Summary
Nicholas Nickleby follows the journey of a young man, Nicholas, who must support his mother and sister after the death of his father leaves the family penniless.
He seeks help from his cold and ruthless uncle, Ralph Nickleby, who instead sends Nicholas to work at a brutal Yorkshire boarding school run by the cruel Wackford Squeers.
Disgusted by the abuse he witnesses there, Nicholas escapes and sets off on a path filled with misadventures, colorful characters, and personal growth.
Along the way, he defends his sister Kate from predatory suitors, helps the mistreated Smike, and ultimately seeks justice against the corruption and cruelty that plague Victorian society.
This novel is a biting critique of child exploitation, greed, and social inequality, but also brims with hope, humor, and resilience.