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A Simpleton   By: (1814-1884)

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In A Simpleton by Charles Reade, readers are transported into a world filled with heartbreak, challenges, and moments of profound wisdom. The story revolves around a simple-minded and kind-hearted character named Jack, who faces numerous trials and tribulations throughout his life.

What makes this book truly remarkable is Reade's ability to create complex and relatable characters. Jack's innocence and naivety evoke a sense of empathy within the readers, as they see him being taken advantage of by those around him. Yet, Jack's purity of heart and unwavering belief in the good of others is a breath of fresh air in a world often characterized by deceit and selfishness.

Reade's prose is simple yet evocative, painting vivid pictures of the various settings and emotions experienced by the characters. The author's insightful commentary on human nature and the consequences of one's actions adds depth to the narrative, prompting readers to reflect on their own choices and the impact they have on others.

One of the major strengths of A Simpleton is its exploration of the theme of redemption. Through the trials and tribulations faced by Jack, Reade challenges readers to consider the possibility of personal growth and transformation. The book reminds us that everyone is capable of change, and that even the simplest of individuals can have a profound impact on the lives of those around them.

However, the pacing of the story occasionally feels sluggish, with certain scenes dragging on for longer than necessary. Additionally, the romantic subplot between Jack and a female character lacks depth and development, leaving the reader craving more emotional connection and resolution.

Overall, A Simpleton is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the human condition, highlighting the power of kindness and the potential for personal growth. With its compelling characters and meaningful themes, this book leaves a lasting impression on the reader, reminding us of the importance of empathy in our interactions with others.

First Page:

A SIMPLETON

By Charles Reade

PREFACE.

It has lately been objected to me, in studiously courteous terms of course, that I borrow from other books, and am a plagiarist. To this I reply that I borrow facts from every accessible source, and am not a plagiarist. The plagiarist is one who borrows from a homogeneous work: for such a man borrows not ideas only, but their treatment. He who borrows only from heterogeneous works is not a plagiarist. All fiction, worth a button, is founded on facts; and it does not matter one straw whether the facts are taken from personal experience, hearsay, or printed books; only those books must not be works of fiction.

Ask your common sense why a man writes better fiction at forty than he can at twenty. It is simply because he has gathered more facts from each of these three sources, experience, hearsay, print.

To those who have science enough to appreciate the above distinction, I am very willing to admit that in all my tales I use a vast deal of heterogeneous material, which in a life of study I have gathered from men, journals, blue books, histories, biographies, law reports, etc. And if I could, I would gladly specify all the various printed sources to which I am indebted. But my memory is not equal to such a feat. I can only say that I rarely write a novel without milking about two hundred heterogeneous cows into my pail, and that "A Simpleton" is no exception to my general method; that method is the true method, and the best, and if on that method I do not write prime novels, it is the fault of the man, and not of the method... Continue reading book >>




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