13 Best Dickens Novels to Read in 2025
Our pick for best dickens novels starts with Great Expectations. Packed with memorable characters, it delivers humor and lessons effortlessly.
Best Dickens novels have thrilled readers for generations. We handpicked 13 gems for our list, focusing on irony, humor, and Dickens’ knack for social commentary. Each book brings unforgettable characters and gripping plots. Get ready to explore Dickens’ world with these classics.
On this list:
13 Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
We love this book because it has a little bit of everything—adventure, humor, and a hint of mystery. Plus, who can resist a kid asking for more gruel?
12 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
This book has it all: drama, action, and perhaps the most famous opening line ever. The French Revolution never sounded so exciting!
11 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Who can forget Pip? It’s a coming-of-age story that’s as delightful as reliving our own awkward teenage years, minus the convict encounters.
10 David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Often considered his most autobiographical work, this book is like Dickens himself giving us a peek into his life, with a dash of fiction.
9 Bleak House by Charles Dickens
Bleak House is anything but bleak—it’s a satirical rollercoaster, with one of the lengthiest legal cases to keep you entertained for hours.
8 Hard Times by Charles Dickens
A stark comment on social and economic issues. This book offers invaluable lessons, wrapped up in a story that’s not always easy to simplify.
7 The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens
Originally serialized, this charming collection of misadventures highlights Dickens’ humor and storytelling prowess. Consider it the Victorian road trip comedy!
6 Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens
Never underestimate a book that can make serious societal points and still squeeze in some humor. Nicholas is truly a likable hero for the ages.
5 Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens
Martin Chuzzlewit surely tests patience with its length, but the story’s complexity and rich characters reward those who stick it out.
4 Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens
This one serves up a critique of debtors’ prisons, but in a way that’s surprisingly warm. Amy’s resilience is truly inspiring.
3 The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens
Even unfinished, this is a nail-biter. We’ll forever debate who did what to Edwin, which is what makes this mystery so captivating.
2 Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens
We don’t talk much about this one. But it has its charm, kind of like when you find an unexpected dollar in your pocket.
1 Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
The best Dickens novel, in our humble opinion. The social commentary is timeless. The characters are complex, and the plot weaves intricate threads together seamlessly. With a dark yet hopeful narrative, this novel examines wealth, poverty, and identity, offering insights still relevant today. We relished how Dickens cleverly dissected human nature. The narrative’s depth keeps readers engaged, while the humor balanced the serious tones. Despite its length, every page seemed to pulse with life, making it an unforgettable read.
