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The Newcomes

Memoirs of a most respectable family
Pages
679
Published
1855
Language
English

Synopsis

This classic novel follows the fortunes of the Newcome family through the changing social landscape of 1830s and 1840s England. At its heart is Colonel Thomas Newcome, a man of old-fashioned integrity navigating a society driven by self-interest. Thackeray offers a sharp, witty, and comprehensive look at the era's morality and the lives of a respectable middle-class family.

Characters

Colonel Thomas NewcomeProtagonist
All characters in The Newcomes

Frequently asked questions

  • Is this book a sequel to any of the author's other works?

    The novel is narrated by Arthur Pendennis, who is the protagonist of the author's earlier book titled Pendennis. While it functions as a standalone story, readers familiar with the earlier work will recognize the narrator's voice and his continued role in the lives of the characters.

  • What should I expect from the opening chapters?

    The beginning of the novel is notably deliberate and features a fable-like overture that introduces the author's satirical perspective on human nature. Many readers find the initial pacing slow as the complex family relationships and social dynamics are established.