Which Dickens?

[delphinedownunder]

I have never been able to read Dickens and it's time to try again. Which one would you recommend?

I loved Great Expectations as did my old dad...he has "what larks, PIp, what larks" on his gravestone.
Loathed Hard Times.

Favourite is A Tale of Two Cities.

I highly recommend 'Great Expectations'. It is a beautifully written story which really grabs you and takes you on a fascinating journey. It's like taking a time machine back to the 1800s as you become so immersed in the story.

I think the problem with some Dicken's books is that they were written in the form of series which were published in journals. The first parts would be published before the book was even finished. Its comparable to publishing an author's first draft, instead of the third or fourth draft which has been edited by the publisher. For this reason my copy of Nicolas Nickelby could do with some some serious editing! If you fear reading Dickens, it might be worth looking abridged versions of his books.

However, the fact he could produce such wonderful stories under those circumstances is testament to his genius.

I absolutely love Dickens! Have read Great Expectations, The Old Curiosity Shop and a Tale of Two Cities. My favourite (and best one to start, I think) is Great Expectations.

I personally found Tale 2 Cities hard going, but I got there in the end. Old Curiosoty Shop made me sob at the end!.

I am now going to order a load more of his books based on all your recommendations - thanks!

DashingRedhead. I thought the casting of Ruth Jones as Flora Finching in Little Dorrit was spot on.

ooohhhhh

can't wait

www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2064629/GREAT-Expectations-Gillian-Anderson-leads-star-cast-BBCs-festive-adaptation-Charles-Dickens-classic.html