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"Generally considered," used in the context of critical evaluation to label an author's work, can be a hindrance, a burden. "Barnaby Rudge" has worn that tag in the Charles Dickens canon for a long time: as in, generally considered the least-liked and, hence, the most neglected of the author's work. For me, that designation is unfortunate and, well, not accurate. Though it hardly can be lumped in with Dickens' very best work, the novel certainly is not my least favorite (that would be "The Old Curiosity Shop"), and of the 11 Dickens novels I've read so far, probably four I enjoyed less than "Rudge."
Dickens here goes back more than 60 years to 1775-80, the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots ('80) the centerpiece. You wouldn't dream of the historical-novel aspect of "Rudge" for the first third, however. There's nary a hint that the riots would ever appear, and the book is instead up to this time a rather lean, very effective look at young people, their loves (or not; you might have to wait for it) and the machinations of their families. The shift to a socially relevant, historical tone is jarring, and when that happens the book becomes far less consistent, though its highs — the various riot scenes contain some of Dickens' best writing — are very high indeed.
The lack of a true main character — though this isn't the only Dickens novel with this flaw — doesn't help, and though there are nice touches all around and things are wrapped up satisfactorily, the conclusion lacks excitement and the plot after the riots are over does limp a little. And the constraints of the times don't allow Dickens to really get to the bottom of the Protestant-Catholic animosity.
But I've got to bump this up to four stars; "Barnaby" has been held down so long he deserves an arm around his shoulder. Though many people consider "Martin Chuzzlewit" or even later novels to be the beginning of the more mature Dickens, that might just start right here. And if you're seeking out this book (it's the toughest Dickens novel to find), make sure you get an illustrated version. I think "Rudge" was the most-illustrated (70-plus, I think) of Dickens' novels. The latest Penguin edition — as usual — is a great choice.
Dickens here goes back more than 60 years to 1775-80, the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots ('80) the centerpiece. You wouldn't dream of the historical-novel aspect of "Rudge" for the first third, however. There's nary a hint that the riots would ever appear, and the book is instead up to this time a rather lean, very effective look at young people, their loves (or not; you might have to wait for it) and the machinations of their families. The shift to a socially relevant, historical tone is jarring, and when that happens the book becomes far less consistent, though its highs — the various riot scenes contain some of Dickens' best writing — are very high indeed.
The lack of a true main character — though this isn't the only Dickens novel with this flaw — doesn't help, and though there are nice touches all around and things are wrapped up satisfactorily, the conclusion lacks excitement and the plot after the riots are over does limp a little. And the constraints of the times don't allow Dickens to really get to the bottom of the Protestant-Catholic animosity.
But I've got to bump this up to four stars; "Barnaby" has been held down so long he deserves an arm around his shoulder. Though many people consider "Martin Chuzzlewit" or even later novels to be the beginning of the more mature Dickens, that might just start right here. And if you're seeking out this book (it's the toughest Dickens novel to find), make sure you get an illustrated version. I think "Rudge" was the most-illustrated (70-plus, I think) of Dickens' novels. The latest Penguin edition — as usual — is a great choice.
