David Copperfield

by Charles Dickens

Book 6 in my year of novels by Charles Dickens.

Considered to be his favorite and most autobiographical novel, Dickens's David Copperfield is long on sentimentality (and words). It is also chock full of unforgettable characters:

• Uriah Heep: the insincerely "umble" clerk and nemesis of DC;
• Mr. Murdstone: the evil stepfather of DC;
• Mr. Micawber: the kindly, comical and forever short on cash friend of DC;
• Peggotty: DC's kind and loyal nurse and friend of the family; and
• Dora: DC's "child-bride" and no doubt the inspiration for the term "dumb Dora."

In a nutshell, orphaned boy conquers evil and makes good. And, yes, it has all of the elements of a classic Dickens novel.

While it's not my favorite, it is pretty good. More than one time, I reacted aloud to a plot twist, which is a very good sign.

6/22/08