Charles Dickens's final completed novel, Our Mutual Friend, is a sprawling masterpiece published serially between 1864 and 1865. This intricate tale revolves around a mysterious inheritance left by a wealthy dust contractor, triggering a chain of events that intertwine the lives of various Londoners from vastly different social classes. The narrative follows the supposed death and subsequent secret life of John Harmon, the heir, as he observes the impact of his fortune on those around him, including the kind Boffins and the ambitious Bella Wilfer. Dickens masterfully explores themes of wealth, identity, and redemption, weaving together romantic entanglements, social commentary, and darkly comedic subplots to create a richly layered and enduring work of Victorian fiction.
Review our mutual friend
Oh, Our Mutual Friend! It's been a real journey, and I'm still processing it all. To be honest, I wasn't expecting such a hefty tome – I should have definitely checked the dimensions before ordering! It's a serious commitment to carry around, that's for sure. This particular edition, with its original illustrations, is absolutely gorgeous though. Seriously, the cover alone is a work of art. The illustrations themselves are a wonderful addition, giving the characters and scenes a tangible quality that really adds to the reading experience, especially those dark, atmospheric scenes along the Thames.
It's definitely my favorite Dickens so far. I mean, this book is a beast! But in the best possible way. Dickens’s masterful storytelling shines through every page. The sheer density of characters and interwoven plotlines is initially overwhelming, like being dropped into a swirling eddy of London life, but gradually, you're drawn into this intricate web of relationships, secrets, and societal commentary. He really does paint a vivid picture of Victorian London, its stark inequalities, and the complex lives lived within it.
The themes – wealth, social class, identity, redemption – all resonate deeply. You have these wildly contrasting characters, from the miserly Mr. Boffin to the charming but somewhat morally ambiguous Eugene Wrayburn, and you just find yourself captivated by their individual journeys. I loved the way Dickens explores the hypocrisy and superficiality of the upper classes while simultaneously showcasing the resilience and moral strength found within the working class. Lizzie Hexam's story, in particular, is incredibly moving. Her strength and independence are inspiring, even if her situation is heartbreaking.
The story itself is so cleverly structured. The mystery surrounding John Harmon's supposed death and his subsequent return as John Rokesmith kept me completely hooked. The twists and turns, the unexpected connections between characters, it all unfolds so satisfyingly. It's a real page-turner, despite its length. The only minor quibble I have is with the print quality of the pages. It seems a little off, perhaps due to the size of the book; maybe they had to compromise somewhere in the printing process to make it all work in this large format. It doesn’t detract significantly from the overall experience though.
I'm absolutely thrilled to have finally read this masterpiece. The illustrations are a real bonus, but even without them, the narrative is so compelling, so rich in character and theme, that it would have still captivated me. It's a book I'll be thinking about for a long time to come, and I’ll happily recommend it to anyone ready to invest the time in a truly rewarding reading experience, just be prepared for its considerable size!
Information
- Dimensions: 8 x 1.86 x 10 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 825
- Publication date: 2024
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