Our Mutual Friend (Our Mutual Friend (Hardcover))

Rating:
Summary: A Great but Long Victorian Novel
Review: This was one of Dickens' last novels and its length can be overwhelming at first. However, if you like Victorian novels or Dickens, you will probably love this book. Like many of his books, Dickens successfully blends comedy, satire and gothic elements to create a story both dark and creepy as well as sweetly romantic. The story is this: John Harmon stands to inherit a fortune if he will only marry Bella Wilfer. However, John isn't too sure about this deal and fakes his own death to disguise himself and secretly observe Bella. Bella Wilfer is a woman you'll either love or hate. She is not your typical Victorian domestic angel. Filled with memorable characters and Dickens distinctive narrative voice, I would recommend this story for anyone willing to spend the time necessary to enjoy this novel which also makes strong political statements about London in the 1800's.