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A review by midwifereading
The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens
4.0
The more Dickens I read, the more I want to read. He is quickly taking his place as one of my top 10 favorite authors of all time. Just like all his books so far, it builds rather slowly, building each character piece by piece and weaving the story in fastidious illuminating detail to a short, satisfying climax. I loved every word.
I appreciated the picture of codependency and addiction in Nell's relationship with her grandfather, and how that plays out to the very end. The impact it has on their lives, as well as the lives of those they love. I enjoyed the evolution of Dick Swiveller's character from an insipid fop to a man of character. I relished a feeling of rightful hatred for Quilp, the villain. And Kit - dear, loving, kind, honorable Kit! Yes, he's a bit idealistic, to be sure, but I appreciate that in a story sometimes. It's nice to have someone to look up to in fiction without any disclaimers necessary. He has no dark side, though he has weaknesses and flaws. I loved that.
The whole story moved me from page to page. Though there are many wonderful books written and being written now, I still glory in the old ones. I don't know why. I just do. They are classics for a reason.
I appreciated the picture of codependency and addiction in Nell's relationship with her grandfather, and how that plays out to the very end. The impact it has on their lives, as well as the lives of those they love. I enjoyed the evolution of Dick Swiveller's character from an insipid fop to a man of character. I relished a feeling of rightful hatred for Quilp, the villain. And Kit - dear, loving, kind, honorable Kit! Yes, he's a bit idealistic, to be sure, but I appreciate that in a story sometimes. It's nice to have someone to look up to in fiction without any disclaimers necessary. He has no dark side, though he has weaknesses and flaws. I loved that.
The whole story moved me from page to page. Though there are many wonderful books written and being written now, I still glory in the old ones. I don't know why. I just do. They are classics for a reason.