Bleak House

[poliphilo]

I  put Proust to one side. He was going on and on- at inordinate length- about the Duchess of Guermantes (not to be confused with the Princess of Guermantes) a person who interests me very little. 

And I picked up Bleak House.

Fourth time of reading? I think so.

These big books, every time you pick 'em up the experience is rather different.

I'm struck by how well constructed it is. 

I never liked Esther Summerson but now I find I do. Her fake modesty is rather endearing.....

I'm disconcerted by the degree to which my philosophy of life accords with that of the calculating scrounger, Harold Skimpole.

I find it hard to believe that Lady Dedlock would have concealed her past from her husband- or that he would have been bothered by her having had one. The English aristocracy has never been in thrall to Middle Class morality....

Comments

[paserbyp]

Bleak House is often considered the most challenging Dickens novel due to its complex dual narrative structure, extensive cast of characters, and intricate plot involving the legal system. Little Dorrit and Our Mutual Friend also present difficulties with their length and multiple interconnected storylines.

[poliphilo]

That's a fair assessment.