7 Best Dickens Novels Reviewed for 2024: Top Picks
Choosing the best Dickens novels is a tricky task, but we love the challenge! We focus on gripping plots, memorable characters, and the charm only Charles Dickens can deliver. We explore stories that transport us from grimy streets to grand estates, all while revealing deep truths about society. So grab your reading glasses and let’s explore these timeless tales!
On this list:
7 Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
We chose ‘Oliver Twist’ for its memorable characters like the sneaky Fagin and the innocent Oliver. The dramatic tale of a young orphan navigating the dark alleys of London never gets old. Plus, it has that one famous line: ‘Please, sir, I want some more.’ Yeah, we all tried that line on our moms at dinner time. Spoiler: it did not work.
6 David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
Of all Dickens’ works, ‘David Copperfield’ feels the most like an autobiography. This book showcases Dickens’ skill in blending humor, drama, and pathos. Through David’s life story, readers experience the highs and lows in a rapidly changing world. We also love how Dickens inserts a sprinkle of hope even when things look bleak.
5 Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
The classic tale of Pip, an orphan with big dreams, makes ‘Great Expectations’ a must-read on our list. The story’s twists and turns kept us guessing, and Miss Havisham still haunts our nightmares! Plus, we learned not to judge people by their appearances, because Magwitch certainly surprised us.
4 Bleak House by Charles Dickens
‘Bleak House’ is Dickens at his most intricate. It tells the tale of a messy lawsuit that entangles many lives. We love its critique of the legal system, which still rings true today. Plus, the spontaneous combustion scene is both terrifying and fascinating. Dickens wasn’t just wordy; he was also ahead of his time.
3 A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Set during the French Revolution, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ has that famous opening line we all know by heart. But it’s not just quotable—it’s packed with suspense and sacrifice. Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton make us reflect on the duality of human nature and the spirit of redemption.
2 Hard Times by Charles Dickens
In ‘Hard Times’, Dickens takes a critical look at the industrial revolution. We dig how he contrasts fact-focused education with the plight of the working class. Coketown, a grim fictional place, sticks with us as a symbol of the era’s harsh realities. It’s a short but punchy novel, perfect if you’re busy juggling work and family.
1 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
We’ve picked ‘A Christmas Carol’ as the best of the best Dickens novels. Why? Because it is timeless and reminds us of the true spirit of giving and the power of transformation. Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from miser to kind-hearted old man brings out the Christmas spirit in the grinchest of us. We also love the ghosts—it turns out, sometimes the spookiest fiends are our own past mistakes and what we might become. Plus, it’s a quick read, so you can squeeze it in between decking the halls and wrapping presents. This book owns December!
