I don't know why this book isn't one of the more popular Dickens. As a Catholic I thought it a bit harsh to have him portray a devious Catholic as being behind much of the anti-Catholic sentiment and riots of the time,but I enjoyed Grip and thought the story had some of the most filmable elements of dickens. ( )

...so do things pass away, like a tale that is told!
(location 64782)

The thoughts of worldly men are for ever regulated by a moral law of gravitation, which, like the physical one, holds them down to earth. The bright glory of day, and the silent wonders of a starlit night, appeal to their minds in vain. There are no signs in the sun, or in the moon, or in the stars, for their reading. They are like some wise men, who, learning to know each planet by its Latin name, have quite forgotten such small heavenly constellations as Charity, Forbearance, Universal Love, and Mercy, although they shine by night and day so brightly that the blind may see them; and who, looking upward at the spangled sky, see nothing there but the reflection of their own great wisdom and book-learning.
(location 70151) ( )

Add Fox "News" and you have today's American political milieu. ( )

This tale is sort of Romeo and Juliet set in the time of the Gordon Riots between Protestents & Catholics. Of course, as usual with Dickens, there are plenty of subplots and interesting characters. ( )

It was no good I had to give up. I tried, I really tried but it seems that there is a reason BR is the least known of Dickens. It's really, really boring. I got half way via audiobook and had lost will to live. I then tried via text and got to about page 450, trying to do a chapter a day. But even that was a chore - so I am DNFing. I just couldn't take it anymore. ( )