Pat Burns answers “A lot of reviewers have called this book...”

Ami asked this question about The Goldfinch:

A lot of reviewers have called this book "Dickensian." What is it about The Goldfinch that reminds everyone of Charles Dickens so much?

Pat Burns If you have ever read Dickens I'm surprised you would ask this question. Aside from the length of the novel she employs many of the Dickensian themes …moreIf you have ever read Dickens I'm surprised you would ask this question. Aside from the length of the novel she employs many of the Dickensian themes throughout - orphans, critique of the classes, tragedy, story told over many years and coincidence. The main character - Theo Decker - is an obvious homage to David Copperfield and his journey throughout the novel is similar in many ways. Tartt even names a character "Pippa." This is meant to remind the reader of themes of Great Expectations as well. (less)

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Debe Exactly, Pat and Luca.
Jan 26, 2015 12:45PM · flag

E. G. Interesting--I have been reading "David Copperfield" for the first time during the same period as "The Goldfinch," and it honestly would never have oc ...more
Mar 22, 2015 06:17PM · flag

Susan David Copperfield suffered a lot of setbacks that were not his fault, but he also had gumption. When his greedy stepfather sent him to work in an ink ...more
Aug 08, 2022 06:41AM · flag

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