All students will be required to read the novel over the summer, and you are invited to join in this communal read and discussion, as well.

For most readers, the book pulls them in and moves quickly. However, given the novel’s ambitious length, plot structure, characterization, historical setting, and themes, the English Department would like to spend class time at the end of this spring semester introducing the book to students.

Therefore, we are asking students to please acquire and bring to English and history classes a copy of the novel in either paperback or hardback format during the week of May 15. (Teachers will give more details in class.) Copies may be purchased at any bookstore including Copperfield’s and Amazon.com https://smile.amazon.com/; the book was recently released in paperback, and many hardback copies might be found at reduced prices. Whether used or new, copies of the book should be free of markings and annotations. Finally, the audiobook version of the book is exceptional. Students who prefer the audiobook format are encouraged to use it in addition to the printed text format.