63 pages • 2 hours read
Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty
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Book Brief
744
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1780s
1841
Adult
18+ years
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.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Gritty
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
11,520 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
11,520 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
744
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1780s
1841
Adult
18+ years
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