I must have watched too many horror movies. When I saw the title of this book, I was sure someone would walk into a dark corner of the shop and get eaten. Or maybe someone would get a stake in the heart.
Unfortunately, it is one of the first road trips. Little Nell Trent and her grandfather travel the country meeting interesting characters such as Punch (of Punch and Judy fame). I had to stop reading and look up the history of Punch.
The reason it feels like it goes on forever is that it was published as a serial that ran from 1840 to 1841.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the evil-looking dwarf, Daniel Quilp, cheats at cards with his cabal. And we all know the only thing worse than cheating at cards is kicking the dog.
I am still trying to figure out what the book's message is. No one can write that much without having some sort of message. I guess that people read this stuff for the Genius loci. There are not that many cliffhangers.
Charles Dickens’ writing style is not as smooth and to the point as Jane Austen's; however, it is not packed full of g-o-b-b-l-e-d-y-g-o-o-k as is Wilkie Collins'.
I know how it ends. You will just have to read and find out yourself.
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