Жизнь и приключения Николаса Никльби

The social commentary feels so pointed and relevant even now. I'm curious whether Dickens aimed to challenge readers' perceptions or simply depict the world as he saw it.

His struggles and growth felt very real, but the detailed Victorian setting sometimes slowed the pacing. How did others experience this balance?

The cast is so rich and varied—I'm interested in what guided his choices to give certain characters more prominence or complexity.