Reviews for Shirley

The average rating for Shirley based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-04-17 00:00:00 Bill Bridger Letter from the 'umble Reader to the 'onourable Master Dickens! Part One, - which expresses slight confusion regarding the title of this chef d'oeuvre, Martin Chuzzlewit! My dear Dickens! Despite the fact that there is not just one, but two important main characters called Martin Chuzzlewit, it seems to me that they are not deserving of the title, all things considered. The editors obviously knew that when they printed the Wordsworth Classics edition, as they put a portrait of the infamous Mr Pecksniff on the front cover instead. A very Pecksniffian thing to do, indeed! Stealing the honour, the show, and the centre stage from the true main characters, who are far too kind and shy to claim their rights to title and portrait. If there is any justice to be had in the city of London, the title should undoubtedly be: "Tom Pinch and Mark Tapley", for they are the heroes of the rollercoaster story on greed, misunderstanding, family conflicts, culture clash and murder! After long considerations however, the Reader does not advise Pinch and Tapley to go to court, as that would only lead to their participation in Bleak House rather than Martin Chuzzlewit. And while being crucial to the dénouement of their own novel, they would probably just add to the confusion of the overpopulated Chancery. Part Two, - which expresses deeply felt gratitude to the Author for offering yet another masterpiece of world class, adding the charm of a cultural exchange between America and England and a highly entertaining crime story to the well-known Dickensian mix of character study and societal peculiarities. Deeply in love with the whole Dickensian universe, I will give this one a clear lead when it comes to witty, nuanced characters and funny situations. I spent lovely days in a reading frenzy, laughing out loud many, many times at the beautifully described absurdity of human life. Little did I know that the habit of blaming teachers for children's lack of respect and learning was so old. I used to think it a recent phenomenon to hear parents spit fire in rude, anti-eloquent language, cursing teachers' inability to teach their children proper manners and vocabulary. Then I witnessed poor Ruth Pinch's governess adventure in 19th century London, and reconsidered. It was exactly the same back then: the dumber the parents, the more a child's failure is the fault of the teacher. Another aspect of modern life that turns out to be as old as Dickens is the dichotomy between American and European values, and its effect on intercontinental relations. This novel being Dickens' hommage to ex-pat experience made me love it all the more. And he is so right when attributing Martin Chuzzlewit the Younger's change of character to his widened perspective and global experience. Comparative social studies develop human characters for the better! But Eden, America is only for very, very tough travellers! A paradise in a swamp. In a few chapters, Dickens outlines the funniest contradictions in the American Dream - spot on! Part Three, - which bows to the literary precursor of Four Weddings And A Funeral, and expresses huge pleasure at the fact that a Not-Wedding can be the perfect happy end in some cases - depending on the character you ask! The "Never Yours" letter of emancipation will stay with me forever, - what a conclusion, Mr Moddle. Good luck on the Seven Seas! Conclusion, in which the devoted Reader expresses happiness, satisfaction and also a tiny bit of sadness at leaving yet another 800-page adventure in the company of Dickens behind! Magnificent! And there is nothing Pecksniffian in this praise. It comes from the bottom of my heart, and is as honest as Tapley and Pinch! Please accept my 'umble Gratitude, Forever Yours, The Respectful Reader

Review # 2 was written on 2015-04-02 00:00:00 Judith Morrison [Bill Sikes (hide spoiler)]