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Barnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of Eighty

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1841

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Book Brief

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Charles Dickens

Barnaby Rudge

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1841
Book Details
Pages

744

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1780s

Publication Year

1841

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Gritty

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

11,520 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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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.

4.1

11,520 ratings

65%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Mary Rudge

A kind and devoted mother from Chigwell, living alone with her son Barnaby and a raven named Grip since her husband's disappearance.

A young man with a red birthmark on his wrist and an intellectual disability, known for his energy, boisterous nature, and a raven companion named Grip.

An honest and well-respected locksmith from Clerkenwell, who values his principles and maintains many friendships across different societal circles.

Gabriel Varden's wife, often antagonistic and devoutly religious, who becomes involved in controversial events.

The daughter of Gabriel and Martha Varden, a youthful coquette with emotional immaturity who grows throughout the narrative.

An apprentice of Gabriel Varden, vain and self-centered, who harbors unrequited feelings for Dolly and becomes entangled in rebellious activities.

The housemaid at the Varden household, known for her false and combative nature, with shifting loyalties.

The landlord of the Maypole Inn whose overconfidence and emotional abuse drive a wedge between him and his son Joe.

The son of Old John Willet, known for his heroism and enduring the challenges of love and war.

A hostler at the Maypole Inn, whose troubled past and aggressive traits lead him into violent and wrongful actions.

A wealthy and manipulative man, whose scheming nature affects the futures of many around him.

A brutish and headstrong man ahead of his estate, deeply caring for his niece Emma in challenging times.

The kind-hearted son of John Chester, whose love life is complicated by familial expectations and societal pressures.

The gentle yet strong-willed niece of Geoffrey Haredale, with a traumatic past that influences her actions.

A historical figure depicted by Dickens as a leader with a fervent cause, whose naivete influences significant events in the story.

The scheming secretary to Lord George Gordon, who manipulates his master for his own motives.

A loyal servant to Lord George Gordon, who attempts to mitigate the impact of the riots while maintaining loyalty.

The hangman of Tyburn, known for his dedication to his profession and fervent beliefs, whose actions intertwine him with the riots.

Book Details
Pages

744

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1780s

Publication Year

1841

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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