This one was my least favourite of all of his Dickens' work that I have read so far.

I think Dickens started so many threads that it became sort of messy. There were just too many storylines going on at once, and it was hard to keep track of them all.

I loved reading about a lot of the characters, but they just disappeared for the longest times from the narrative. It was really frustrating, like with Jo Willet. One minute he was there, and the next he was gone for what felt like ages.

And it took its sweet time to get where it was going. The pacing was really slow in parts, and I found myself getting impatient.

Although there were SO many interesting things in this book, it felt choppy at times. The transitions between different scenes and storylines weren't always smooth, and it made the reading experience a bit disjointed.

I'm just glad Dickens decided against writing a trial for Barnaby at the end. He loves to include trials in almost all of his books, and I was ready for this one to be over. I think it would have just added more unnecessary drama and drawn out the story even further.

3.5 stars
I still firmly uphold the statement I made to my best friend when I was approximately 100 pages into the book. It felt as if simultaneously nothing and everything was happening. It was distinct from my other Dickens readings, yet I relished it nonetheless. Not nearly to the extent of "The Pickwick Papers" or "A Tale of Two Cities," but this is Dickens we're discussing. I simply ADORE him.

The writing and the scenery were truly magnificent. I adored them to a great extent. I considered the writing to be among his finest, and I truly wished I had a time machine so that I could transport myself to 18th-century London. The gothic, eerie, and spooky London during the 'No Popery' riots in 1780 is my passion. And it occurred about 9 years before the French Revolution, which is my favorite era in history.

The issue I had with this book pertained to the characters and the plot. I do appreciate that my edition of this book had a list of characters prior to the novel (it truly saved me), but I still became lost, and it took me around 300 pages to catch up and figure out who was who. I believe the problem was that the story, at least in the beginning, was following an excessive number of characters, and they had nothing to do with each other (at least in the first third of the novel). The constant switching of the characters' points of view also confused me, and the development of some of them was not as I had expected. Conclusion - TOO MANY CHARACTERS

The plot was simultaneously dull and thrilling. As I mentioned above, it felt as if everything and nothing was happening at the same time. I couldn't engage with it until I was past the halfway point of the book, and that presented a problem for me. I did love the endings that some of the characters received, but I was confused by others.

My favorite character - Miss Miggs. My beautiful, precious, and ingenious Miggs was my favorite. After Barnaby's raven Grip, of course. The only flaw she had was liking Simon Tapperpit. I simply detested him.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this, but not as much as some of his other novels. I am reading more of him next month, and I am really excited about it. "Bleak House" is the perfect Dickens for October. It is giving me such Halloween vibes. Right?

5.0 Stars
It feels rather strange to finally be done with this book, having read it as part of a group, eight chapters per week. But here I am, finished at last, and quite sad to see it removed from my nightstand.

What an amazing story this is! In many ways, it can be considered an epic. It is quite long, complex, and filled with numerous characters and a great deal of action. There are at least 25 characters in this book who play either a main or a significant supporting role in the story. And the last two-thirds of the book are filled with intense action, including kidnappings, riots, physical violence, fires, mass death, executions, great escapes, betrayals, treachery, and the wanton destruction of property. However, the story takes place almost entirely in London and Chigwell. So perhaps the limited geography would prevent the term 'epic' from being fully applied.

The first third of the book is dedicated to setting up the story and getting to know all the characters. And there are indeed many of them. Sometimes, characters disappear from the story for several chapters at a time. Even the book's namesake, Barnaby, is absent from the story for a while during the second third.

The second third of the book focuses on setting up and initiating the events of the Gordon Riots. It introduces the characters who are crucial to these events and begins the treachery that ultimately leads to the most tragic of outcomes, chaos, and destruction.

The last third of the book is taken up with the riots in full force, the government's intervention that brings them to an end, and the aftermath of the riots for all the characters. Several of the main characters do not survive until the end of the book.

I think one of my favorite aspects of this book is its title. For Barnaby Rudge is not a powerful figure, not a leader or the originator of the events in the story. In fact, Barnaby is a happy-go-lucky, kind, gentle, and simple man, with a mental handicap and a childlike character. He lives with his mother, leading a poor and simple life. He is easily influenced, however, and gets caught up in the events of the larger story quite innocently, without any hint of guile or malicious intent.

It's hard not to love Barnaby, though. So perhaps that's why Dickens named the book after him, even though other characters are the ones who drive most of the action.

Barnaby has a pet raven called Grip, and Grip is with Barnaby throughout the story. The raven is extremely intelligent and can even talk. And I don't know... in some way, it seems to foreshadow that this story will not be a uniformly happy one.

I can easily envision myself returning to this story again in the future. I think I like Great Expectations slightly more because it is funnier. But this is a very solid story and will likely end up among my favorite Dickens novels. I already prefer it to Oliver Twist.

Barnaby Rudge is regarded as an "idiot" by his mother. In Dickens's era, mental issues were labeled in such a way. However, it doesn't carry the same meaning as it does today. Rudge, who has the mind of a child and is dearly loved by his mother, enjoys playing games and engaging in pretend wars. He also spends time with his only friend, a Raven named Grip.

He gets caught up in riots, putting himself at risk of execution, yet he doesn't fully understand the gravity of the situation. Dickens describes this in a manner that elicits worry and instills a sense of fear for an agonizing ending. The descriptions of violence are quite shocking, especially when considering the time period and Dickens's works in comparison to others I have read.

It makes one wonder about the social and psychological context in which Dickens was writing and how he was able to capture the essence of such complex characters and situations. Overall, Barnaby Rudge is a fascinating and thought-provoking novel that offers a unique perspective on the human condition.

All the elements were there,

but somehow the Dickens magic was missing.

Perhaps it was the pacing, or the lack of that certain je ne sais quoi that makes Dickens' works so truly special.

Still, it is of course worth a read.

The highlights being the sinister hangman Dennis, whose presence looms large over the story,

Miggs, with his strange and somewhat comical ways,

and the vivid descriptions of the riot.

These elements manage to hold the reader's attention and make the book an engaging if not entirely magical experience.

It's a reminder that even when a work doesn't quite reach the heights of its author's best, there can still be much to enjoy and discover within its pages.

Barnaby Rudge holds a significant place in Dickens' literary oeuvre as it is the first historical novel he penned, with A Tale of Two Cities being the other. Dickens, known for his prolific writing, only wrote two historical novels, and Barnaby Rudge stands as the first and the more somber of the two. It is his fifth published novel, and the story is firmly set during the Gordon Riots. A substantial portion of the book meticulously details these riots, creating a dark and dismal backdrop against which Dickens weaves a complex tapestry of love, loyalty, and unresolved mystery.

The story of Barnaby Rudge is undeniably grim. While some might attribute this to the setting of the Gordon riots, I believe it is a deliberate choice by Dickens. By choosing this particular setting, introducing an overwhelming number of villains, and allocating a considerable amount of space to violence, Dickens has consciously set out to create a dark ambiance. The reading experience through such a bleak environment is far from easy or pleasant. I, for one, struggled to push past certain segments.

The narrative of Barnaby Rudge unfolds through three distinct threads: the riots, two love stories, and a mystery. Each of these threads has the potential to pique the reader's interest on its own. However, the seamless merging of these separate stories into one coherent storyline leaves something to be desired. At times, the connections between the different threads seem loose, causing the story to feel disjointed. This is a surprising departure from Dickens' usual style, as he typically manages to tie all his separate threads into a tight and coherent knot. It seems almost negligent on his part. Instead of focusing on the combined effect of the different storylines, Dickens appears to have been more interested in indulging in the creation of his individual stories. Nevertheless, Dickens remains a master storyteller, and he manages to engage the reader's attention sufficiently. The fast-paced nature of the story also helps to maintain the reader's interest.

Dickens has populated Barnaby Rudge with more villains than in any other novel of his that I have read. I was unprepared for the sheer number of antagonists in one book, and it was not a pleasant experience. While there are some good characters in the story, with the exception of Gabriel Varden and George Haredale, the other good guys lack the strength of character to counterbalance the villainy of the bad guys. Although the good guys ultimately prevail, the evil presence of the bad ones looms large over the story, creating an uncomfortable reading atmosphere.

Despite these flaws, Dickens' writing style remains intact. His trademark attention to detail ensures that he brings the characters, the setting, and the intensity of the actions to life with remarkable precision. In this regard, Dickens does not disappoint. It is this precise description of characters, incidents, and events that makes the story so intense and real, at times even unbearable and revolting. However, there are some loose ends that Dickens fails to tie up, and some questions that remain unanswered. This is unexpected, as Dickens is usually meticulous in his endings.

In conclusion, Barnaby Rudge is the darkest Dickens novel I have read. It is filled with violent events, has an abundance of villains, and offers little to cheer the reader. It was not a particularly enjoyable read, although I did find some parts interesting. In my opinion, Barnaby Rudge does not showcase Dickens at his best. It is one of his weaker novels. However, if you have an interest in its historical settings, do not let my review deter you from giving it a try. More of my reviews can be found at http://piyangiejay.com/.

Even in a lesser-known work, Dickens is a master.

I had no prior knowledge of this novel and had to rely on Google as I read: who is Lord George Gordon? What are these riots about? etc.

I find Dickens' two historical novels fascinating as both are set in the late 1700s and deal with periods of profound civil unrest, mob violence, and questions of power, religion, and class. Dickens was clearly intrigued by these issues, and I love that he explores them through these two novels written almost twenty years apart.

Although I adored A Tale of Two Cities, in some ways I loved Barnaby Rudge even more. It's longer, allowing Dickens the luxury of setting the stage in the first half, which provides more room for profound character development.

Spoilers follow, beware.

In the introduction, the writer noted that Dickens' original title was Gabriel Varden instead of Barnaby Rudge, but over time, the story evolved for the better. I love Gabriel Varden as a character; he's a new favorite. However, having the developmentally disabled, free-spirited, kind, and innocent Barnaby at the heart of the novel is a perfect vehicle for questioning mob mentality. Barnaby gets swept up by circumstance and one of the novel's villains, Hugh, into joining the Protestant mob. Although Barnaby himself doesn't commit any violence or property destruction, he is still taken by the authorities and nearly hanged for his "role" in the riots. His vulnerability is a major concern for Dickens. While a mob may have legitimate concerns for justice and the proper use of power, it inevitably consumes the vulnerable and becomes an instrument for destroying its own ends. I believe it's Gabriel who comments towards the end that good ends must always be pursued by good means. I think both of Dickens' historical novels explore these questions profoundly and are relevant to some of the biggest questions of human life throughout the ages.

I'm increasingly coming to think that the way to be a good person, to be Christlike, and to counteract the worst in human nature is to care for the vulnerable. And since being human means being vulnerable, it also means learning that even the villains are vulnerable and mourning their loss of innocence. Hugh is fascinating in this regard. He's undoubtedly a villain, yet his complexity as a character speaks to the heart of the novel. In one sense, who can blame him for his violence? Abandoned by his father and the son of a hanged mother, Hugh is left on his own as a child. Nature vs. nurture: could the vulnerable Hugh have become something much more if he had been loved and cared for? Absolutely. Even in his final moments, there is a nobility about him. Dickens compares him to a prophet as he calls for vengeance against his father (which comes true in the end). Although his death is just, it is also mourned. He is contrasted with the hangman, Ned Dennis, who lacks any scruples and stabs Hugh in the back. Dennis, along with Sir John Chester, is one of the most villainous characters due to their complete selfishness, cowardice, and lack of care for others. Indeed, not only that, but their knowing actions directly lead to the harm of others.

To balance these characters, there is a host of others who are comic and lovable, comic and absurd (Miss Miggs and Simon Tappertit), and noble-hearted. I must give a shoutout to John Willet. Dickens has great fun describing his slow-moving mind and body; he's a great comic character, and we feel sorry for him as the Maypole is coming down around his ears (so to speak). His relationship with his son, Joe, is irksome, but I love that Joe does what he needs to do to be a man. At first, I thought Joe was just going to be a comic character, but he actually has a compelling character arc that ends satisfyingly. He's one of my favorite characters, and I love that we're reintroduced to him in the second half with some mystery. I'm still surprised by how small a role Edward Chester and Emma Haredale play. They are definitely secondary to Joe and Dolly's characters, yet their cross-religion romance and how their guardians, Sir John and Mr. Haredale, treat it is at the heart of the novel's conflict. England is a Protestant country that is uneasy surrounded by Catholic countries. England's own history as a Catholic-country-turned-Protestant haunts it.

I really enjoyed Mr. Haredale's character. In many ways, he's a tragic figure because of the murder of his brother and the years of bitterness he's endured. Since he's also Catholic, he loses a lot in the riots. He finally defeats his long-time enemy, but the many shadows of his life still linger. In contrast to Mr. Haredale is the lovable Gabriel Varden with his uber-Protestant wife and servant (Miss Miggs), his coquettish, beautiful daughter Dolly, and his rascally apprentice Simon Tappertit. Despite this rather uncomfortable domestic situation, Gabriel is consistently noble-hearted as the family patriarch. 'Patriarch' is such a controversial word today, but when there's a husband and father who looks out for the good of everyone connected to him, including Barnaby and Mrs. Rudge, I'm happy to use 'patriarch' to imply all that is best. Gabriel and Dolly have a lovely father-daughter relationship, and Gabriel's refusal to open the lock of Newgate Prison even as he's forcibly carried there by the mob is heroic. Similarly heroic are his efforts to secure a pardon for Barnaby, so that the reunion of mother and son is one of the most joyful moments in the novel.

After the chaos of the riots (much of which I read quickly as it was a bit much for my sensitive soul), the return to domestic harmony for the core characters at the end is most welcome and a delightful way to end the novel. I'm so glad I read this and highly recommend it.

The more I think about this one, the more I am convinced that I truly did love it.

It's a feeling that has been growing stronger within me as I reflect on it.

Every time my mind wanders back to that particular thing, a warmth spreads through my heart.

I can recall the details with such clarity, as if they were etched in my memory forever.

The way it made me feel, the emotions it evoked, were like no other.

It was a unique experience that left an indelible mark on my soul.

Whether it was a person, a place, or an event, it doesn't matter.

What matters is that I had a deep and profound connection with it.

I will always cherish the memories and the love that I had for it.

It will forever be a part of who I am.

Papists. Riots. Fires. Prison-breaking. Murders (various). Abduction. Arrest. Decades-old mysteries. Drunks. Idiots. A locksmith's daughter. An eccentric hangman. Ghosts. Ruins.

A band of disaffected, violent, and pseudo-medievalist apprentices. They escape through the wine vaults. There is gallantry. A one-armed man. Lost. Fled. Found.

Storms. Taverns. Swordfights. Funereal bells. Dark secrets. Disguises. True love. Schemes. Destinies.

And an immortal talking raven. The raven seems to hold the key to many of the mysteries that have plagued this town for decades. It has witnessed the riots, the fires, and the murders. It knows the secrets of the locksmith's daughter and the eccentric hangman.

The apprentices, on their escape, encounter many obstacles and adventures. They engage in swordfights in the taverns, and are pursued by those who seek to arrest them. But through it all, they remain loyal to each other and to their cause.

True love blossoms between two of the apprentices, adding a touch of romance to the otherwise dark and violent story. Their destinies are intertwined, and they must face many challenges together if they are to have any hope of a future.

As the story unfolds, more and more of the dark secrets are revealed, and the true nature of the schemes and the players involved becomes clear. It is a tale of adventure, mystery, romance, and destiny, all set against a backdrop of chaos and violence.

This was my second time reading Barnaby Rudge, which is perhaps Charles Dickens' least esteemed novel. It is a historical novel set during the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots of 1780, one of the two historical novels Dickens penned (the other, of course, being A Tale of Two Cities).

Dickens had already achieved superstardom with a string of successful works such as The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby, and The Old Curiosity Shop when he published Barnaby Rudge. However, it was a relative failure in its own time and remains so today. Most of those other books were written quickly under the pressure of monthly installments. In contrast, Barnaby Rudge (originally provisionally titled Gabriel Vardon after another character) was written and revised over several years as Dickens aimed for something more significant than his earlier novels, something in the spirit of Walter Scott that transcended mere entertainment.

Indeed, there are certain aspects of Barnaby Rudge that make one cringe. The most significant cringe factor is the title character himself, an "idiot" in Dickens' words, who barely comprehends the world around him and is gullibly swept up by any trickster or mob that wishes to use him, even though he is ultimately simple and kind-hearted. Also cringe-worthy are some of the absurd (and in fact unnecessary) coincidences and the heavy-handed manner in which it metes out the moral fates that each character deserves.

Nevertheless, Barnaby Rudge also features some extraordinary historical scenes that vividly capture how mobs can be incited, grow, and the chaos that they - and their suppression - can cause. It also shows how individuals can be drawn into either side of them. Additionally, it has a number of memorable characters and comic scenes (not least Simon Tappertit, a journeyman locksmith who fancies himself a Napoleonic-like leader of a group of journeymen). And there are some of the usual forbidden and inevitable romances that are truly charming.

All in all, Barnaby Rudge is certainly not among the best of Dickens' works, but it is not the worst either (sorry, Hard Times). It has its own merits and is perfectly good. However, if you haven't read much Dickens, there are approximately ten to thirteen other books that you would want to read before this one.

Barnaby Rudge is a remarkable novel that is set during the Gordon Riots, which was an 18th-century anti-Catholic convulsion that took place in London. What makes this work stand out is that it avoids the mawkishness that is sometimes present in some of Dickens’ other works. Instead, it offers an extra dose of social commentary, providing a fascinating insight into the social and political climate of the time. The villain in Barnaby Rudge is also one of the most urbane and complex characters in Dickens’ oeuvre. I have a great appreciation for Dickens’ works as they allow me to immerse myself in our past. Barnaby Rudge, in particular, is one of my absolute favourites. It not only tells a captivating story but also offers a deeper understanding of the historical events and the people who lived through them.

Just another great novel by Dickens!

Charles Dickens is widely regarded as one of the greatest novelists in English literature. His works are known for their vivid characters, detailed descriptions, and powerful social commentary.

Each of his novels offers a unique and captivating story that transports readers to different times and places. Whether it's the gritty streets of Victorian London or the idyllic countryside, Dickens has a way of bringing these settings to life.

His characters are some of the most memorable in literature, from the kind-hearted Oliver Twist to the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. Through their experiences, Dickens explores themes such as poverty, inequality, and the human condition.

So, if you're looking for a great read, look no further than the works of Charles Dickens. You're sure to be entertained and enlightened by his masterful storytelling.