Like many fond parents I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child confessed Charles Dickens in the preface of this novel and his name is David Copperfield. Millions of readers have taken young David into their hearts as well weeping over his misfortunes and exulting in his triumphs. Dickens seventh novel David Copperfield appeared in 1850 by which time he was a British national institution. Based on the authors own tumultuous journey from boy to man this epic traces Davids progress from his mothers sheltering arms to the miseries of boarding-school and sweatshop and the rewards of friendship romance and self-discovery in his vocation as a writer.
In addition to its compelling narrative the great appeal of David Copperfield lies in its memorable cast of characters. From Mr. Murdstone the brutal stepfather to the scheming clerk Uriah Heep the novel is peopled by vividly observed characters. Nursemaid Peggoty bursting with vitality leaves a trail of flying buttons in her wake. Grandiloquent Mr. Micawber is ever-confident that something will turn up to save his large brood from penury. Kind by wildly eccentric Aunt Betsey Trotwood accepts counsel from the wise fool Mr. Dick and provides a heated reception for trespassing donkeys. Dickens genius was comic and David Copperfield reflects his view of existence as a mixture of laughter and tears — with laughter uppermost.