest others. Haven't read Bleak House, but it is on my list...
Couldn't find a way to email you, so I'm letting you know that I just awarded the Versatile Blogger award.
Michelle
http://thedesertquilter.blogspot.com
I never could get into this book but last year I listened to it (from Librivox) on my iPod and really enjoyed it! Sometimes I can enjoy listing to books I just can't read...go figure.
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