Immense in size, this early Dickens novel is just as large in providing pleasurable reading; I didn't want it to end. Dickens published it in 1837 when he was 25 years old; impressive. His range of characters, episodic plot, lively dialogue, humorous situations, never lags. Although not as weighty as that other great laughing satire, Don Quixote, Pickwick is in the same genre and should be read as a thematic companion to that great Spanish novel.
Dickens loves the tale, I mean, telling the tale; it is all in the storytelling. Although it never dips into philosophy, science, morality, politics, or other pithy topics, Dicken's vast canvas ranges over the quixotic turns that happen in life. Pickwick, the title character, is completely lovable in his formality, politeness, and cordiality, making him a perrenially memorable character.
Read this novel, friends, and give it to your friends who love to read. Or to anyone who loves the rich tapestry of mature storytelling, Dickens-style. This was the first novel to put him into popularity, and I see why.
