The Pickwick Papers - Charles Dickens
Published by Penguin Books: England, 1994 (first published 1836-1837).
This is the first novel by Charles Dickens (coincidentally his first novel that I have written a review for here, though I have read many of his books). Writing this book in his 20s, Dickens had already become well-known through his Sketches by Boz articles. However, Pickwick became a huge success, and it is easy to see why.
The book may lack some of the deeper social commentary of Dickens' later works, but what it has going for it is an unabashed sense of fun. Pickwick and his friends are ever-so-slightly mocked by the narrator throughout the proceedings, portraying themselves as important gentlemen, but showing themselves to be slightly ridiculous (if kindhearted).
In Dickens' early novels the plot was more or less made up as he went along, and this does show at times, especially early on in the novel. However, the individual episodes are fun, and by the end of the novel each of the main characters is given a satisfying conclusion.
Special mention should be made of Pickwick's (eventual) valet Sam Weller, who in his good-natured loyalty reminds me of Samwise from The Lord of the Rings (wonder if the name has anything to do with it), but who has a great deal of humour and wisdom wrapped up in his own arcs.
The book may be a bit long to consider as your first Dickens, but on the other hand it is very accessible and fun. As a great fan of Dickens, I fully reccomend.
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