When his father dies suddenly, Nicholas Nickleby must decide on his future. Unfortunately, he has very few prospects. Luckily, his Uncle Ralph has pulled strings at a school called Dotheboys Hall and Nicholas is hired on as a teacher. However, the naive and kindhearted Nicholas discovers the headmaster is a malicious bully who treats the boys in his care abominably. Should Nicholas tough it out or seek his fortune elsewhere? Reprint.
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When his father dies suddenly, Nicholas Nickleby must decide on his future. Unfortunately, he has very few prospects. Luckily, his Uncle Ralph has pulled strings at a school called Dotheboys Hall and Nicholas is hired on as a teacher. However, the naive and kindhearted Nicholas discovers the headmaster is a malicious bully who treats the boys in his care abominably. Should Nicholas tough it out or seek his fortune elsewhere? Reprint.
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I adored this book. Yes, it's long, with lots of characters, and plots, and side trips. But it's got delicious villainy in it, and equally delicious come-uppances, and unlikely heroes, and humor, and fun, and pathos.
Wonderfully memorable characters will get under your skin and stay with you forever. Who will ever forget Smike, and think of him without choking up just a little? Or Sir Mulberry Hawke, and thinking of him without a shiver of disgust? Or the Squeerses, and think of them without wanting to laugh and puke all at the same time? Or Newman Noggs, and think of him without cheering his heroism?
I've already written that Our Mutual Friend is my favorite Dickens novel. This comes a very, very close second. But be sure to get an edition (like the New Oxford Illustrated Dickens series) that comes with a list of characters, so you can keep them straight -- you'll need it!