Dombey and Son

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Wealthy shipping merchant Paul Dombey runs his family with coldness and calculation, treating them as he does his business. Following the death of his wife during childbirth, Dombey becomes fixated on the importance of passing his firm to his longed-for son, neglecting his older child, Florence, who yearns for his attention but only receives indifference that turns into hatred. This 1848 novel, published midway through Charles Dickens' career, marks a new maturity in his writing. It shifts focus from socioeconomic conditions to an exploration of emotional deprivation and fulfillment, blending the satirical indignation of his earlier works with added darkness and narrative complexity. The absorbing plot and memorable characters create a compelling tale of greed, poor judgment, and the redemptive power of love.