Well, this is truly a very distinct one. Dickens made the decision to pen a historical novel, which implies that certain events within this novel actually occurred in real life. The sole issue is that the events covered in "Barnaby Rudge" aren't really that well-known anymore.

The novel is set during the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots of 1780. (I mean, everyone has heard of them, right? Right? *crickets chirp*). Basically, there was a series of riots because the Protestants weren't happy (as is often the case). The plot is extremely dry and historical, and at times, it really feels like you're perusing a history book.

The characters are classic Dickensian characters. Just like in "Oliver Twist", Barnaby Rudge is very much a secondary character despite his name being eponymous with the title. This is rather odd, but it occurs frequently in Dickens' works because he likes to allocate practically equal time to each character, regardless of whether they are primary or secondary.

If you haven't read any Dickens before, then I truly wouldn't recommend that you start here. This novel is very different from the rest of his body of work. However, it is a short one that you can breeze through quite rapidly. (I read the majority of this novel in two long sittings). I found this to be good, but I have a hunch that the average reader would find this rather boring. So, read this if you are a Dickens fan because that's the only way you could truly enjoy this novel.

This is not my favorite Dickens novel, yet I truly did enjoy it.

I have a great love for historical fiction, and this particular work was extremely informative.

Previously, I had never heard of the Gordon Riots, so I found this aspect of the story very educational. It even led me to the internet to further expand my knowledge on the topic.

Obviously, this is not one of Dickens' most popular or well-known novels. Before starting it, I had no idea about the subject matter or the plot. However, I would rate this one higher than some of the others I have read.

Reading this with the The Old Curiosity Shop group provided me with numerous insights into the many diverse characters that always abound in a Dickens novel. Therefore, I am glad that I read it with this group.

It was a rewarding experience that not only enhanced my understanding of the story but also allowed me to engage in discussions with like-minded individuals.

Overall, although it may not be my absolute favorite Dickens, it still has its own charm and value, and I would recommend it to others who are interested in historical fiction or Dickens' works.

Generally considered, the use of "generally considered" in the context of critical evaluation to label an author's work can be a hindrance and a burden. "Barnaby Rudge" has long carried this tag in the Charles Dickens canon. It is generally regarded as the least-liked and most neglected of the author's works. However, for me, this designation is unfortunate and inaccurate. Although it cannot be classified among Dickens' very best works, the novel is certainly not my least favorite (that honor would go to "The Old Curiosity Shop"). Among the 11 Dickens novels I have read so far, probably only four have been less enjoyable for me than "Rudge".

Dickens takes us back more than 60 years to 1775 - 1780, with the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots of 1780 as the centerpiece. However, for the first third of the novel, you would never dream of the historical-novel aspect of "Rudge". There is hardly a hint that the riots will ever occur, and the book instead offers a rather lean and very effective look at young people, their loves (or lack thereof; 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 this happens, the book becomes far less consistent. Nevertheless, its highs - the various riot scenes contain some of Dickens' best writing - are truly very high.

The lack of a true main character - though this is not the only Dickens novel with this flaw - does not help. Although there are nice touches throughout and the story is wrapped up satisfactorily, the conclusion lacks excitement and the plot after the riots are over does limp a little. Additionally, the constraints of the times do not allow Dickens to truly get to the bottom of the Protestant - Catholic animosity.

But I have to bump this up to four stars. "Barnaby" has been held down for so long that it deserves a pat on the back. Although many people consider "Martin Chuzzlewit" or even later novels to be the beginning of the more mature Dickens, it 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 believe) of Dickens' novels. The latest Penguin edition - as usual - is a great choice.