Martin Chuzzlewit

I recently read Martin Chuzzlewit for the first time. Over the years I have read most of Dickens' novels, but seemed to overlook this one for some reason. I read G. K. Chesterton's critique right after finishing MC, and I agree with him that the America episode is priceless. I also agree with him that it is some of the most biting and grotesque satirical writing I have ever seen. Some of the satiricism is obviously dated, but much of it is right on target. I am a Canadian and have long been apalled at the brashness, arrogance and egocentrism of many citizens of the United States (not all mind you, but unfortunately more than a few that travel to other countries). I think it is a valuable, if not great piece of literature that can be bullseye some hundred and fifty years later in its social and political caricatures. If just for this portion of the book, I highly recommend MC.

I thought the America segments satirizing the Transcendentalists were really good, far better than its rather tame political targets.