Little Dorrit (Barnes & Noble Library of Essential Reading)

Another great Dicken's classic!

I first encountered Charles Dickens in high school. My first Dicken's book was A Tale of Two Cities. This book made a lasting impression in me of the gifted writer's genius and ability to reach the heart with a great story, masterfully told. After I read this book, I felt encouraged to find other books by Dickens, and through the years have worked my way through most of his titles.

Dickens will challenge you. His books are not "light reading". But if you devote yourself to reading them, you will find rich rewards. His pace in introducing characters is slow and he seems to savor the development of his characters. He takes the time to flesh them out and to slowly build suspense and curiosity in the reader's mind of the fate of his heroes and heroines. I have found that it takes me about 1/3 of the book before I am fully acquainted with the full cast of characters and their place in the story. But this slow development is to be savored and enjoyed, rather than fought.

As you read, you will find yourself learning a good deal of classical literature and how well read the typical 19th century reader was! I found the end notes very informative, and book marked that section of the book for easy reference as I read. In doing so, not only did I enjoy the story, but I enhanced my education as I read. In addition, I often referred to the list of characters in the front of the book, as some of the more minor characters take some time to get to know.

Little Dorrit is a story that enchanted me. I found myself taken a way to a world of debtor's prisons, family obligations, love, humor, and intrigue. I got angry at some characters, and longed for others to be rescued. Mysteries drove me forward through the book to find their solutions, and in the end, I was very satisfied. This book made me think, and I know I am the better for having read it. Although Little Dorrit was not my favorite of the Dicken's novels, it is a strong book that I will read again, which, for me, is the mark of a truly good book.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Intriguing and intellectually challenging

I had watched the PBS mini series of Little Dorrit and found I had many questions. So, I decided to read the book in order to discover the answers. I had forgotten how challenging and involved Charles Dickens writings are! I did get my questions answered. This is a book which needs to be read slowly with time in-between to digest what has been read. The characters are very complex and sometimes the reader is mystified as to how all of the characters might eventually tie together. I did enjoy the book.

6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens is Anything but Little

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It is a true Dickens style, incorporating multiple twisted plotlines and then somehow tying it all together at the end. And of course, the memorable characters make the novel even more enjoyable. Amy Dorrit is one of the sweetest characters in literature. And who can forget Mr. Arthur Clennam, Little Dorrit's love interest who takes particular care of the Dorrit family by trying to discover the secrets behind why Mr. Dorrit is in debtor's prison. Edmund Sparkler adds a humorous flavor to the story as the good-for-nothing, says nothing of consequence husband of Amy's older sister, the irrepressible dancer, Fanny. The gentle Plornishes bring to mind the Macawbers of David Copperfield. While the book is indeed long, it nevertheless is worth reading. Whether it is a rainy day outside or one just needs a way to escape, Little Dorrit is well worth the time. After reading the book, I recommend also watching the movie, which is as beautifully created as the Dickens novel.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

I love this Book!!

I watched the Masterpiece DVD that came out and loved it so much I had to read the book. I loved the books just as much as the movie. It is a great read. It kept me occupied while I had a bad cold. You should also watch the movie. :)

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Very good, but challenging

There is no question that this is an incredibly well-written book: An amazing narrative, well-developed characters, and psychological insight rarely seen in other books. I found that there were a couple challenges for me: This book is extremely long, and the plot has a tendency to be tedious in places to this post-modern reader's mind. In spite of that: it's a must-read.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Good classic Dickens

Some of the descriptions about the government offices were a little long and rambling, but that is the point. I just skimmed them and got on the the charming story!

contains NO INTRODUCTION as advertised

Classic Dickens style, I enjoyed the book. A bit disappointed that this Nook version does not actually contain the introduction that it claims.

A true Dickens classic!

You won't be disappointed. What a 'picture he paints' about a family's experiences when the father is thrust into prison as a result of an incurred debt during the 19th century. Other characters add to the mystery, as well. It is interesting to additionally discover that those in the financial world were as deceitful,then, as some in today's modern world and how their greed affects others. Read the book, then watch the movies (earlier version with Sir Alec Guiness, a later version with Matthew McFadden).

My favorite Dickens book

I absolutely loved this book - by far the best Dickens novel I have read to date. It kept me interested right from the start, and continued that way throughout. Highly recommended; especially if you enjoy "Jane Austen" style novels!

The good book

It's it a good book

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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