Dickens - what should I read?

[2022HereWeCome]

I've never ever read any Dickens (despite watching loads of BBC dramas of Dickens novels). What should I read and why? I don't mind a lengthy, sprawling saga.

Wondering about Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities or Bleak House? Or if there are better Dickens out there?

I love Oliver Twist, Bleak House, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield and Great Expectations best...that doesn't narrow it much though does it!

Of all, I think Oliver Twist the best but the others are magical too.

Great Expectations is a really good one to start with - not too long and full of memorable scenes and characters. Bleak House is also fantastic but much longer.

A Christmas Carol is a good starting point at this time of year.

It was David Copperfield that made me fall in love with Dickens, closely followed by Great Expectations

The old curiosity shop is fantastic. Oliver Twist may be a good starter though.

Oh 'the old curiosity shop' I'd forgotten about that. And 'David Copperfield.' Oh no, it's suddenly got more complicated

Ah start with A Christmas Carol. It really is stunning, and it's the perfect time of year.

It's a good gateway into the others....

Christmas Carol for Christmas, then a Tale of Two Cities- my two favourites.

@Blerg

A Christmas Carol is a good starting point at this time of year.

This

My favourite is David Copperfield closely followed by Great Expectations, but I haven't read them all. I find that the film and tv adaptations never get Dickens' sense of humour right.

A Christmas Carol
Oliver Twist
To start with.

Hard Times is often overlooked. Not one of his best, perhaps, but interesting and quite short.

And then on to Great Expectations.

Do NOT read Little Dorrit...

@FlowerArranger why not Little Dorrit?

I tried to read Bleak House after watching the BBC adaptation. Nearly killed me. Avoid.

Following.... great thread, thank you.

Great Expectations is the best one for a beginner. Then move onto David Copperfield and Bleak House.

Christmas Carol is a bit preachy and lacking in the humour of some of the others. And Tiny Tim gets right on my nerves!

My favourite is our mutual friend, but I agree, A Christmas Carol is great to read at this time of year x

I loved Bleak House and Little Dorrit!!!

It's not just because it's Christmas - but A Christmas Carol is actually really good (I say "actually" not to doubt the genius of Dickens but because I'd only previously seen the Muppet one!)

David Copperfield is my favourite

I have to admit I've always been put off 'A Christmas Carol' because of the thousands of TV / film adaptations (I exaggerate but you know what I mean).

Doesn't help that I'm coveting the penguin clothbound editions. After years of using an e-reader, I've found myself purchasing actual books again because I like looking at them ...

@2022HereWeCome
Penguin Clothbound Classics are lovely books. I prefer the Everyman's Library hardbacks tho - better fonts and paper. I spend far too much on fancy books...

My favourite is Bleak House, followed by Our Mutual Friend. I also enjoyed Hard Times.
Can’t stand Tale of Two Cities, and don’t think I’ve ever read Oliver Twist

Great Expectations is the only Dickens I’ve read and I loved it. Should read some more really. My Dad had read lots and says his favourite is The Pickwick Papers.

I've just finished great expectations free audio book on Spotify

I love A Christmas Carol. I’m about to start Bleak House on audible read by Miriam Margolyes. I think it’s 43 hours…

Our Mutual Friend!! It is my absolute favourite and skewers society, is funny and tragic and just weaves everything together so beautifully. The others pale in comparison!