The Old Curiosity Shop

I'm revising my rating because I just don't have good memories of this book. I got a two-volume set from around the 1880s, and decided to read through it; I kinda liked Nell, but it was like slogging through mud for me to get into the story. Well, I made it to the end of the first volume, and by then I'd invested enough time to put it aside, so I gritted my teeth and ploughed into it. I could hardly wait to finish the final chapter, because this villain is utterly bad and was totally creeping me out.

Imagine my shock when it ended on a cliffhanger and “End of volume II” instead of “The End.” I was missing a third volume! By that time I was mad; this book was not going to conquer me. When I got a chance, I got a complete volume and finished it off.

I didn't feel a big payoff like I hoped. In the end, things still look generally hopeless. It kept getting sidetracked from the Nell story I wanted to read and focusing on other, repulsive characters.

If it wasn't a classic, I'd probably give it two stars.