I just finished reading Charles Dickens Bleak House. I first saw the BBC production of it on PBS nearly 3 years ago and loved it. Here is a description of the book.
Opening in the swirling mists of London, the novel revolves around a court case that has dragged on for decades—the infamous Jarndyce and Jarndyce lawsuit, in which an inheritance is gradually devoured by legal costs. As Dickens takes us through the case’s history, he presents a cast of characters as idiosyncratic and memorable as any he ever created, including the beautiful Lady Dedlock, who hides a shocking secret about an illegitimate child and a long-lost love; Mr. Bucket, one of the first detectives to appear in English fiction; and the hilarious Mrs. Jellyby, whose endless philanthropy has left her utterly unconcerned about her own family.
As a question of inheritance becomes a question of murder, the novel’s heroine, Esther Summerson, struggles to discover the truth about her birth and her unknown mother’s tragic life. Can the resilience of her love transform a bleak house? And—more devastatingly—will justice prevail?
As a question of inheritance becomes a question of murder, the novel’s heroine, Esther Summerson, struggles to discover the truth about her birth and her unknown mother’s tragic life. Can the resilience of her love transform a bleak house? And—more devastatingly—will justice prevail?
Matthew and I bought the movie this month and have already watched it. It is my favorite movie right now of this genre. I can't wait to watch it again. I recommend the book and movie. The acting in the movie is wonderful! I love all the characters!
My next book to read is John Adams by David McCullough.
3 comments:
I love this book, too! One thing I have had a hard time understanding is how could Mr. Jarndyce tolerated Mr. Skimpole. I also wondered at his support of Mrs. Jelleby and Mrs. Pardiggle. The book I think is making a statement about philanthropy and that we need to make sure we are giving to worthy causes and that our desire to truly help is sincere. Esther is quite the example of true charity.
I have had a hard time understanding how one could tolerate Skimpole. He's so rotten especially what he did to Jo. I'll have to email you more of my thoughts.
I'm reading John Adams too! Well, I haven't started it yet but I checked it out from the library. We'll have to share thoughts on it :)
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