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Original poster

If I were to read Charles Dickens, which book should I start with?

39 replies

UnderRated · 12/07/2008 01:54

I have tried and failed to read a Tale of Two Cities.

So, what should I tackle next. Or should I just not bother?

OP posts:
wheelybug · 12/07/2008 14:56

Great thread - have been wondering the same recently. My grandfather loved Dickens and I have some of his old books here (not v. readable so would actually have to get new ones to read).

I read Mr Pip recently so fancy giving Great Expectations a go. My Mum has recently started reading Dickens and has said they are relatively easy to read because they are in short chapters (because I think they were initially serialised in newspapers...).

Let us know how you get on.

mackerel · 12/07/2008 09:42

I thought that Bleak House was fab. Give it a few chapters and you'll be hooked.

AbbeyA · 12/07/2008 09:39

I would go for David Copperfield.

pluto · 12/07/2008 09:38

Great Expectations - then read Mr Pip by David Lloyd

Stargazer · 12/07/2008 09:36

Great Expectations, followed by Oliver Twist, Tale of Two Cities - then roam!! Enjoy

castlesintheair · 12/07/2008 09:32

I wouldn't bother. You either love Dickens or you don't imo. I've only read Bleak House and I am a English Lit graduate. Why don't you try some 18th century comic novels? Not that I'm a fan or anything ...

plumandolive · 12/07/2008 09:24

I loved Bleak House.

mamablue · 12/07/2008 08:10

Great Expectations is a good one to start with in my opinion.

Sobernow · 12/07/2008 07:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bloss · 12/07/2008 07:08

Message withdrawn

alipiggie · 12/07/2008 03:22

David Copperfield - brilliant book. Go on UR you can do it. Then Our Mutual Friend, then Bleak House. I love Tale of Two Cities, but then I'm rather Dickens freak. On a totally different note read

The Tale of Despereaux. It is the most adorable Children's book I've ever read. We're totally loving it.

Original poster
UnderRated · 12/07/2008 03:09

Ok, will try Oliver Twist in a couple of weeks when I have recovered from my most recent attempt. Then I'm giving up for good, I think. I don't think I was destined to read Charles Dickens

OP posts:
suzywong · 12/07/2008 02:13

yes, I've heard to start with OT as well
I loathe Dickens, mightily put off it by having to do Little Bleeding Dorrit for A Level. And the fact he was a wifebeater.

Good Luck

thumbwitch · 12/07/2008 02:00

Oliver Twwist - it's the only one I read and understood.