Dombey and Son (Wordsworth Classics) Paperback – Unabridged, 5 July 1995

This novel is perhaps less well known than some of Dickens' other masterpieces, but it should not be overlooked. It contains all the essential ingredients for a good read and a great deal that has contemporary relevance. This Wordsworth edition is excellent, with a very helpful introduction and the original illustrations by Phiz.

On my mission to read all of the works of Dickens I have reached Dombey and Son. The first one hundred or so pages have convinced me that I shall enjoy this novel as much as all of the others I have read to date. I just love the narrative and the dialogue. A perfect read before bedtime!

I am working my way through all of Charles Dickens books. I find that the Wordsworth edition's are of excellent value and quality containing delightful illustrations. Of those read so far Dombey and Son is by far my favourite. Although having said that my present book, Bleak House is looking pretty good too.

Deciding it was time I caught up on some of my not read Dickens, I was pleasantly surprised to find this one was more readable than many of his lesser known tomes - albeit barely believable, as all his characters, as ever, are caricatures, designed to depict the extremes of good and bad in human nature.HOWEVER - for the obvious reason that Dickens was originally paid by the line by the journal who published his work, it is hardly surprising that there is more padding than narrative, and one can be forgiven for skipping and scanning huge chunks of his rhetoric - (waffle which would never be acceptable today) - to avoid losing the essence of the story. If Dombey & Son were cut by at least a third, it would have vastly improved the novel. But not, presumably, Dickens' bank balance!

Wonderfully plotted and profoundly insightful. If you are starting with Dickens start here. If you were going by the popular lists of his best, skip Little Dorritt, Our Mutual Friend, even David Copperfield and yes even Bleak House, and pick this one!

Brilliant. Charles Dickens forever renews himself. Sparkling, querky, moving and extraordinarily, uncannily modern. A good Introduction, helpful if rather fussy notes, but Dickens himself, for all the ridicule in the characterisation of some of the people, is brilliant.

I am not a literary expert - I'm an ordinary person with no special ability or training in interpreting English literature. I found 'Dombey and Son' a frustratingly difficult novel to understand. The crux of the story revolves around the complex and profound characters of Mr Dombey, Edith, and Mr Carker, but I struggled to understand their motives and objectives. Long passages of passionate conversation between these characters went over my head, and yet I knew those conversations were the key to opening the meaning of the story. So if you are a simple reader like me and you just want an interesting plot with lovable/comical/tragic characters, this may not be the novel for you.Having said that, I was still able to enjoy some peripheral parts of the book. Captain Cuttle, Mrs MacStinger, Mr Toots, and Major Bagstock with his servant were very entertaining. Their mannerisms and eccentricities are memorable. Florence is a staggering example of persistent love for the unlovely. Dickens' descriptions of various church services were vivid and atmospheric. Some of Dickens' satire was extremely clever and creative. The last page of the book was deeply moving.

Another one that I bought for a friend. I read this classic myself before passing it over and I am sure she has enjoyed it as much as I did