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lauri1962's review
4.0
Clearly the best in our Dickens group reads so far. Plot cohesive, understandable and with purpose. Less characters (thank goodness), each well-developed in comparison with earlier books.
rbranigin's review against another edition
3.0
not my favorite dickens. it has its moments, but this is pretty unengaging stuff, especially when compared to his best material (ie "copperfield).
marichad's review against another edition
4.0
My first Dickens novel—and I get it now. There are so many fantastically done elements in this novel. The heartbreaking father-daughter relationship. Edith and her feminine rage and pride. All the endearing side characters. Little Paul and what the sea was always saying to him. I could go on.
However, after 3 weeks and 950 pages, with a tear-stained face, I am very happy to say it’s finally over lol.
Actual rating: 3.75
However, after 3 weeks and 950 pages, with a tear-stained face, I am very happy to say it’s finally over lol.
Actual rating: 3.75
erinla42's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mark_b's review against another edition
4.5
Dombey & Son is a long novel, originally published as a serial in 1846 - 1848. Paul Dombey is a wealthy man, the head of a trading house, something like an import/export business, in London. He has high hopes that his newborn son will eventually enter and carry on the family business. As for his daughter, Florence, Mr Dombey is incapable of showing her any affection. Like other Dickens novels, Dombey & Son has many characters. It’s a sympathetic story, and has some soap-opera-like elements. But the characters — most of them, anyway — are complex in a way that is uniquely Dickens. The main themes are class, extreme wealth, poverty, marriage, and cruelty. Redemption, too, but only in the final chapters. The relationship between the rich Mr Dombey and his household servants is prominent. Likewise, Dombey’s relationship with his firm’s employees is a significant plot element. I liked Dombey & Son. Dickens was an amazing writer, and even today, so long after its publication, Dombey & Son is well worth reading.
lexiebear321's review against another edition
3.0
This was phenomenal! The way Dickens made his characters here made me feel extreme emotions from extreme anger to sadness to happiness. Also, the message that Dickens was telling was quite interesting; my theory is that Dickens was trying to talk about how pride can destroy us all and ruin relationships. I would so recommend it!
fletcherflute's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars-
Absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. Amazing characters, moving plot, and fantastic writing. This novel is so underrated and should be considered one of Dickens’ masterpieces. It explores gender in such an interesting way, and the corruption of money and greed. Not to mention one of the most satisfying endings in literature. Cannot wait to reread someday.
Absolutely one of my favorite books of all time. Amazing characters, moving plot, and fantastic writing. This novel is so underrated and should be considered one of Dickens’ masterpieces. It explores gender in such an interesting way, and the corruption of money and greed. Not to mention one of the most satisfying endings in literature. Cannot wait to reread someday.
nd_reads's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
sophmacdonald's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
tmadryga's review against another edition
5.0
I wasn't sure for a little while if I would like the way the book was ending. At first it seemed like it might be unrealistic, with all the problems being solved and everyone being happy. To an extent, it is a happy ending. But certain elements keep it from being an unrealistic happy ending. For one, there is no reunion between Edith and Mr. Dombey, of which I am glad. Additionally, Mr. Dombey loses pretty much everything, but then comes to appreciate his family and his true friends. It is through losing everything that he finally becomes a happy man. The theme of one's possessions not making for a happy person is very similar to that in A Christmas Carol, but Dickens has developed that theme much more in this book. Excellent character development throughout the book. Loved the way the book ended!