Bleak House - Charles Dickens

I pledge to read at least one Dickens novel each year, as a way to stay connected with the richness of classic literature. When I came across Bleak House, I didn’t expect much—until I found myself completely absorbed into the world Dickens created. His words drew me in so deeply that it felt like I was living alongside the characters, wandering through the fog of London, feeling their struggles and hopes. It was an unforgettable, immersive reading experience—one that reminded me why Dickens remains timeless.

The case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce is a very old and confusing court. It is about a group of people fighting over a large amount of money left in a will. The case had been going on for many years, so long that even the people involved didn’t fully understand it anymore. It wasted everyone’s time and money, and many people’s lives were ruined while waiting for the result. 

Esther Summerson, Richard Carstone, and Ada Clare are closely connected to each other through both personal relationships and the Jarndyce and Jarndyce case. Esther is the kind and humble narrator of the story, who becomes a companion and guardian to Ada. Ada and Richard are young cousins who fall in love, and both are wards in the Jarndyce case, meaning their futures depend on the outcome of the lawsuit. They all live together at Bleak House under the care of Mr. John Jarndyce, who acts as a father figure. While Esther tries to keep peace and offer wisdom, Richard becomes obsessed with the court case, which causes tension and worry, especially for Ada. Their lives become more complicated and emotional as they try to support each other while dealing with the harmful effects of the endless lawsuit.

Bleak House has many mysteries, many subplot are conected to each other, at first, the novel seems to have many separate storylines, but as the story goes on, Dickens slowly shows that all these plots are interwoven. The mysteries about Lady Dedlock's past become a central of the story, is about where she really comes from and the secret she hides. Mr. Tulkinghorn, her husband's serious and cold lawyer, becomes suspicious and starts watching her closely. He tries to find out the truth, like a cat chasing a mouse. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a hidden connection between Lady Dedlock and Esther Summerson. Their pasts are secretly tied together, and this mystery becomes one of the most important parts of the story.

In this novel, Dickens shows how the law system is full of problems and corruption. The lawyers make the case go on for many years without ending it, just so they can keep getting paid. They do not really care about helping people, but only about making money. This makes the people suffer while the lawyers and the court waste time and money. 

Dickens made Esther’s character is truly angelic, she is kind, patient, humble, and always puts others before herself. Esther was admired by several gentlemen, including the clerk law clerk at Kenge and Carboy, William Guppy and the surgeon Allan Woodcourt.

I like the character of Lady Dedlock, she is truly a noble lady. She remains strong, elegant, and graceful even when facing difficult and painful situations. Despite the secrets and dangers around her, she keeps her dignity and never loses her composure, she shouldering the flawless future of the Deadlock family.

Afterwhile, we see that Bleak House has so many characters, too many to mention. Many of them are "devil-like" figures, such as Mr. Tulkinghorn and Mr. Vholes, the sly lawyer who drags out Richard Carstone’s case just to make money. There are also disgusting and selfish characters like Mr. Skimpole, who pretends to be innocent while taking advantage of others. But the most devil-like figures is the Chancery Court itself, because its broken system creates suffering without responsibility. 

I almost forget to mention Mr. Bucket ! 

The character of Mr. Bucket is a pioneer of the modern detective, as he shows sharp observation, calm thinking, and clever methods long before the classic detectives of later fiction. Mr. Bucket solved the central case of this novel.

Though it is long, every page builds a rich world filled with mystery, emotion, and unforgettable characters.  His writing may take time, but it rewards the reader with wisdom, beauty, and truth that still matter today. 5 stars for Bleak House.

Ruang Buku Megga Rated : ✬✬✬✬✬(5/5)

Title : Bleak House

Author : Charles Dickens
Publisher : Penguin Classics (black spine)

Year : 2003 (First Published in 1853)

Format / Pages : Softcover / 989 pages