Publisher: Everyman's Library
Authors: Charles Dickens
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Summary: Criminally Underrated.
It surprises me that this is actually one of the lesser known works of Dickens. The truth is, this book displays some of Dickens's strongest writing. We start with some people recalling the horrible murder 'on the 19th of March' some years ago. (Undoubtedly, The Ides of March from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" was revolving in Dickens's head.) These characters talk of Geoffrey Haredale and his niece Emma. (Emma's father, and Geoffrey's brother was the victim of the murder sometime ago.) Throughout the story, Dickens maintains the tone of suspense with the fear and presence of the 'dead man.' Perhaps one of the greatest things about this book is that Dickens 1st talks about the hatred between religions on a personal level, and then it is brought to a massive level. Well, Geoffrey Haredale and John Chester meet. They don't like each other, but they agree that they do NOT want Haredale's niece Emma to marry Chester's son Edward. Haredale and Chester display yet another strong point of Dickens's writing. Unlike Hollywood Action Movies, Charles Dickens knows how to prevent characters from being 100 % likable or 100 % detestable. Haredale is cold, stern, and uptight. But he is virtuous. Chester is vain, self serving, and dishonest, but he carries a charm that makes him likable in spite of this. Well, we soon learn that John Chester and his son Edward are not too fond of each other. Though especially with modern goals, it is hard to disagree with John when he says: "All men are fortune hunters, are they not?" Later, Gabriel Varden's daughter Dolly gets robbed by Maypole. (Eventually we will learn that Maypole is John Chester's illegitimate son.) His actions would seem to indicate a relationship to John Chester. Well, we learn that the 'dead man' is in fact Barnaby Rudge's father. He makes a visit, and while Mary (Barnaby's mother) is frightened of him, she provides some relief to him. Later, Haredale suspects that the man who killed his brother may not be so far away. Moving on, Chester and Haredale succeed in cutting Emma and Edward asunder, though Haredale does regret the dishonesty involved. This is followed with the complete alienation of John Chester and his son. (Though if we think the concept of keeping people with different religions from marrying as well as keeping certain families from becoming related is a thing of the past, we should THINK AGAIN.) Moving on, a huge Protestant rally begins to form with the intent of destroying Catholic property. (So, Dickens has shown us religious bigotry on a personal level, and then he raises it to a massive level. Good job Charles!) Maypole decides to join the rally. Well, we once again meet Mary and Barnaby. They are visited by a blind man, and it doesn't take too much for us to realize that the blind man is a good friend of Rudge Sr. Later, Mary and Barnaby see the Protestant Rally, and Barnaby, being somewhat naive can not resist joining them. (Though we should be aware that getting people to join a dangerous rally with just a few simple words that appeal to primitive instincts is not all that difficult.) Moving on, Gabriel Varden's daughter Emma and Haredale's niece Emma are captured by the rally. Soon afterwards Rudge Sr is taken by Haredale and Barnaby is taken. Maypole hears that Barnaby has been taken, and in an arguably redeeming moment plans to rescue him. Later, Sr.Rudge and his blind servant meet. Rudge Sr expresses some regret for his past crimes, and his friend indicates that perhaps all is not lost. If his wife declares that her husband died years ago (as many people believe), then Rudge Sr should get off. In an at least partially touching scene, Rudge Sr and Barnaby meet, and Rudge Sr indicates that he is Barnaby's father. Well, against his will, Gabriel Varden is forced to assist with freeing the prisoners, and Barnaby and Sr. Rudge know freedom once more. Haredale is injured, and he later discovers that it is Edward Chester himself who helped him. Well, poor Sr. Rudge realizes his wife will not help him, and he loses hope as his blind friend is killed, and he himself is recaptured. Mary Rudge confesses to Barnaby that she never revealed his father. Rudge Sr. understandably is in a rage when he sees his wife. (Truth be told, by denying to help him, she has in fact pulled the rope around his neck.) To be sure, Rudge Sr's. actions were criminal, but why should he be happy to see his wife after she sealed his fate? In a bit of fierce Dickens type comedy, Dennis the hangman is also arrsted and is frightened of whoever his cellmate may be, but peace is made between Dennis and Maypole. (What's the point of fighting now? They are both going to die soon anyway.) In a redeeming moment, Dennis tells Maypole about his past and that John Chester is in fact his father. Why not? If one is to die soon, would he not want to make peace with a discovered parent? Gabriel Varden tries to get John Chester to make peace with Maypole, but Maypole has outlived his usefulness to him. So of course, John Chester has more important things to worry about. (Like his hair appointment.) In a redeeming moment, Maypole expresses that he would lay down his life if it would save Barnaby. In a dark, but articulate line, he goes out with hatred for his father: "I leave the wish that he die a violent death as I do now, and have the night wind for his only mourner." In a sad scene, Haredale admits his wrong doing and gives his leave for Emma and Edward to marry. It is interesting that 2 lovers coming together is a typical happy ending, but in this case, it DOES take a back seat to the sadness of Haredale. Could it be that Charles Dickens created such a strong and developed character that the rule of a successful romance making everything alright is defied? Well, Geoffrey Haredale and John Chester have their final fight, and John Chester does go out in style. Though poor Haredale only lives on for a short while longer. But all is not dark. Barnaby is freed and reunited with his mother, and to add one final bit of happiness to a sad story, Barnaby's bird can speak again. It is true that "Barnaby Rudge" is quite different from his more popular works like "Oliver Twist," "A Christmas Carol," or "David Copperfield." But this is a case where a different technique worked well. And did not his ever popular "Tale of Two Cities" deviate from his standard formula? Don't be put off because this is a more obscure work of Charles Dickens. You'll miss out!
Summary: Timely Now
I haven't read Dickens since I was a young man and am glad to have begun my reaquaintance by my first reading of Barnaby Rudge. As always, the characters are varied, and spring to life through Dickens's gifts for acute description and memorable dialogue. The plot threads are complex - some admittedly predictable, others full of suspense and surprise. What I appreciate most, however, is the action-packed, central section of the book with its vivid descriptions of the Gordon Riots: terrifying, out-of-control mob violence engendered by religious intollerance. Given the the disasterous effects of rigid religious fundamentalism (across all the major faiths) in the contemporary world, I found this aspect of the novel the most compelling. Add to that the character of the amoral, hypocritical politician Sir John Chester, and we have a work of fiction to remind us that there are lessons to be learned from history. With its relative brevity, compelling ncharacters, and page-turning action sequences, I highly recommend this novel to fans of the author and those new to his oeuvre.
Summary: An account of the Gordon riots of 1780.
Dickens is one of my favourite authors, and I took up this book simply because I wanted to read all his books. "Barnaby Rudge", though is a little different than some of Dickens' other works. For one it's about a true historical happening. The riots of 1780 actually did occur. It's one of his shorter books, and it was written earlier on in his career. The book is really not where a reader should start with Dickens' books, but it should be read nonetheless. It still has the same great characterizations and atmosphere that we expect from Dickens, and it's still a good story. Barnaby is quite the character. We have to laugh at his antics, and Slow John at the Maypole Inn is absolutely wonderful. I read this book quite awhile ago, and while I'm writing this review, I'm thinking I need to reread it again. Wonderful atmosphere!
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