Bleak House

 

****

strong PG 

{BSt} {L} {SM}

Easily Recommend

First, let me address this cover!  Isn't it beautiful?  I ordered this specific one from Amazon and when it came in a soft mailer, and was therefore, a little beaten up, I attempted to return it and receive a new one.  It was one of those rare occasions when you are given a refund and told to not return the item.  I decided I could live with a few bumps and bends :)  Also, just to clarify, this is the unabridged version.

I don't think I've ever before given a book with so many counts against it an "easily recommend".

However, this is Charles Dickens.  The Backstory {BSt} is not presented in detail, nor glorified, the Language {L} is pretty much the Lord's name used in the British way (which I still don't appreciate, but for some silly reason, is more acceptable in my mind than an American author using it) and finally, the Subject Matter {SM} is just heavy...Victorian London...

I have to say that I did watch the BBC miniseries (2005), which I also recommend, which inspired me to read the book.  Knowing the storyline beforehand was immensely helpful to me in understanding what was going on in the book.  I thought repeatedly how if I was going blind into reading it that I was sure to have been very confused.

That said, I love the storyline...all the side plots and interesting characters...there are so many!

It is a deep and meaningful book that your mind continues to dwell upon long after the fact.

It did take me several months to read as I was in and out of it and reading other books along the way, but I am glad I pushed through all 649 pages :)

If you have the time to devote to this one and don't mind some heaviness, it is a beautiful book and I highly recommend it!