61 pages • 2 hours read
Charles DickensNicholas Nickleby
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1839A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Nicholas Nickleby follows the struggles of young Nicholas after his father's death, as he tries to support his mother and sister in a deceitful world. Sent to work at a cruel boarding school, he rescues mistreated Smike and confronts his ruthless uncle Ralph. Eventually, Nicholas finds success and reunites his family, exposing the greed and corruption of Victorian-era institutions. The book depicts child abuse, sexual harassment, and suicide.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Nicholas Nickleby is celebrated for its vivid characters and intricate plotting, showcasing Dickens' social critique and humor. Critics applaud its emotional depth and compelling narrative. However, some find the many subplots can feel cumbersome, and the resolution somewhat contrived. Overall, it's often considered a masterpiece of Dickensian literature.
Who Should Read Nicholas Nickleby?
Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens appeals to readers who enjoy Victorian literature rich in social commentary, humor, and intricate plots. Fans of Dickens' Oliver Twist or Thackeray's Vanity Fair will appreciate the vivid characterizations and poignant critiques of societal injustices. Ideal for those captivated by moral complexities and 19th-century settings.