[Borges]

Dickens is badly represented in most schools by his worst novels (Oliver Twist, A Tale of Two Cities). Read ‘Bleak House’ or ‘Little Dorrit’ to see what Dickens could do.

[6SJ7]

My favorite has always been the Pickwick Papers, perhaps because it ultimately is “a show about nothing”. Pure entertainment.

[Dr. Sivana]

Unfortunately, both "Bleak House" and "Pickwick Papers" are too long for most lit courses. I disagree about Tale of Two Cities. That book is routinely suggested by historians and French Revolution experts as a great book to get a feel for the atmosphere. Along with Bleak House, I really enjoyed Martin Chuzzlewit, from where we get the word "Pecksniffian." The BBC versions of Bleak House (with Diana Rigg) and Martin Chuzzlewit are well-done (while omitting non-essential subplots of necessity).

[carton253]

I would never characterize A Tale of Two Cites as Dickens worse. In fact, Sydney Carton is one of the most fascinating literary characters ever.