This is the first time I have read this novel and it has taken me just over four weeks. It is long and it is a Victorian novel. Having said that I have enjoyed it very much indeed.

Like some of Dickens's works, this was originally issued in parts and I think the structure of the novel reflects that.

There are a number of sub-plots during the telling of which we lose sight of the main protagonists Clive Newcome and his father Colonel Thomas Newcome. However they are necessary for an explanation of the story!

The key social issue that Thackeray deals with here is the institution of marriage in Victorian times. This novel covers wife-beating - Lady Clara leaves Sir Barnes Newcome and became divorced which was so shameful. She left him for another man whom she should have married in the beginning. Then there is the main female character Ethel who breaks off her engagement to a marquis because of the divorce. She was being forced into the marriage by family pressures in spite of the fact that she really loved Clive. In the wake of that he also is 'forced' into marrying Rosie which is also a tragic match.

The novel is set during the height of the British Empire in which people make their military and business fortunes only to lose their money through bad investments and duplicitous colleagues/partners.

Although it is awkward at times, the style of narration using Arthur Pendennis worked for me and I didn't mind being addressed by him in the end pages. Other 21st century readers might find this unnecessary and obtrusive.

The description of the election is another piece of social commentary which is worth reading. ( )

Vol 1. / 1913 - 2nd edition