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Nicholas Nickleby

I was reading this novel on my own using Kurzweil Classic Literature -- this is a program that reads the text aloud to me while the actual word is highlighted, so you get both visual and audio stimulation at the same time --  I actually liked this setup, and found that it made me pay closer attention to the different writing styles of different authors. This novel came into circulation about the same time as Hardys', but Dickens' novels were much more popular and universal. They were widely read by boys and girls alike. This particular novel was no exception! It is the epic tale of one boy, and the struggles he must endure throughout his life in order to achieve happiness.

There are so many great characters in this novel. Dickens is a master when it comes to character development. Mrs. Nickleby is so hilarious, and when you read some of the stupid things she says, you just want to roll your eyes at her naivety. She is so oblivious, and thinks everybody is madly in love with her, including the crazy old man who keeps throwing vegetables over the fence. They are offerings to his beloved, and it is this huge conspiracy to say that he is crazy, because after all, these accusations are only made by greedy relatives who want to inherit all of his money. And the suitors hitting on her beautiful daughter are really interested in the mother because they look more like sisters than mother and daughter. This whole tale is full of wonderful characters that help Nicholas through many obstacles, so in a way, I could relate to this story.

I loved the Yorkshireman, and Mr. Squeers, the phenomenon, Spike, and of course, we cannot forget the villain, Mr. Nickleby. This novel had everything from humor to injustice to tragedy and the eventual happy ending where love conquers all, and good overcomes evil.

Outstanding book! I really was not impressed at all by the movie, but at least it inspired me to read the book, because "the movie had great potential to be an amazing book!" So at least the movie got me to read a great book!