I think I can safely say that after A Christmas Carol,
Nicholas Nickleby is my favorite Dickens novel! I thoroughly enjoyed this one,
although I wasn’t sure I would. Just goes on to show that you should never be
prejudiced about anything! Nicholas Nickleby is part romantic adventure and
part satire, and you’ll find yourself laughing in quite a few places!
Nicholas is a regular guy, a young man who is honest and
loyal, but who also has a bit of a temper! He has to support his mother and
sister after his father dies, leaving them in debt. His relations are mean, and
Nicholas doesn’t seem to find a job he likes either. Yet, you can’t help
rooting for him, probably because he’s quite likeable, and also because we’ve
all been in similar situations. Trying to find a job when you don’t have too
many influential friends or relatives for support; not having a place to call
home; facing all kinds of abuse at the work place – it’s all there in the life
of Nicholas Nickleby. But there is an unmistakable optimism about the fellow,
and it keeps you invested throughout.
There is a whole array of supporting characters, and each of
them has their own peculiarities. Dickens doesn’t go into elaborate
characterization, but each person has his or her place in the story. His
typical writing style is also perfect for the genre. Here’s a sentence about a
cruel, one-eyed schoolmaster: “He had but one
eye, and the popular prejudice favour runs in favour of two.” Yes, that
should give you a feel of the book!
Incidentally, this schoolmaster is based on a real person,
although not many of the characters are autobiographical. There are many
references to human nature, and you can’t help but smile at some of the ironies
that existed then, some of which still exist today! If you ask me, Nicholas
Nickleby is a book you can enjoy in any era!
4 comments
I haven't heard of this title before. Sounds like a feel good kind of book. Nice review.
ReplyDeleteIt most certainly is, Rajlakshmi! Do give it a try when you have the time!
DeleteCharles Dickens isn't my favourite but this book review makes me want to revisit him. Will hunt for this book in my attic and read it again. BTW Am enjoying your posts which take me back to my school days .... almost like a school reunion
ReplyDeleteAww, thank you! I'm thoroughly enjoying doing this series too - it's brought back many lovely memories!
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