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.