Best Charles Dickens novel to start with?

I think 'A Tale of Two Cities' is a great choice. It's set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...' This opening line alone is iconic. The story is full of drama, sacrifice, and complex relationships, and Dickens' writing really brings that era to life.

For me, 'Oliver Twist' is the best Charles Dickens novel. It shines a light on the harsh realities of life for the poor in Victorian England. Oliver's journey from the workhouse to the streets of London and his encounters with characters like Fagin and the Artful Dodger make for a compelling read. Dickens' descriptions of poverty and the struggle for survival are both heart - breaking and eye - opening.

A strong case can be made for 'A Tale of Two Cities' as well. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, it weaves a story of love, sacrifice, and the brutality of the times. The characters like Sydney Carton, who makes the ultimate sacrifice, are both heroic and tragic, and Dickens' descriptions of the two cities, London and Paris, are very evocative.

It depends on personal preferences, but 'David Copperfield' is frequently regarded as one of his best. It provides a detailed and engaging account of a character's life journey with Dickens' signature social commentary.

Well, 'Great Expectations' is often regarded as one of Charles Dickens' greatest novels. It has complex characters and a compelling plot.

I think 'David Copperfield' is a wonderful starting point. It's somewhat autobiographical, so you get a sense of Dickens' own experiences and how he weaves them into his fictional world. The story follows David's life from childhood to adulthood, and there are so many interesting characters and sub - plots. It gives a comprehensive view of Dickens' storytelling skills and his ability to depict different aspects of human nature.

Maybe 'David Copperfield' would be good for a beginner. It's somewhat autobiographical. It has a clear narrative structure and a wide range of characters. You can follow David's journey from childhood to adulthood and get a taste of Dickens' exploration of family, love, and society.

One of the best - selling Charles Dickens novels is 'A Tale of Two Cities'. It has been widely popular due to its vivid portrayal of the French Revolution and the complex characters like Sydney Carton, whose self - sacrifice at the end is very moving. The story's themes of love, sacrifice, and the contrast between different social classes resonate with many readers.

A Dickens novel can be the best when it tackles important social issues in a way that makes the reader think. In 'Hard Times', Dickens criticizes the industrial society and its dehumanizing effects. The way he uses his characters to represent different aspects of this society, like Mr. Gradgrind with his focus on facts and figures, makes it a powerful and thought - provoking read. And of course, his use of vivid language to create the atmosphere of the era is also crucial.

For me, 'Great Expectations' is the best. It has a very engaging plot about Pip, an orphan boy with great expectations in life. The characters are vividly drawn, from the strange Miss Havisham to the convict Magwitch. It also explores themes like social class and the power of love and kindness in a very profound way.