Charles Dickens' Our Mutual Friend is praised for its intricate plot and vivid characterizations, showcasing the author's mastery in social commentary. However, some readers find its dense prose and numerous subplots challenging to navigate. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its depth and rich storytelling, though it demands patience and attentive reading.

A reader who delights in intricate plots, richly developed characters, and social commentary will enjoy Our Mutual Friend. Comparable works include Bleak House by Dickens and Vanity Fair by Thackeray, appealing to those who appreciate Victorian literature and narratives exploring wealth and class.

Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens follows the story of John Harmon, presumed drowned, whose inheritance is passed to his unknowing employers, the Boffins. Disguised as John Rokesmith, Harmon becomes their secretary to observe Bella Wilfer, his potential bride. Meanwhile, the mysterious deaths affect other characters like Lizzie Hexam and Eugene Wrayburn, revealing themes of poverty, identity, and social class. The novel includes discussions of alcohol addiction, death by suicide, and antisemitism.

Mysterious / Dark / Melancholic / Gritty / Bittersweet

- Our Mutual Friend was Charles Dickens's last completed novel, as he passed away while working on The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which remains unfinished.
- The novel was initially serialized in 19 monthly installments, published from May 1864 to November 1865, before being released as a complete volume.
- Our Mutual Friend deals extensively with social commentary on the impacts of greed and wealth, incorporating Dickens's critique of the class system in Victorian England.

**John Harmon**  
The son of a wealthy but abusive father, whose return to England under an alias sets in motion the unfolding events related to inheritance and identity.

**Lizzie Hexam**  
A compassionate young woman from a working-class background, whose experiences navigating social class differences influence her relationships and decisions.

**Eugene Wrayburn**  
A disillusioned young lawyer from a wealthy family, whose interactions with Lizzie Hexam lead to significant personal changes.

**Bella Wilfer**  
A young woman tied to the Harmon family through a will, whose journey involves reconciling her material desires with her personal values.

Charles Dickens

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Our Mutual Friend and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Our Mutual Friend Summary

Background

Our Mutual Friend Background

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chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1, Chapters 1-8

Our Mutual Friend Book 1, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 9-17

Our Mutual Friend Book 1, Chapters 9-17 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 1-8

Our Mutual Friend Book 2, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 9-16

Our Mutual Friend Book 2, Chapters 9-16 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 1-8

Our Mutual Friend Book 3, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Book 3, Chapters 9-17

Our Mutual Friend Book 3, Chapters 9-17 Summary & Analysis

Book 4, Chapters 1-8

Our Mutual Friend Book 4, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Book 4, Chapters 9-17

Our Mutual Friend Book 4, Chapters 9-17 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Our Mutual Friend Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Our Mutual Friend Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Our Mutual Friend Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Our Mutual Friend Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Our Mutual Friend Essay Topics

Our Mutual Friend

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Our Mutual Friend?

Reading Age

Book Details