Charles Dickens had a thing for complicated families, and Martin Chuzzlewit might be his most complicated yet. At the heart of it is old Martin Chuzzlewit, a wealthy man who trusts no one, especially his scheming relatives. When he suspects his grandson, young Martin, is just as money-grubbing as the rest, he cuts him off without a penny.

The Story

Young Martin, now broke and proud, sets off to become an architect under the tutelage of the hilariously two-faced Seth Pecksniff. Let's just say it doesn't go well. In a bold (and famously criticized) move, Dickens sends his hero off to America. The chapters there are a satirical romp, full of boastful hucksters and scoundrels that Dickens based on his own travels. Meanwhile, back in England, a dark mystery involving an insurance scam and a possible murder unfolds around Pecksniff and the mysterious Jonas Chuzzlewit. It's a story of two journeys: one across the ocean and one toward becoming a better man.

Why You Should Read It

This book is worth it for the characters alone. Seth Pecksniff is one of literature's greatest hypocrites—a man who drips with false goodness. Then there's Mark Tapley, young Martin's loyal servant, whose mission is to find misery so he can be cheerful in the face of it! Dickens is in top form here, poking fun at selfishness and greed on both sides of the Atlantic. While the American section feels a bit separate, it's full of sharp, funny observations that still ring true.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love big, sprawling Victorian novels packed with unforgettable personalities and social satire. If you enjoyed the messy families of Bleak House or the journey of David Copperfield, you'll find a lot to love here. It's a rewarding, if sometimes meandering, adventure about learning what matters more than money.