61 pages 2 hours read

Charles Dickens

Nicholas Nickleby

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1839

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Nicholas Nickleby follows the struggles of young Nicholas after his father's death, as he tries to support his mother and sister in a deceitful world. Sent to work at a cruel boarding school, he rescues mistreated Smike and confronts his ruthless uncle Ralph. Eventually, Nicholas finds success and reunites his family, exposing the greed and corruption of Victorian-era institutions. The book depicts child abuse, sexual harassment, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Nicholas Nickleby is celebrated for its vivid characters and intricate plotting, showcasing Dickens' social critique and humor. Critics applaud its emotional depth and compelling narrative. However, some find the many subplots can feel cumbersome, and the resolution somewhat contrived. Overall, it's often considered a masterpiece of Dickensian literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Nicholas Nickleby?

Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens appeals to readers who enjoy Victorian literature rich in social commentary, humor, and intricate plots. Fans of Dickens' Oliver Twist or Thackeray's Vanity Fair will appreciate the vivid characterizations and poignant critiques of societal injustices. Ideal for those captivated by moral complexities and 19th-century settings.

RecommendedReading Age

14+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

British Literature

Period

Victorian Period

Victorian Literature / Period

Themes

Relationships: Family

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Values/Ideas: Power & Greed

Topics

History: World