bookerino's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Physical abuse, Violence, Domestic abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Kidnapping and Classism
Minor: Mental illness
lazycycle's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Classism, Death, Mental illness, Stalking, Grief, and Physical abuse
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Bullying
sofipitch's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I had to read this in 9th grade and I hated it, but then in 10th grade I read Tale of Two Cities and loved it, so I wondered if maybe I would like this book better once I was older. And while I don't hate it, I still don't get why this is one of Dickens' most famous tales, Tale of Two Cities IS much better.
Moderate: Classism, Physical abuse, and Death
Minor: Racial slurs
littlewagers's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Terminal illness, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Antisemitism, Death, and Death of parent
Everything is very period-typical to a cis-het white man in the 1800's.waytoomanybooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Every character that is introduced is, in some form or fashion, integral to the plot. Even the ones that aren't named (such as Trabb's boy and Aged Parent). All of the characters have flaws and virtues, and there is great contrast between the characters who embrace change and those who resist it. I also liked that every character's arc was tied up by the end of the novel.
I was also surprised to see that Dickens was class conscious and interested in social justice reform! I, again, expected that a nearly 200 year old book would be so sympathetic to less fortunate memeber of society. In addition, I appreciated that there was a conversation about how education, elocution, and fashion all play a role in society's treatment and expectations of a person. It was a pleasant surprise to connect so much with Dickens' social/political views!
In addition to these comparisons of characters individually, it was enjoyable to see how these differences play out when characters are in the same scene together, as well as how each setting affected the way a character felt and acted.
My other favorite aspect was that the main male characters were portrayed as being both emotionally vulnerable and incredibly loving of their friends and family. Male characters having close friendships, male characters being allowed to cry, male characters being allowed to nurse a friend back to health, and male characters being allowed to show love and affection was so refreshing! I can't think of a single contemporary book, show, or movie I've seen recently that portrays that.
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Toxic relationship, and Violence