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63 pages 2 hours read

Charles Dickens, John Bowen, Hablot Knight Browne

Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1841

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens is set during the anti-Catholic Gordon Riots of 1780 and follows the life of Barnaby Rudge, a young man with an intellectual disability, his mother Mary Rudge, and various residents of London and Chigwell as they navigate complex social, moral, and religious issues amid rising intolerance and unrest. This text features discussions of ableism, religious intolerance, alcohol addiction, sexual assault, enslavement, sexism, suicide, and emotional abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens receives mixed reviews. Readers appreciate its historical setting and rich character development, particularly the titular character. However, some criticize the novel for its uneven pacing and less engaging plot compared to Dickens’ other works. Overall, it offers a unique glimpse into 18th-century England but may not captivate all audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Barnaby Rudge?

Readers who enjoy historical novels with rich character development and social commentary would appreciate Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens. Fans of Dickens's other works like A Tale of Two Cities or Victor Hugo's Les Misérables will find similar themes of justice, revolution, and intricate narratives engaging.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years