A new edition to the Arcturus classic fiction line, Bleak House is arguably Dickens' most accomplished novel, blending an enjoyable story with a relevant societal critique. As orphaned Esther journeys to the home of her appointed guardian, Mr. Jarndyce, she meets his two other wards, Ada and Richard. The presence of Inspector Bucket, often called the first significant detective in literature, and Mr. Tulkinghorn, a nosy lawyer, threaten to reveal characters' pasts and upset the comfortable lives they lead. As these characters learn to navigate a world filled with mystery, murder and romance, Dickens implores readers to see the unnecessary harm caused by misguided institutions that seek to serve themselves over the public.
