Hard times ahead if you're reading this tome
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I had to read this for GCSE in 1994 and it was a struggle from start to finish. It truly was 'hard times' reading this book, but something in it did appeal to me, because it didn't turn me off of Dickens. I have read further novels by him since - and not always because I have been forced to! There was a good TV series made of this book (the teacher made us watch it), with Bob Peck in it - that white hunter-type character from the first Jurassic Park film, who has since died, apparently.
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Best Dickens that I have read
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A fantastic read, with wonderfully descriptive moments. Very moving towards the end with a great ending.
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Doesn't quite live up to its promise
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This started off being very funny and quite promising, but seemed to lose its way rather. Although often thought of as a critique of the harshness of capitalism during the industrial revolution, this aspect forms more of a backdrop rather than imbuing the whole course of events as is the case with, for example, Ragged Trousered Philanthropists. Gradgrind, the ultimate right-brained individual who learns the value of emotional responses alongside purely rational ones, and the deferential and tragic labourer Stephen Blackpool, are the most interesting characters.
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Less is more.
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Not a sprawling book, this is his shortest novel, but it is Dickens at his best. The pared down economy of writing here still crams a mighty punch with wonderful imaginary, satire and irony. Hard Times is set in fictitious Coketown; it makes important statements on Victorian society, the Victorian family and amongst other things the trappings of The Industrial Revolution. As usual there are marvellous characters the king of which here is J Bounderby. Bounderby could be your best mate, but you would not necessarily want your daughter to marry him. T Gradgrind and J Bounderby are bound up in the terrible mistake of these times. The mistake is numerical, the misapplication of figures and averages which are representations of the great wicked vice. Industrial capitalism aligned with laissez-faire policy results in the prosperity of Britain at the expense of a poorly paid downtrodden population. That is not the story, only just part of the backdrop. I agree as a premise for a descent read, it does not appeal. However on reading you will discover a classic page turner. This is a wonderful book for Dickens doubters and an excellent book for Dickens lovers.
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A truly great British Classic!
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When first met with the idea of having to read 'Hard Times' for uni, I must admit my response was parallel to that of having to watch paint dry. Though I have to comment that as you can guess from my 4 star rating that 'Hard Times' proved something that made a huge mark in my life. Not only did I immerse myself into this wonderful book, it transformed my way of looking at not only Dickens as a writer, but as a story teller. Yes 'Hard Times' is a sad book, yet there are some truly wonderful moments too. You will be touched by this book, and if you do feel that out of all his novels to read I would recommend to start with 'Hard Times'.
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