If Charles Dickens were around today, he’d probably be the king of the serial drama binge-watch. Known for his unforgettable characters and elaborate plots, Dickens wrote stories that hooked readers from the first page and kept them coming back for more. Whether it’s the tragic fate of Oliver Twist or the ghostly lessons of Ebenezer Scrooge, Dickens knew how to keep an audience on the edge of their seats—Victorian style.
Wondering where to start with his impressive bibliography? Let’s take a whirlwind tour of Dickens’ novels in order of publication, with a little commentary to guide you along the way. Get ready for a journey through grimy London streets, lavish drawing rooms, and heart-wrenching tales of social injustice—all with Dickens’ trademark wit.
1. The Pickwick Papers (1837)
Charles Dickens burst onto the literary scene with this lighthearted, episodic tale about the misadventures of Mr. Pickwick and his quirky companions. Part travelogue, part comedy of manners, The Pickwick Papers gave readers a taste of Dickens’ humor and his talent for crafting memorable characters. This isn’t his darkest work by far—it’s more of a comedic romp, but hey, we all have to start somewhere.
2. Oliver Twist (1838)
Please, sir, I want some more. And who could blame Oliver? Dickens took a turn for the dramatic with Oliver Twist, a story about an orphan navigating the brutal realities of life in Victorian London. Social commentary meets suspense as Oliver faces off with the sinister Fagin, Artful Dodger, and the terrifying Bill Sikes. This novel sealed Dickens’ reputation as a master of gritty, heart-wrenching tales of the downtrodden.
3. Nicholas Nickleby (1839)
Adventure, school scandals, and a lovable rogue of a hero—Nicholas Nickleby gave Dickens fans a young protagonist to root for as he takes on corrupt boarding schools and greedy uncles. The novel is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, but Nicholas’ optimism shines through even in the darkest moments.
4. The Old Curiosity Shop (1841)
Grab the tissues. In The Old Curiosity Shop, Dickens brings us one of the most famously tragic characters in literature: Little Nell. This tale of innocence, greed, and mortality had readers sobbing over Nell’s fate—and Dickens cemented his ability to make us feel all the feelings. If you’re ready for some Victorian heartbreak, this one’s for you.
5. Barnaby Rudge (1841)
Let’s throw in a little historical fiction, shall we? Barnaby Rudge takes us back to the Gordon Riots of 1780, blending political unrest with personal drama. It’s one of Dickens’ lesser-known works, but it’s packed with tension and suspense—perfect for history buffs who want a side of revolution with their reading.
6. Martin Chuzzlewit (1844)
Satirical and sharply critical, Martin Chuzzlewit explores themes of selfishness and greed, but with the usual dose of Dickensian humor. Here, Dickens plays with the concept of the American dream, taking a not-so-flattering look at society across the pond. It didn’t win universal praise at the time, but let’s be honest—Dickens’ “flops” are still more brilliant than most of us could dream of.
7. Dombey and Son (1848)
This novel marks a more mature, emotional shift in Dickens’ work. Dombey and Son examines the cold, calculating world of business, but at its heart, it’s a touching family drama. With strong female characters and themes of pride and redemption, this one’s a slow burn with a big payoff.
8. David Copperfield (1850)
Some call it the most Dickensian of Dickens novels—and that’s because it’s semi-autobiographical! David Copperfield follows the life of its titular character from childhood to adulthood, capturing every triumph and tragedy along the way. Meet unforgettable characters like the villainous Uriah Heep and the ever-optimistic Mr. Micawber in this fan-favorite.
9. Bleak House (1853)
Legal drama meets mystery in Bleak House, one of Dickens’ most ambitious novels. With a sprawling cast of characters and a plot centered around a never-ending court case, this is a deep dive into the dark, bureaucratic mess of the British legal system. It’s complex, but stick with it—the payoff is worth every twist and turn.
10. Hard Times (1854)
This one’s shorter, but no less impactful. Hard Times is Dickens’ social critique on the dehumanizing effects of industrialization. It’s a biting, bleak look at factory life and education, set in the fictional Coketown. Spoiler: things aren’t looking too cheery here.
11. Little Dorrit (1857)
Debt, imprisonment, and the struggle to find happiness in a society obsessed with money—Little Dorrit tackles the class divide head-on. This is another heavy-hitter in the Dickens canon, with a touch of romantic drama to sweeten the pot.
12. A Tale of Two Cities (1859)
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” If you haven’t heard that line, you’ve been living under a rock. A Tale of Two Cities transports readers to London and Paris during the French Revolution. Love, sacrifice, and historical upheaval all collide in this epic novel. Spoiler: heads will roll.
13. Great Expectations (1861)
If you’re looking for a Dickens novel that’s equal parts heartbreak and hope, Great Expectations is the one for you. Follow the journey of Pip, a poor orphan whose mysterious benefactor changes his life forever. With iconic characters like the bitter Miss Havisham and the convict Magwitch, it’s no wonder this is one of Dickens’ most beloved books.
14. Our Mutual Friend (1865)
Dickens saved some of his best satire for last. Our Mutual Friend takes aim at the greed and hypocrisy of London’s upper class, all while weaving a plot of inheritance, mystery, and romance. It’s classic Dickens with a slightly more cynical edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best Charles Dickens novel to start with?
Many readers start with A Christmas Carol (1843), but Great Expectations or David Copperfield are great choices if you want the full Dickens experience—memorable characters, gripping plot, and social commentary all wrapped into one.
Which Dickens novel is the longest?
Bleak House is one of his longest, clocking in at over 900 pages. But don’t be intimidated—it’s a riveting read once you get into the legal drama!
Are Dickens’ novels connected in any way?
Each novel stands alone, but Dickens often revisited similar themes like poverty, social justice, and the pitfalls of wealth. He also loved reusing character types—so if you love one of his rogues or eccentric old ladies, you’ll probably find them again in another book!
Conclusion
Charles Dickens’ novels, from The Pickwick Papers to Our Mutual Friend, take readers on emotional journeys through the highs and lows of Victorian society. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales of redemption or biting social critiques, Dickens has it all—and then some. So, pick a book, start reading, and let yourself get swept away by the world of London fog, crooked lawyers, and unforgettable characters!