I was asked recently what’s my favorite novel. I must admit I didn’t have to think long or hard about it.
I told this person it was David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.
Oddly enough, I had to read Dickens in Middle School and absolutely hated it. But as an adult, I really enjoyed reading David Copperfield.
David Copperfield is the story of his journey from boyhood to manhood. Everything David goes through in his life strengthens his character as he is trying to develop a disciplined heart.
He has to deal with the death of his mother, an abusive stepfather, a best friend who turns on him, a love lost, and eventually discovers true love and happiness from an unexpected person.
Through all these experiences, David grows and matures into a man. But, realizes the heart can’t be tamed. While I would disagree with that somewhat…the power of Dickens’ story and the cast of characters (like the evil Uriah Heep, and the good-hearted, but financially challenged Mr. Micawber) pulled me into the novel immediately.
Dickens admit in his preface to the novel, “Of all my books, I like this the best. It will be easily believed that I am a fond parent to every child of my fancy, and that no one can ever love that family as dearly as I love them. But, like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is David Copperfield.
After reading it, I could see why this novel was his favorite and that’s one of the reasons it has become my favorite too.
I read Great Expectations by Dickens, now I will go purchase this one thanks to your review
Thanks John. Really appreciate your comment. I still have to read Great Expectations. How was it?
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This was my pick to read in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens and I am sure in part this is his favourite because he was able to channel so much of his own childhood and experience into it, in the freeing way that writing fiction allows. Writing his own story tormented him, it is amazing how he was more free to imagine it in a slightly different form.
Thanks for sharing your favourite books on my blog Marion and introducing me to a couple of new authors, will be looking for Helprin as well, have seen the name coming up, have a feeling perhaps he has a new book out?
Claire,
Your blog is a must read for me and I look forward to your book reviews. They are thoughtfully written and interesting.
I must admit I hated Dickens when I had to read it in middle school. However, I read David Copperfield in my early 30’s and loved it. I can still remember scenes and the maturing of David. Dickens has been accused of sentimentality in his novels by his critics but I thought it worked well in David Copperfield.
As for Mark Helprin, he published his latest novel, In Sunlight and In Shadow, in Oct 2012. I have not read it yet.
My favorite Helprin novels are Winter’s Tale and A Soldier of the Great War (which could have made favorite 5 list). He writes beautifully fat novels dare I say like Dickens. LOL!
I would start with Winter’s Tale first and then read A Soldier of the Great War.
Marion