Sofa Spotlight - Barnaby Rudge, Charles Dickens

 I think this is one of the most overlooked books by Dickens, which I feel is one of his best. It’s also perfect for reading on a wild autumnal evening as it has a very spooky start and a brilliant dramatic ending.

When Dickens writes, what would have been to him, historical fiction I feel that he is at his best. A Tale of Two Cities is my favourite Dickens of all time but Barnaby Rudge comes at a close second. It’s set during the Gordon Riots of the 1700s and involves a murder mystery, a ghost story and romantic intrigues.

Barnaby Rudge himself is a character who is easily led. The language used to describe him in the book is harsh, but of it’s time. Today we would say he has learning difficulties and his mental age hasn’t progressed much past that of a child. His constant companion is a raven called Grip who can repeat odd words and phrases, but not often on demand.

The Maypole Inn is possibly my favourite setting in a book and there’s something so cosy and pleasant about it. There are both good and questionable characters that inhabit it and they have a major part to play in the story of Barnaby Rudge.

All I can say is that you should find yourself a roaring fire and a mug of hot chocolate and start reading this at once. You won’t regret it.