Charles Dickens

Sketches by Boz

The Black Veil

The Pickwick Papers

In the 1830s in England, a young boy named Oliver is born amidst dire circumstances. His unknown mother passes away shortly after his birth, leaving him to spend the initial nine years of his life in a dilapidated orphanage before moving to an adult workhouse. After being tormented into requesting additional food one day, the parish beadle, Mr. Bumble, offers a monetary reward to anyone who will remove the boy from the institution. Oliver narrowly evades becoming a chimney sweep's apprentice, and instead enters the service of a local funeral director, Mr. Sowerberry. After a heated altercation concerning his mother with another apprentice, Noah Claypole, Oliver is forced to flee. He heads for London, leaving at dawn.

Just outside of London, a weakened and famished Oliver encounters Jack Dawkins, another boy his age who provides him with accommodation in the home of his patron, Fagin. However, Fagin proves to be a professional criminal, training orphaned boys to pickpocket for him. After witnessing an act of theft during a mission, Oliver runs away, horrified. Although captured, he manages to avoid conviction for the crime, and is subsequently taken in by Mr. Brownlow, the victim of the theft, who nurses him back to health. Oliver's striking resemblance to a portrait in Mr. Brownlow's home does not go unnoticed. Nevertheless, Oliver is kidnapped by two members of Fagin’s group, Bill Sikes and his girlfriend Nancy, and taken back to Fagin.

Oliver is then coerced into assisting Sikes in a burglary attempt, during which he is shot and left behind. The residents of the house, Mrs. Maylie and her adopted niece Rose, tend to him and grow fond of him. However, Fagin and a shady man called Monks are determined to seize Oliver once more. Oliver’s late mother's gold locket, which Monks destructively acquires, is eventually revealed. When Nancy discloses Fagin's plans to Rose, she is overheard by one of Fagin's gang members, leading Sikes to murder her before absconding. Eventually, Sikes meets his death while trying to elude an irate mob. Mr. Brownlow, who has reunited with Oliver, confronts Monks and discovers that he is Oliver’s half-brother. Monks had been scheming to deny his half-brother his rightful inheritance. After coercing Monks to forfeit Oliver's inheritance to him, it is unveiled that Rose is the younger sister of Oliver’s mother, making her Oliver’s aunt. Fagin is sentenced to death for his crimes. In the end, Oliver is adopted by Mr. Brownlow and they, along with the Maylies, retreat to a peaceful life in the countryside.

Oliver Twist

Nicholas Nickleby

Barnaby Rudge

Master Humphrey's Clock

Master Humphrey's Clock Volume 2

Old Curiosity Shop

Martin Chuzzlewit

On a frost-bitten Christmas Eve, a grumpy and stingy elderly man named Ebenezer Scrooge is working in his accounting office. He declines to heat the workspace for his underpaid employee, Bob Cratchit, and rejects the holiday cheer brought by his nephew Fred and two charity workers, greeting them with a scathing "Bah! Humbug!"

That night, in his freezing flat, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley, burdened with heavy chains as punishment for his life of greed, warns Scrooge he will receive visits from three spirits over the following nights, aiming to prevent Scrooge from suffering the same fate. The first apparition, the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge on a tour of his early Christmases. Scrooge witnesses his own past, full of missed opportunities for happiness and love, leading to profound regret.

The Ghost of Christmas Present guides Scrooge around modern London, revealing an underwhelming Christmas feast at the Cratchit house and the valiant spirit of Bob's disabled son, Tiny Tim. The ghost also takes Scrooge to Fred's Christmas party, which Scrooge finds surprisingly enjoyable. The final ghost, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, presents a series of enigmatic scenes related to an anonymous man's recent passing. Scrooge is horrified to discover that he is the deceased man when he sees his own name on a tombstone. He pleads with the ghost to change his destiny, promising to embrace Christmas and abandon his selfish ways. Waking up in his own bed, Scrooge is ecstatic to realize he has a second chance.

Embracing his opportunity for redemption, Scrooge starts spreading Christmas cheer. He surprises the Cratchits with a large Christmas turkey and pleasantly shocks the guests at Fred's party with his unexpected attendance. Over time, Scrooge lives up to his promise, treating Tiny Tim as a surrogate son, generously assisting the needy, and extending kindness and warmth towards his fellow citizens.

A Christmas Carol

The Chimes

A Fairy Tale of Home

The Cricket on the Hearth

A Love Story

The Battle of Life

Dombey and Son

The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain

The narrative commences with a recollection of a young man's life. Raised by a loving mother and nurse, he encounters a significant disturbance when his mother marries a harsh man, Mr. Murdstone, who brings his severe sister into their home. The boy, who was treated harshly by the Murdstones, is sent away to school after a violent incident. He develops a profound bond with James Steerforth, a narcissistic peer, and Tommy Traddles, an unlucky lad who often bears the brunt of punishment. Amidst these events, the young man's mother passes away, and he is forced to work in Murdstone's wine business, living under the roof of a financially unstable man, Mr. Micawber. He eventually leaves to find his only remaining relative, Miss Betsey Trotwood, who welcomes him.

Upon his arrival, Miss Betsey enrolls him in a school headed by a man called Doctor Strong. He befriends Agnes, the daughter of his landlord, Mr. Wickfield. Among the tenants is Uriah Heep, a meddlesome individual. After graduation, the protagonist reevaluates his life choices and decides to visit his nurse, Peggotty, now married and living in Yarmouth. During this visit, he and his former schoolmate, Steerforth, encounter Peggotty's family and form a bond. Experiences and advice from Miss Betsey lead him to pursue law, and he begins his apprenticeship at a London-based firm, where he falls for his employer's daughter, Dora. 

His life in London brings reunions and news of a terminal illness in Peggotty's family. Amidst the grief, a scandal unfolds as Steerforth elopes with Little Em'ly, a prospective bride, promising her a life of elegance. Further complications arise when Miss Betsey falls into financial distress due to a messy partnership between Uriah Heep and Mr. Wickfield. However, the protagonist's focus remains on his love for Dora, and they marry despite the latter's father's disapproval and her lack of domestic skills. Tragedy strikes repeatedly, with the loss of Steerforth, Little Em'ly's desertion, Dora's death, and a devastating storm. Following these events, the protagonist departs to travel overseas, allowing his love for Agnes to flourish. Upon his return, they marry and start a family while he finds success in his writing career.

David Copperfield

To Be Read at Dusk

Esther Summerson recounts her early years and announces her departure to the residence of her new guardian, Mr. Jarndyce. Accompanying her are Ada Clare and Richard Carstone, and together they journey to their new home, making an overnight stop at the disorderly abode of the Jellybys. Upon arrival, they meet their new guardian and Mr. Skimpole, a man with a childlike demeanor. Meanwhile, a spectral figure haunts Chesney Wold, the estate of Sir and Lady Leicester Dedlock. In her new life, Esther encounters various characters like the domineering philanthropist Mrs. Pardiggle and an impoverished brickmaker's wife called Jenny. Over time she observes a growing romantic bond between Ada and Richard and declines a marriage proposal from Mr. Guppy. At Chesney Wold, Lady Dedlock recognizes a familiar handwriting on some documents. Mr. Tulkinghorn, the family's lawyer, resolves to find the scribe and discovers a man named Nemo, who has since passed away. Their interaction is observed by a street urchin named Jo. 

Richard's professional ambitions vacillate before he finally chooses to enter the medical field. However, he is more enamored by the potentially lucrative Jarndyce lawsuit, the original reason for which is not fully disclosed by anyone. In London, Esther meets a young girl named Charlotte, who is caring for her siblings with the assistance of their neighbor, Mr. Gridley. Esther learns of her own history from Mr. Jarndyce, who reveals that the woman who raised her was actually her aunt. Richard begins to work in law, while Esther and Ada visit Mr. Boythorn near Chesney Wold. There, Esther meets Lady Dedlock and feels an inexplicable connection to her. A sinister figure named Mr. Jobling takes up residence in Nemo's former room, and Mr. Tulkinghorn uncovers a woman's secret visit to Nemo's grave under the disguise of Lady Dedlock's maid's attire. 

Esther's health deteriorates and during her recovery, she discovers her face is disfigured from smallpox. Lady Dedlock admits to being Esther's mother during a surprise visit. Richard becomes increasingly consumed by the lawsuit, severing communication with Mr. Jarndyce. The climax ensues when Mr. Tulkinghorn is murdered and George, a local shooting gallery owner, is wrongfully arrested for the crime. Ada confesses to Esther about her secret marriage to Richard. In the ensuing investigation, it is discovered that Lady Dedlock had been framed for the murder by her maid Mademoiselle Hortense. However, Lady Dedlock is overwhelmed by her circumstances and dies. The Jarndyce lawsuit is eventually dismissed when the inheritance is entirely depleted on legal fees, resulting in Richard's death. Esther and Woodcourt marry and lead a blissful life with their two daughters, while Ada gives birth to a son.

Bleak House

A Child's History of England

In the industrial hub of Coketown, England, retired businessman Thomas Gradgrind champions a life of rationalism, self-interest, and facts. His elder children, Louisa and Tom, are nurtured under this doctrine, devoid of any fanciful or imaginative activities. A school established by Gradgrind becomes the refuge for one of its pupils, Sissy Jupe, a compassionate and creative girl, who is left deserted after her circus performer father vanishes.

As they step into adulthood, Tom evolves into a self-absorbed pleasure-seeker, while Louisa grapples with an inner turmoil, sensing an essential element missing in her life. Louisa ties the knot with her father’s comrade, Josiah Bounderby - a prosperous manufacturer and a banker, who is significantly older than her. Bounderby prides himself on being a self-made man, having been abandoned as an infant. Tom starts his apprenticeship at Bounderby's bank and Sissy stays back at Gradgrind's house to look after the younger children. Concurrently, Stephen Blackpool, a destitute factory worker, is entangled in a love triangle, unable to marry his beloved Rachael, due to his existing marriage with a terrible, alcoholic woman. He learns from Bounderby that divorce is a privilege only the rich can afford. 

James Harthouse, a rich youngster from London, arrives in Coketown with political aspirations under the mentorship of Gradgrind, who is now a Member of Parliament. He takes an immediate liking to Louisa and endeavours to win her over, aided silently by Mrs. Sparsit, a former aristocrat now serving Bounderby. When factory workers attempt to form a union, Stephen is ostracized and terminated from employment for refusing to join, earning admiration from Louisa, who aids him financially. Tom sends him on a wild goose chase promising help outside the bank, which never arrives. Later, when the bank is robbed, Stephen, who was spotted loitering outside the bank, is suspected. 

Louisa, after agreeing to meet Harthouse, who professes his love for her, instead runs to her father, revealing her miserable marriage, disconnected emotions, deep unhappiness and potential feelings for Harthouse. Her confession leaves Gradgrind questioning his philosophy of rational self-interest. Sissy persuades Harthouse to leave Coketown, while Stephen, returning to clear his name, meets a fatal accident. Louisa and Gradgrind uncover that Tom is the real culprit behind the bank robbery and plan an escape for him with the aid of Sissy’s former circus associates. 

In the climax, Mrs. Sparsit identifies Mrs. Pegler, whom she thought could help capture Stephen, as Bounderby’s mother, debunking Bounderby’s self-made man narrative. Angered, Bounderby dismisses Mrs. Sparsit to her disagreeable relatives. Five years later, he breathes his last on the streets of Coketown. Gradgrind renounces his fact-based philosophy, devoting his political influence to aid the underprivileged. Although Sissy leads a happy married life filled with children, Louisa chooses to stay single, cherishing the warmth of Sissy’s family and discovering empathy for her fellow beings.

Hard Times

Little Dorrit

The Hanged Man's Bride

The Poor Traveller

The 47 Best Fiction Books of All Time

50 All-time Best Selling Works of Fiction » Utica Public Library

Set in 1775, both France and England are experiencing societal distress. Jerry Cruncher, who is employed by Tellson’s Bank, intercepts the Dover mail-coach with a cryptic message for Jarvis Lorry regarding a young woman waiting at Dover. Lorry meets Lucie Manette, a young orphan, whose supposedly deceased father, a renowned doctor, has been found alive in France. Upon reaching Paris, they meet Defarge, who had been safeguarding Doctor Manette, driven to madness by his lengthy time in prison. Lucie's love and devotion manage to restore her father's sanity. 

Fast forward to 1780 where Charles Darnay is on trial for betraying the English crown. His trial is won with the help of Sydney Carton, who bears a striking resemblance to Darnay. This resemblance undermines the prosecution's claim of identifying Darnay as the spy they spotted. Carton harbors resentment towards Darnay for reminding him of what he could have been. Meanwhile, in France, the ruthless Marquis Evrémonde kills a commoner child with his carriage, showing no remorse. Darnay detests his uncle's callous treatment of the poor and disowns his identity as an Evrémonde.

A year later, Darnay asks for Manette's approval to marry Lucie. He promises to reveal his real identity to Manette if Lucie accepts. That same night, Manette reverts to his old prison behavior of making shoes. Yet, after nine days, he regains his sanity and joins the newlyweds on their honeymoon. The French Revolution begins in 1789, with Darnay returning to France despite the danger, in response to a plea from Gabelle. Arrested upon his arrival, he remains in prison for over a year until Manette's influence secures his release. However, he is arrested again the same night. Sydney Carton arrives in Paris with a plan to rescue Darnay, tricking him into changing clothes with him, and awaiting execution in his place. Carton meets his death at the guillotine, finally finding some meaning in his life.

A Tale of Two Cities

The 40 Most Influential Fiction Books of All Time | Influence Publishers

100 (Fiction) Books to Read in a Lifetime

Living in the marshlands of Kent as an orphan with his sister and her husband, Pip one day finds himself being ordered by a menacing escaped convict to fetch him food and a tool for his shackles. Though Pip nervously complies, the convict is recaptured but shields Pip by claiming he stole the items himself. Then, Pip starts visiting Satis House, the residence of the bizarre, aristocratic Miss Havisham, who permanently wears her bridal dress and has halted all her clocks. It's here he meets the aloof Estella, who despite her cold demeanor, captivates Pip, triggering dreams of wealth and refinement to win her over. However, his dreams shatter when he is assigned to become a laborer under Miss Havisham's instruction.

Discontented, Pip works under his blacksmith brother-in-law, Joe, while being tormented by the spiteful laborer, Orlick. Pip's sister, Mrs. Joe, is violently assaulted, leaving her a mute invalid, with Orlick being Pip's prime suspect. Suddenly, a lawyer named Jaggers brings an unexpected revelation of a mystery benefactor who wishes Pip to be educated as a gentleman in London. Elated, Pip presumes Miss Havisham to be his benefactor, with the intention of him marrying Estella. In London, Pip befriends Herbert Pocket and studies under his father, Matthew Pocket, while also aiding Herbert with his business. Pip's life takes another turn when his convict from years ago, Magwitch, appears, revealing that he is Pip's actual benefactor, touched by Pip's past kindness.

Shocked yet morally obliged, Pip assists Magwitch in evading the London police and Compeyson, Magwitch's ex-accomplice. Pip discovers that not only was Compeyson the man who jilted Miss Havisham, but Estella is also Magwitch's daughter, raised to break men's hearts as Miss Havisham's revenge for her own heartbreak. Eventually, Pip starts to see the goodness in Magwitch and cares for him. After Miss Havisham's accident that leaves her bedridden, Pip and his friends plan to spirit away Magwitch. However, their plan is thwarted by the police, and Pip loses his fortune as Magwitch dies. After being nursed back to health by his brother-in-law Joe and hearing about the recent happenings back home, Pip decides to join Herbert in the mercantile trade. Years later, he meets Estella again, who is now a widow, and they part on good terms, with Pip hoping they will stay together.

Charles Dickens Books in Order (32 Book Series)

Sketches by Boz

The Black Veil

The Pickwick Papers

Oliver Twist

Nicholas Nickleby

Barnaby Rudge

Master Humphrey's Clock

Master Humphrey's Clock Volume 2

Old Curiosity Shop

Martin Chuzzlewit

A Christmas Carol

The Chimes

The Cricket on the Hearth

A Fairy Tale of Home

The Battle of Life

A Love Story

Dombey and Son

The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain

David Copperfield

To Be Read at Dusk

Bleak House

A Child's History of England

Hard Times

Little Dorrit

The Hanged Man's Bride

The Poor Traveller

A Tale of Two Cities

Great Expectations

Reprinted Pieces

Our Mutual Friend

The Signalman and Other Horrors

No Thoroughfare

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Mudfog and Other Papers Contributed to Bentley's Miscellany

What To Read Next

Charles Dickens Books in Order (32 Book Series)

Sketches by Boz

The Black Veil

The Pickwick Papers

Oliver Twist

Nicholas Nickleby

Barnaby Rudge

Master Humphrey's Clock

Master Humphrey's Clock Volume 2

Old Curiosity Shop

Martin Chuzzlewit

A Christmas Carol

The Chimes

The Cricket on the Hearth

A Fairy Tale of Home

The Battle of Life

A Love Story

Dombey and Son

The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain

David Copperfield

To Be Read at Dusk

Bleak House

A Child's History of England

Hard Times

Little Dorrit

The Hanged Man's Bride

The Poor Traveller

A Tale of Two Cities

Great Expectations

Reprinted Pieces

Our Mutual Friend

The Signalman and Other Horrors

No Thoroughfare

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Mudfog and Other Papers Contributed to Bentley's Miscellany

What To Read Next

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