Fanfare please! I have finished Bleak House!!
I think it's my favourite of the Dickens novels I've read, although as I've established on this blog, that's not necessarily a massive compliment.
It's a long book, and I would estimate that the first two thirds of the book is establishing characters and setting the scene for the dramatic ending. I found it quite confusing at times as there are so many different strands to the story, and seemingly unconnected characters, that it was difficult to keep track of them all. Naturally, they all get woven into the story, but I felt that it took far too long to get to that point. Esther, the main narrative voice, is quite a likeable character, although her uber-humility regarding others' opinion of her got a bit wearing at times.
The court case of Jarndyce v Jarndyce is a central theme of the book, with many of the main characters living their lives waiting for the outcome. I think that this was predominantly a way for Dickens to criticise the Victorian legal system and the court of chancery, and the various digs at the legal profession etc are mildly amusing.
There is also a comic character, Harold Skimpole, who is skilfully realised, and gradually exposed as a cynical manipulator - this is cleverly done.
Once Dickens actually gets to the point and starts telling a story, it gathers pace, is very readable, and very involving. It's just...why does it have to take him so long to get there?
Still, done and dusted, and I feel a sense of achievement at having finished it. I still won't be rushing to read any more though...
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