Plot summary, “Our Mutual Friend” by Charles Dickens in 4 Minutes - Book Review
1"Our Mutual Friend" is the last novel completed by Charles Dickens, and it was first published in serial form between 1864 and 1865. It is one of Dickens' lesser-known works but is considered one of his most complex and mature novels. The story is set in Victorian London and revolves around themes of money, social class, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
The novel's central plot revolves around the inheritance of a substantial fortune left by the miserly and misanthropic John Harmon, whose body is found floating in the River Thames. Harmon's inheritance is intended for his son, John Rokesmith, who assumes a new identity to investigate the circumstances surrounding his father's death and to observe how the beneficiaries of the inheritance react to his supposed death.
Key characters in the novel include Bella Wilfer, the beautiful but mercenary young woman who was originally intended to marry John Harmon; Noddy Boffin, a kind and unassuming man who inherits the fortune and undergoes a significant transformation; and Eugene Wrayburn, a lawyer who becomes involved in the mystery surrounding John Harmon's death.
Dickens uses "Our Mutual Friend" to explore various aspects of society, including the stark divide between the wealthy and the impoverished, the effects of greed and avarice, and the corrupting influence of money. The novel is known for its intricate plot, vivid characterizations, and a host of memorable secondary characters.
As with many of Dickens' works, "Our Mutual Friend" highlights the author's concern for social injustices and his commentary on the moral and ethical challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing and industrializing world. The novel is also noted for its dark humor and satire.
"Our Mutual Friend" is a lengthy and complex novel, but it is considered one of Dickens' masterpieces and is still widely studied and read today for its rich depiction of Victorian society and its enduring themes.