The Old Curiosity Shop - Charles Dickens

Published by Penguin Classics: London, England, 2000.

First published 1840-1841.

I remember seeing an adaptation of this book at some point, fairly low budget I think, and from that adaptation only remembered the outcome of one particular storyline. Knowing that a particular plot would end in a particular outcome made reading the book an interesting experience, wondering how exactly events would lead to the outcome I remembered, and would have the same prevalent tragic emotion throughout as the adaptation seemed to have. 

But reading Dickens is not at all like watching Dickens. So often a straight adaptation of the plot of a Dickens book leads to a movie that is somewhat bleak and depressing, whereas reading Dickens gives fuller scope to the satire and humour of his writing, even in the midst of tragic events.

I really enjoyed this book. I am a big Dickens fan (I'm sure this is neither the first nor last time I've said that) but this one is now among my favourite. The storyline of Nell and her grandfather is fairly tragic, yes, but the secondary storyline - focusing more on Dick Swiveller and his adventures - was a surprise and an enjoyable journey. I love how Dick's character evolves over time, gaining more depth and understanding as he transitions from a stereotypical Dickens background figure to a more fully formed protagonist by the end. And the Marchioness is great too. Quilp also makes for an appropriately menacing and suitably grotesque villain, even if he borders on being slightly offensive by today's standards.

Completed 23 January 2019.

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