For whatever reason, this is in my top 3 favorite Dickens novels. I find the historical aspect of the story fascinating. Barnaby is an interesting character to study because he is not a typical protagonist (and it can be argued he is not the main protagonist despite being the title character). And I think the writing is smooth and not overblown prose (as much as Dickens can be).
I really enjoyed your summation of Barnaby Rudge and agree with all the points you addressed. The book was truly enjoyable to read even though the riot scenes made my blood run cold because Dickens perfectly describes human beings out of control, throwing off all restraint, and acting barbaric. It brought to mind the rioting and unrest here in the U.S. two summers ago and still flares up periodically. Thanks so much, Katie, for this well thought out synopsis.
I read Rudge 3 years ago & the description of the riots was incredible & what made the book a worthwhile read for me. Chilling descriptions of mob rule in an area that I am extremely familiar with & a sad indication of how little we have evolved as a species, something that occurs in Dickens & other Victorian 'greats' novels.
Fabulous video! Loved and agreed with all your points. I found this novel so fascinating and just so incredibly well written. I know I’ll love it even more with future rereads. Besides all of the incredible characters and how interesting it was to learn about the Gordon riots, I was most fascinated by Dickens’s portrayal of mob mentality. Truly there is nothing new under the sun. It could have been describing the mobs of summer 2020 in America down to the way others were orchestrating the violence and way the weather furthered the crowds along. This is definitely one of Dickens’s finest and is certainly underrated.
I saw that you were reading Barnaby Rudge so I gave it a try in an attempt to rekindle my interest in Dickens. I am happy to report that it worked. In fact, it worked so well that I read Our Mutual Friend immediately afterwards and it is now officially my favorite Dickens novel. I have six more novels to read, but I would be surprised if Our Mutual Friend is unseated as favorite. Thanks for your analysis of Barnaby Rudge. I concur that it should be ranked higher than it usually is when compared to his other works.
Brilliant analysis, Katie. Like you, my first print reading was just OK. Then a few years later (2021--right after the Jan 6 insurrection in the U.S.) I listened to the audio (Simon Vance) and I was blown away--the mob scenes and storming of Parliament felt so real. Great thoughts on the title: I feel Barnaby Senior is a lurking sinister background vibe/theme of revenge throughout the book, so maybe paired with the themes you bring up re: Barnaby Junior, Dickens can hint at both themes with one name. Re: Dolly--I think she's a foil in a way for Emma, just as Miggs is a foil for Dolly. I find the trio of schoolmates (Haredale, Chester, Gashford) a fascinating look at how Dickens differentiates "the gentleman" type, too.
Thanks! Yes, the mob scenes feel very topical right now, and it was such an interesting book. I like the idea of tios and foils - Dickens's pairing and trios are always interesting.
I really enjoyed this book and am so glad you’re doing the readalong. The only negative things I have to say is that I got muddled in the middle about the politics and Emma never came to life for me. The last quarter was riveting! The riots and burnings were so well described and horrifying. I have never heard of the Gordon Riots before. I wonder if it was London centric and the rest of the country didn’t know the details. Couldn’t help but think of Jane Austen being alive at the time although she was only 5. I was on the edge of my seat about Barnaby’s fate. I can’t believe this book is not talked about more.
Yes, Emma doesn't really come to life, does she! The Gordon Riots are very rarely spoken about - I think they were just in London and probably just overshadowed by the French Revolution later that decade!
I wasn't able to read this along with the readalong, but based on what you and others said in the Discord and this video it has been pushed up on my Dickens books to get to once its over.
Your enthusiasm has made me want to revisit this book immediately ! I read it in a Dickens Reading Group several years ago and realise I must have missed so much,though I do remember the riot scenes as being absolutely riveting. Thank you .
Excellent review,you certainly unpacked a lot!Did you notice the use of irony in one of the illustrations in the book?I also loved Dickens's reference to Gabriel's abode containing"two of the unlikeliest doors in existence".
@@katiejlumsden The illustration depicting the severance of familial ties between Sir John and Edward contains what purports to be an artistic representation of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac,the inference being Chester sacrificing his own son on purely selfish grounds,unlike Abraham's all-giving motive.
Totally agreeing with you. There's so much going on in this book, topically as well as metaphorically, that makes it a very rewarding read. So much so that one honestly wonders how the book ever ended up being so neglected. However, I'm afraid it really may have something to do with the somewhat misleading title. On the server there were many people (myself included) who initially struggled to get into the story, because the title made them expect something else than it was suggesting. Who knows how many people out there gave up before they ever got to that second half, coming away from it with a "Don't bother, it's just boring."-opinion.
Just finished this for Victober, and I thought it eas outstanding. Underrated to say the least. My favorite character was probably Grip lol. Dickens writes animals very well.
I'm late to the party, but happen to have been reading Dickens chronologically too (though I have read a few of his later books in the past). I completely agree with you; each book seems even better than the last. I've just finished Barnaby Rudge, and can't understand why it isn't better appreciated. Brilliantly written. The attack on Newgate was a highlight.
I’m catching up on the Dickens readalong after a very late start, and I’m halfway through Barnaby Rudge. I didn’t mind the spoilers because I am impatient and I read up on the novel on Wikipedia 😂. I’m pleasantly surprised to see how each novel seems to improve on the previous one. I was disappointed to find The Pickwick Papers so disjointed and anecdotal, I also expected more from Oliver Twist, I loved the tone and themes of Nicholas Nickleby, my favourite for a while, I waded through The Old Curiosity Shop, then came to Barnaby Rudge which I find much deeper, more profound, such a richer style. I’m seeing the value of reading all the novels by publication date, it’s such a pleasure to witness the development of an author. Many thanks for all the videos of the readalong.
Hi! It was really fun listening to your review since you seem to have enjoyed it so much on your re-read! I read it for the first time last year and followed it up with David Copperfield. While DC is undoubtedly much more mature and well-rounded as a work, to my surprise reading it was nowhere near as enjoyable an experience as Barnaby Rudge. Not that I doubt my own taste and feelings, but it's really fun seeing you and so many people in the comment section appreciate the novel for what it is. Thanks for the video ;)
I too am reading Barnaby Rudge. I find myself at odds while reading Dickens. Are there times Mr D’s total dislike of women just spews out of him? Then other times I burst out in giggles! I’m starting chapter 28 but i suddenly,in my minds eye of course, could envision Dickens as he wrote almost acting out as he wrote. Stopping and laughing at a ridiculous Mrs Varden. Lol. What an amazing writer! I read Dan Simmons “Drood” yesterday. Maybe that’s why I’m wondering about his writing style now. I was reading lots of horror,thriller and lots of historical fiction in the last month. Just one right after another when this morning I knew I had to begin Barnaby again I missed that rich writing and ridiculous humor. I knew you’d understand!! 🥰🥰
![fellow fellow - พรุ่งนี้ไม่มีใครรู้ feat. INK WARUNTORN [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QP6JyjYx_W0/mqdefault.jpg)
For whatever reason, this is in my top 3 favorite Dickens novels. I find the historical aspect of the story fascinating. Barnaby is an interesting character to study because he is not a typical protagonist (and it can be argued he is not the main protagonist despite being the title character). And I think the writing is smooth and not overblown prose (as much as Dickens can be).
I really enjoyed your summation of Barnaby Rudge and agree with all the points you addressed. The book was truly enjoyable to read even though the riot scenes made my blood run cold because Dickens perfectly describes human beings out of control, throwing off all restraint, and acting barbaric. It brought to mind the rioting and unrest here in the U.S. two summers ago and still flares up periodically. Thanks so much, Katie, for this well thought out synopsis.
I read Rudge 3 years ago & the description of the riots was incredible & what made the book a worthwhile read for me. Chilling descriptions of mob rule in an area that I am extremely familiar with & a sad indication of how little we have evolved as a species, something that occurs in Dickens & other Victorian 'greats' novels.
Fabulous video! Loved and agreed with all your points. I found this novel so fascinating and just so incredibly well written. I know I’ll love it even more with future rereads. Besides all of the incredible characters and how interesting it was to learn about the Gordon riots, I was most fascinated by Dickens’s portrayal of mob mentality. Truly there is nothing new under the sun. It could have been describing the mobs of summer 2020 in America down to the way others were orchestrating the violence and way the weather furthered the crowds along. This is definitely one of Dickens’s finest and is certainly underrated.
I saw that you were reading Barnaby Rudge so I gave it a try in an attempt to rekindle my interest in Dickens. I am happy to report that it worked. In fact, it worked so well that I read Our Mutual Friend immediately afterwards and it is now officially my favorite Dickens novel. I have six more novels to read, but I would be surprised if Our Mutual Friend is unseated as favorite. Thanks for your analysis of Barnaby Rudge. I concur that it should be ranked higher than it usually is when compared to his other works.
So glad you loved Our Mutual Friend, too - it's wonderful!
Brilliant analysis, Katie. Like you, my first print reading was just OK. Then a few years later (2021--right after the Jan 6 insurrection in the U.S.) I listened to the audio (Simon Vance) and I was blown away--the mob scenes and storming of Parliament felt so real. Great thoughts on the title: I feel Barnaby Senior is a lurking sinister background vibe/theme of revenge throughout the book, so maybe paired with the themes you bring up re: Barnaby Junior, Dickens can hint at both themes with one name. Re: Dolly--I think she's a foil in a way for Emma, just as Miggs is a foil for Dolly. I find the trio of schoolmates (Haredale, Chester, Gashford) a fascinating look at how Dickens differentiates "the gentleman" type, too.
Thanks! Yes, the mob scenes feel very topical right now, and it was such an interesting book. I like the idea of tios and foils - Dickens's pairing and trios are always interesting.
It's interesting to hear you talk about rereading books that you had read when you were younger and how your responses change as you get older.
I really enjoyed this book and am so glad you’re doing the readalong. The only negative things I have to say is that I got muddled in the middle about the politics and Emma never came to life for me. The last quarter was riveting! The riots and burnings were so well described and horrifying. I have never heard of the Gordon Riots before. I wonder if it was London centric and the rest of the country didn’t know the details. Couldn’t help but think of Jane Austen being alive at the time although she was only 5. I was on the edge of my seat about Barnaby’s fate. I can’t believe this book is not talked about more.
Yes, Emma doesn't really come to life, does she! The Gordon Riots are very rarely spoken about - I think they were just in London and probably just overshadowed by the French Revolution later that decade!
You nailed it Katie! And I absolutely agree with you. Another great video, thank you.
I wasn't able to read this along with the readalong, but based on what you and others said in the Discord and this video it has been pushed up on my Dickens books to get to once its over.
I am halfway through it will watch the video when I am finished ✅ ❤❤❤
Thanks for the video. I finished the book this morning. I appreciate your analysis and all your insights.
Your enthusiasm has made me want to revisit this book immediately ! I read it in a Dickens Reading Group several years ago and realise I must have missed so much,though I do remember the riot scenes as being absolutely riveting. Thank you .
Thoroughly enjoying my Barnaby Rudge reread, as though I had never read it seven years ago.
Excellent review,you certainly unpacked a lot!Did you notice the use of irony in one of the illustrations in the book?I also loved Dickens's reference to Gabriel's abode containing"two of the unlikeliest doors in existence".
I didn't! I don't think I've seen the illustrations of Barnaby Rudge, so I'll need to look them p.
@@katiejlumsden The illustration depicting the severance of familial ties between Sir John and Edward contains what purports to be an artistic representation of Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac,the inference being Chester sacrificing his own son on purely selfish grounds,unlike Abraham's all-giving motive.
Thank you for your review! 😊👍
Totally agreeing with you. There's so much going on in this book, topically as well as metaphorically, that makes it a very rewarding read. So much so that one honestly wonders how the book ever ended up being so neglected. However, I'm afraid it really may have something to do with the somewhat misleading title. On the server there were many people (myself included) who initially struggled to get into the story, because the title made them expect something else than it was suggesting. Who knows how many people out there gave up before they ever got to that second half, coming away from it with a "Don't bother, it's just boring."-opinion.
I missed this! I'm so sad as I'm a huge Dickens fan
Just finished this for Victober, and I thought it eas outstanding. Underrated to say the least. My favorite character was probably Grip lol. Dickens writes animals very well.
I'm late to the party, but happen to have been reading Dickens chronologically too (though I have read a few of his later books in the past). I completely agree with you; each book seems even better than the last. I've just finished Barnaby Rudge, and can't understand why it isn't better appreciated. Brilliantly written. The attack on Newgate was a highlight.
It's such a great book!
I’m catching up on the Dickens readalong after a very late start, and I’m halfway through Barnaby Rudge. I didn’t mind the spoilers because I am impatient and I read up on the novel on Wikipedia 😂.
I’m pleasantly surprised to see how each novel seems to improve on the previous one. I was disappointed to find The Pickwick Papers so disjointed and anecdotal, I also expected more from Oliver Twist, I loved the tone and themes of Nicholas Nickleby, my favourite for a while, I waded through The Old Curiosity Shop, then came to Barnaby Rudge which I find much deeper, more profound, such a richer style. I’m seeing the value of reading all the novels by publication date, it’s such a pleasure to witness the development of an author. Many thanks for all the videos of the readalong.
It's really fun and interesting reading them in order and seeing how Dickens grows and develops!
Going to start your Debut Novel today ❤
Hi! It was really fun listening to your review since you seem to have enjoyed it so much on your re-read! I read it for the first time last year and followed it up with David Copperfield. While DC is undoubtedly much more mature and well-rounded as a work, to my surprise reading it was nowhere near as enjoyable an experience as Barnaby Rudge. Not that I doubt my own taste and feelings, but it's really fun seeing you and so many people in the comment section appreciate the novel for what it is. Thanks for the video ;)
Thanks! Barnaby Rudge was just fascinating.
I too am reading Barnaby Rudge. I find myself at odds while reading Dickens. Are there times Mr D’s total dislike of women just spews out of him? Then other times I burst out in giggles! I’m starting chapter 28 but i suddenly,in my minds eye of course, could envision Dickens as he wrote almost acting out as he wrote. Stopping and laughing at a ridiculous Mrs Varden. Lol. What an amazing writer! I read Dan Simmons “Drood” yesterday. Maybe that’s why I’m wondering about his writing style now. I was reading lots of horror,thriller and lots of historical fiction in the last month. Just one right after another when this morning I knew I had to begin Barnaby again I missed that rich writing and ridiculous humor. I knew you’d understand!! 🥰🥰
Yeah, I feel like Dickens is more interested in women as actual people in his later novels! I haven't read Drood but I hear good things!
😅 totally fun!! Loved it’n
So far Barnaby Rudge is my favorite Dickens novel…….very fast read……I could hardly put it down.