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Overview

Bleak House, published serially from 1852 to 1853, is a novel by Charles Dickens that explores themes of social class, justice, and the nature of identity. The novel is narrated by Esther Summerson, a young woman who is raised by her godmother and who eventually becomes embroiled in a long-running legal case known as Jarndyce and Jarndyce. Through Esther’s eyes, the novel examines the lives of a wide range of characters, from the wealthy and powerful to the poor and marginalized, and ultimately questions whether the legal system is incapable of providing true justice. 

Explore the full book summary, an in-depth character analysis of Esther Summerson, and explanations of important quotes from Bleak House.

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