Where to start reading Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens enjoyed a great deal of popularity in his own time. With many of his works first published as serialised novels, he struck a chord then with his exploration of the human condition, of poverty and injustice, and his sharp character studies that managed to be both witty and perceptive. And what people loved then, we still love now. Many of his themes remain relevant and resonant, and his characters still feel familiar, offering that same mirror to readers to see ourselves more truly.

But he was a prolific writer; and authored at least 19 novels and short stories. If you’ve never tried one, or you’re not sure which to read next, here’s a quick guide to eight that make a good starting point.