Dombey and Son
Dombey and Son
Book Brief
848
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1840s
1848
Adult
16+ years
1210L
Super Short Summary
Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens tells the story of a wealthy but heartless businessman, Mr. Dombey, who dreams of his son taking over his shipping empire while neglecting his daughter, Florence. The novel follows the family's tribulations and resolutions, highlighting themes of pride, loss, and eventual redemption as Mr. Dombey learns to value family over business. The novel contains themes of child loss, domestic abuse, and severe illness.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
17,438 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens has been praised for its rich character development and engaging social critique. Critics highlight the compelling portrayal of the titular character's emotional journey. However, some note the novel's length and occasional melodramatic elements as drawbacks. Overall, it remains a significant work showcasing Dickens's narrative skill and social insight.
Who Should Read Dombey and Son?
Readers who relish intricately woven family dramas, social critique, and rich character development would enjoy Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens. Comparable to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and George Eliot’s Middlemarch, this novel appeals to those who appreciate nuanced portrayals of 19th-century society.
17,438 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Charles Dickens initially published Dombey and Son in 19 monthly installments from 1846 to 1848, following a similar publication model as many of his other novels.
The novel is notable for its early exploration of industrialization's impact on British society, reflecting the socioeconomic changes of the Victorian era.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
Dickens used major advancements in railways as both a literal and symbolic element in Dombey and Son, emphasizing themes of progress and disruption.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
848
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1840s
1848
Adult
16+ years
1210L
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!