Charles Dickens’ „David Copperfield“ is often hailed as one of the greatest novels of all time, and with good reason. Its blend of autobiographical elements, vivid characterizations, and sweeping narrative make it a cornerstone of Victorian literature. However, the novel is not without its flaws and complexities, which invite both admiration and critique.

One of the most remarkable aspects of „David Copperfield“ is Dickens’ talent for crafting memorable characters. From the ambitious and charmingly flawed Steerforth to the ever-optimistic Mr. Micawber, the cast is rich and varied. However, some characters border on caricatures, such as the villainous Uriah Heep, whose sycophantic behavior can feel one-dimensional. While these larger-than-life portrayals add humor and drama, they occasionally diminish the emotional nuance of the story.

The central theme of personal growth and self-discovery resonates deeply, as David navigates love, loss, and identity. His relationships, especially his complex bond with Steerforth, subtly hint at feelings that could transcend friendship. Though Dickens never explicitly addresses LGBTQIA+ identities — unsurprising given the constraints of his era — there’s an undeniable tension in their interactions. David’s admiration for Steerforth is described with an emotional intensity that suggests an undercurrent of romantic or unspoken desire. Similarly, the devotion of characters like Miss Mowcher or Agnes Wickfield occasionally blurs the lines between conventional expectations and more fluid interpretations of love and loyalty.

The novel’s pacing, however, can be uneven. While the early chapters brim with charm and the warmth of David’s childhood, the middle sections occasionally meander. Dickens’ tendency to moralize — common in Victorian literature — can feel heavy-handed, particularly when addressing themes like ambition, duty, and domesticity. Modern readers might find this preachiness dated, though it offers a window into the values and anxieties of the 19th century.

„David Copperfield“ is undeniably a masterpiece, yet its brilliance lies as much in its ambiguities and imperfections as in its strengths. Dickens’ ability to evoke complex, sometimes hidden emotions allows readers to find layers of meaning, including interpretations that may align with LGBTQIA+ perspectives. Whether intentional or a product of the reader’s lens, these moments add depth and relevance to a story that continues to captivate audiences today.

I think this is a good book overall, but I think the format of the book as a whole novel doesn’t do it any favours. One can tell that this was meant to be read over various instalments, more like an episodic thing than one concise novel. in order to finish this book in a timely manner I had to force my way through it, and I believe I would have enjoyed it more over a longer period of time. An interesting book, but be warned that it is an investment of time.

I cannot believe I actually finished this one AND enjoyed it so much. I had attempted to read it back in 2018 but ended up putting it aside because I couldn’t get through it. I’m so glad I gave it another try! 

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One thing I can’t get over is how readable Dickens is! I didn’t struggle with understanding the language at all. I also sometimes struggle with the classics on audio, and that wasn’t the case for this one either. I was very easily able to flip back and forth between print and audio. 📖🎧 

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The characters MAKE this book. They are fun, intriguing, lovable, and funny. Dickens does a great job writing a variety of characters. Since this is, simply put, a story about a man’s life, the life events felt realistic and balanced—I felt it matched life’s ebbs and flows. I was also impressed that so many aspects of this story are still relatable, even so many years later. There is some truth that the important things in life don’t change. 

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One thing I was both surprised and impressed by was Dickens’s inclusion and representation of characters with disabilities and mental illness. The way he wrote these characters was revolutionary, given the time period. His focus on their humanity, kindness, and unique gifts/insights is absolutely beautiful. 

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Finally, reading this story got me thinking  about what it would be like to write my own life story—Who would the “main characters” be? What events would be most noteworthy/worth including? Definitely something interesting to think about. 

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If you’ve been feeling intimidated by this one or have set it aside for later, I strongly encourage you to give it a try—even if you read it over a long period of time (it took me a month to get through). I’m so glad I was able to experience and enjoy this one prior to reading Demon Copperhead (which I am planning to read this fall)! 

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Like many people, I returned to David Copperfield because of Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead. I first read this story as a teenager but enjoyed it much more on this return visit. I loved the first person narration and found the book much funnier than I expected. As with most Victorian novels, the culture of the time is reflected and the languages used to describe people is often prejudicial read today. However, the character of Copperfield does challenge many of the values of the time for example, by questioning the treatment of women of the effectiveness of the prison system.