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Charles Dickens (1812-1870) – a genius with a difficult fate. He was born into a family of servants, but any aristocrat considered it an honor to shake his hand. His name stands next to such giants of English literature as Shakespeare (1564-1616), Swift (1667-1745) and Chaucer (1343-1400). Dickens’ literature is read and re-read avidly, and especially enterprising people find new, previously unnoticed meanings in his works between the lines.
Despite the complexes and the bitter fate of his wife, Charles Dickens continued to create. Later, in the last years of his life, the classic of world literature fell in love with reading his works aloud, besides, he always gathered huge halls of spectators. They left the theater having received great pleasure from meeting with the English genius, and he, in turn, never skimped on the feelings and his energy with which he conducted readings.
With the literature of the writer, of course, everyone should familiarize themselves. Who knows, maybe in our list of the best works of Charles Dickens you will find a good book that will brighten up your leisure time?
10 The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Charles Dickens bookThe Mystery of Edwin Drood“will help you immerse yourself in a mysterious, gothic world, where all the characters are unusual and curious, and the humor is so elegant that you want to absorb it into yourself and learn how to speak like the characters from the book. This is the last and unfinished work of genius.
Rosa Bud and Edwin Drood have been engaged since childhood, but they can’t do anything about it. They do not have any feelings for each other, however, Uncle Edwin has them – for Rose. John Jasper is in love with a girl, he wants to kill his nephew and marry Rose. Further, it is even more interesting – visiting sister and brother appear in the town, and Nevil falls in love with Rose at first sight …
9. Great expectations
Books like “Great expectationsIt is useful to read from time to time for everyone. The novel, written in the XNUMXth century, has not lost its relevance in our modern times thanks to the problems that Dickens raises in his work.
On the pages of the work there are two heroes: he is a boy from a poor family who got a chance to “break out into people” and she is a beauty who grew up with the idea of breaking men’s hearts. The story is classic, with only one difference – the actions for it are Victorian locations and fantastic landscapes. “Great Expectations” is a kind of message from Dickens, who mentally pats the reader on the shoulder, reassuring him: “Not all dreams come true … But maybe this is normal?”
8. Haunted House
Houses are different: empty, with people, put up for sale … And often they are filled with ghosts, and this serves as an interesting topic for creating films and books. Work “Haunted Housenot so much scary as funny and light. Therefore, if you are a coward, there is no need to be afraid!
A young Englishman, by chance, learns about a gloomy mansion where ghosts live. There is something terrible going on! The last tenants ran away, leaving everything they had there. The ghosts are divided into zones: the Hooded Woman appears in one of the bedrooms, and the Swamp Fever Ghost lives in the other bedroom. What is happening in the attic adds gloominess to the picture: bells are ringing there! Anyone will be horrified … The young Englishman is too educated to believe in all sorts of nonsense. He decides to make sure that he is right and settles in the Haunted House, and the next morning, instead of his reflection in the mirror, he sees someone else …
7. Our mutual friend
Charles Dickens had a talent for twisting the plot and intertwining the fates of the characters in such a way that it becomes unclear where is what. Readers of Dickens are always intrigued – perhaps the genius just had such a goal when writing “Our mutual friend“?
England 1860s. The country has learned to appreciate the origin and pedigree, as well as along with this a strong character and enterprise. However, as you know, everything has a reverse, one might say, a shady side – London aristocratic salons were flooded not only by businessmen, but also by dubious nouveau riches … Against this background, the adventure story of the “millionaire scavenger” unfolds.
For your information: Readers recommend paying attention to details from the very beginning. They will help you figure out what’s going on.
6. History of David Copperfield
One of the most popular novelsHistory of David Copperfieldis largely autobiographical. Consonant with the childhood of Charles Dickens. The work tells about the life of Copperfield, starting from birth. In his childhood there were few joys, but many difficulties. But with the support of loved ones, to the delight of readers, he found his happiness.
The story begins with the birth of David. His father died before he was born, and his mother married Mr. Murdstone. His relationship with the boy has always been strained. After the death of his mother, his stepfather sends David to work in his manufactory, and one day his trustee goes to prison. David decides to run and look for his grandmother in Dover. He succeeds, and the grandmother takes the young man under her protection.
5. Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club
One of the brightest novels of the English writer “Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club” was repeatedly filmed, and one of the filmmakers even managed to convey the atmosphere of the book well. The British series of the same name received high ratings, the 1st season of which was released in 1985.
At the epicenter of the comic epic – Don Quixote – the eccentric and sweet Mr. Pickwick. This hero, like the author himself, had enough amazing twists and turns in his life, including spending time behind bars and staying in inns …
Interesting fact: The Pickwick Club elevated Charles Dickens to literary heights. This novel opened the way for him to a brilliant career. If you purchase a printed book, you will also have the opportunity to slowly look at fascinating illustrations.
4. cold house
New Year’s holidays are approaching,cold house”- a work of 1 pages can be considered as a gift for a close reading person. What could be more pleasant than sitting by the window on a frosty day, immersed in the world of the Victorian era?
The main character of the novel is the girl Esther. From the pages of the diary, the reader learns the intricate story in which she became involved. Orphan Esther is constantly torn between duty and feeling, and there is also a criminal line in the plot – many sudden deaths can stun and cause tireless sadness …
3. Christmas stories
In Dickens’ popular work “Christmas stories» there are philosophical notes, and the aura of magic and folklore details can captivate the whole family! A good book is one that brings people together. Christmas is a magical time when any miracles become possible!
The old miser gets into an exciting adventure. It changes his life… Also, the chemistry teacher is a witness to fantastic events. After meeting with a mysterious wanderer, as if under the influence of a magic wand, the grumpy spouse also changes. The work tells about many heroes who prove that magic exists!
2. Hard times
There is the wisdom of the mind, and there is the heart. Without the first it is tolerable, but without the second it is unbearable … “Hard times“- a novel in which Dickens demonstrated all the vices and delusions with his innate talent. He talked about lies, arrogance and delusions, and with great warmth about the working class. After the books of Dickens, I want to ask myself: “What am I really like?” A rare author is capable of such magic of the word.
The main events unfold in Cockstown in England, where the destinies of people from different walks of life and their interests are intertwined. Tom Gradrind – the owner of the school, takes the daughter of a clown – Sessie into the family. The girl has a good heart. Tom’s eldest daughter, Louise, helps the weaver Stephen Blackpool, who is accused of a crime committed by her brother. Sliri – the owner of the circus, saves Louise’s brother, who was put on the wanted list …
1. The Adventures of Oliver Twist
«The Adventures of Oliver Twist“- the second novel of the genius of the word Charles Dickens, and the first in English literature, the main character of which was a child. Oliver began his triumphal march around the world in 1837 and continues to this day.
The story of a boy who became an orphan captivated many readers. An orphaned child was forced to wander through the London slums. The vicissitudes of fate, unforgettable meetings and happy endings of dangerous adventures aroused the interest of readers from all over the world. The details of the little boy’s life and the nightmares of his childhood are reinforced by Dickens’ thoroughness. Much has been torn out by the author from his own life, since he knew firsthand what hunger and poverty are.