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narcolepticbadger's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
"If you're an eel, sir, conduct yourself like one. If you're a man, control your limbs! Good God!" said my aunt, with great indignation, "I am not going to be serpentined and corkscrewed out of my senses!"
Full of what you expect from Dickens -- memorable characters and vivid descriptions of the world they inhabit, by turns full of humor and touching, and all wonderfully written. I loved Betsey Trotwood (an icon!), Agnes, and the Peggottys, and many moments throughout + the last few chapters are excellent; however, there were also long/frequent stretches that felt like a slog to get through, keeping this from being a personal favorite.
"If you're an eel, sir, conduct yourself like one. If you're a man, control your limbs! Good God!" said my aunt, with great indignation, "I am not going to be serpentined and corkscrewed out of my senses!"
Full of what you expect from Dickens -- memorable characters and vivid descriptions of the world they inhabit, by turns full of humor and touching, and all wonderfully written. I loved Betsey Trotwood (an icon!), Agnes, and the Peggottys, and many moments throughout + the last few chapters are excellent; however, there were also long/frequent stretches that felt like a slog to get through, keeping this from being a personal favorite.
oldtraine's review against another edition
3.0
I was disappointed by the lack of plot and very drawn out and meandering end. There are nonetheless some great characters and I love their catch phrases : the Micawbers (Mr .. "something will turn up"; Mrs .. "I will never desert Micawber"), Barkis ("Barkis is willin'.") which on reflection are maybe to remind the reader of the "parts" of the character. Copperfield himself is rather irritating, rarely at fault, and far too accommodating and in most instances accommodated. Dickens dodges direct explanation; it is easy to miss that Dora's death is caused by a miscarriage or that Martha is a prostitute and to misinterpret Copperfield's second marriage, surely a passionless one.
luxrosencrux's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.25
ladyday540's review against another edition
5.0
Read this a second time (first time in high school) after reading Demon Copperhead, and my memory was right - this is a far superior book. Dickens has strong politics and amazing character development, and he doesn’t shy away from real emotion and relationships. The monsters aren’t one-dimensional bad guys, which makes them all the more monstrous. A wonderful read (even though Agnes is kinda boring, but quite 19th century popular novel heroine, so
lelalendo's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
andrewacashner's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
sarathevaliant's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
booksforrachel's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
brughiera's review against another edition
Apparently this was the first novel which followed the life of an individual from birth. David Copperfield, claimed by the author to be his favourite work, does indeed start with the namesake's birth and follows him through vicissitudes and triumphs until middle age. Along the way we meet many memorable characters, and Dickens succeeds in making them more real and familiar to us than many we meet in real life. His observations and the skill with which he depicts individuals are memorable. While some parts of the book are a little sentimental and drag somewhat for the modern reader, what is particularly satisfying is the way in which there are no loose ends. Dickens scrupulously informs us of the end of each significant character from the scurrilous Uriah Heep and Littimer to Little Emily and Mr Micawber. This contributes to the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction one feels on completing the novel.