Dombey and Son – Charles Dickens

The first and last 200 pages of this enormous novel are great. The set-up is intriguing and concludes with a truly surprising narrative turn, and there is some real melodrama towards the end.

Unfortunately, the central section loses its way rather badly and I lost interest in the comical goings-on of the over-stuffed supporting cast.

Also, is this the least enticing book cover you have ever seen?