Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Classic Literature / Sentimental Fiction / Victorian Novel / Social Criticism

Book Review:
The Old Curiosity Shop (1840-41) was an instant success for Dickens. The story follows the innocent Little Nell and her grandfather as they flee from the evil, grotesque moneylender Quilp. Their journey through the English countryside brings them into contact with a cast of memorable characters — some kind, some villainous. Dickens blends sentiment, social criticism, and grotesque comedy. Nell became one of Dickens’ most beloved characters; while the novel was being serialized, readers wrote to him begging to know her fate. Even Prime Minister William Gladstone wept over Nell’s death. This Wordsworth Classics edition includes original illustrations by Phiz and George Cattermole. A powerful, tear-jerking read.