Hard Times: Charles Dickens

Sorry I don't have a synopsis for this book. My copy didn't have one and I don't feel right stealing one from online.

This wasn't really the first book I wanted to review for 2011, but school started and I've had to put down my initial choice... I suppose you lose all right to choose when you sign up for a heavy course load!!!

Anyway, I read this book for my 19th Century European History class. I was a little put off by the introduction in my edition, which stated that this was Dickens' longest and most difficult to read work... Yeah. That's really going to set me up to enjoy it.

Needless to say, I read it anyway. I struggled with the dryness in the first book (the novel is comprised of three), but it got better the more I read. English history has always intrigued me, so that probably had something to do with my slowly blossoming enjoyment. I was impressed at how much I felt for the characters--whether it was disgust or sympathy. It seemed that there was not a single character that I could feel apathetic toward. The descriptions were so rich and eloquent, it was difficult not to include entire paragraphs in my analysis on the book when I finally wrote my paper.

I believe part of my interest in this novel stemmed from the fact that I love reading modern works of fiction set in this time period. It was fascinating to see a view of the period outside of the rosy glass normally used by fiction authors--at least the ones I've read.

I wish I could give a more thorough review, but it would seem I am all "Dickensed" out. This is one that should be read by English and History majors alike for it's eloquence, language, characterizations, and blunt portrayal of Industrial England.