One of Dickens’ most complicated stories with a village full of interrelated characters, Bleak House takes as its theme a long mismanaged suit in the English courts of chancery, weaving that suit around each of its protagonists in far-reaching coils.

Bleak House is a long book, there’s no denying.  I think it’s a little shorter than The Count of Monte Cristo, but longer than Little Dorrit, and probably longer than War and Peace.

The plot and character relationships are incredibly complex and intertwined.  Besides, its length requires a good attention span—though the plot is interesting enough to keep you going.  I suppose a dedicated young teenager could get through it, but 17+ is the age I recommend it for.

Jump to the bottom for a brief conclusion—or just read straight on for a more in-depth evaluation of Bleak House.

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