Love these books! I read them over and over as a kid. I like that the kids are normal and human while still being wholesome and good.
I own this exact edition which was published in 1940.

Very fun stories. I want to read the rest of them now!

Horrifying and sad, and then marvelously happy. Incredible characters and plot.

Not Dickens' best work, but still very enjoyable! Also one of his shortest novels, but don't worry, he's still just as long-winded in his descriptions as ever before.

I was intrigued by Louisa's character, because she is so mysterious. We never really see inside her head, and are left to imagine what must be going on with her, especially since she gives so little outward indication of her state of mind. The result is that the slightest description of her facial expression or body language (and her limited dialogue) take on extra meaning. If we read that she glanced toward the door, we are plunged into endless speculation... what could it mean?!? She looked at the door!! Ah! What was she thinking?!? It's a major plot point when Louisa looks at a door! haha! The writing is so beautifully subtle whenever her character is in the scene.

Compare that to other characters, usually comical, that beat you over the head with their fatuous dialogue and endless repetitions of stupidity. There were plenty of characters that I loved to hate, who frustrated me to the end. Just brilliant writing! Dickens likes to make his point, either by tantalizing you with what isn't said, or by saying the same thing five times.

Written more like a story and with wonderful insights into the life and background of Tolkien. Not a dull paragraph!

Wonderful insight into Tolkien's life and times.