Hard Times by Charles Dickens

Hard Times

Charles Dickens with Karen Odden

316 pages • first pub 1854 (editions)

fiction classics reflective slow-paced

Description

"My satire is against those who see figures and averages, and nothing else," proclaimed Charles Dickens in explaining the theme of this classic novel. Published in 1854, the story concerns one Thomas Gradgrind, a "fanatic of the demonstrable fact,...

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Community Reviews Summary of 4,335 reviews

Moods

reflective 64%
challenging 43%
dark 31%
sad 30%
emotional 27%
funny 20%
informative 14%
tense 13%
hopeful 11%
inspiring 6%
adventurous 5%
mysterious 5%
lighthearted 4%
relaxing 4%

Pace

slow 61%
medium 34%
fast 3%

Plot- or character-driven?

Character: 46% | A mix: 37% | Plot: 14%

Strong character development?

Yes: 64% | It's complicated: 23% | No: 12%

Loveable characters?

It's complicated: 42% | No: 39% | Yes: 18%

Diverse cast of characters?

No: 66% | Yes: 15% | It's complicated: 11% | N/A: 5%

Flaws of characters a main focus?

Yes: 81% | It's complicated: 11% | No: 5% | N/A: 2%

Average rating

3.29

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Content Warnings

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