At a glance
Nicholas Nickleby
Classic fiction
Nicholas Nickleby
After his father's death leaves the family vulnerable, Nicholas Nickleby seeks work and is sent to assist at the brutal Yorkshire school run by Wackford Squeers. His refusal to accept the abuse drives him into a wandering struggle to support his mother and sister while protecting the disabled boy Smike. Theater folk, predatory businessmen, generous brothers, and determined villains crowd a story in which family loyalty repeatedly collides with exploitation. Energetic, indignant, and melodramatic in the most Dickensian way, this novel suits readers who want institutional injustice, comic eccentrics, fierce sibling devotion, and a young hero willing to act before he has a safe plan.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Fireside Chai + Mint Julep
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Severe child abuse and neglect at a boarding school; physical violence and beatings; child death; suicide by hanging; sexual harassment and coercive advances toward a young woman; kidnapping/confinement themes; alcohol misuse.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Fireside Chai
A fragrant cup of tea suits a lively, lighthearted reading mood.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Serve hot.
- Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
- Glassware: Mug.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Mug ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Mint Julep
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Bourbon and mint over crushed ice make a cool classic for a leisurely afternoon.
What you'll need
- 2 oz bourbon
- 8 mint leaves ↗
- 1/2 oz simple syrup ↗
- Crushed ice
Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Bourbon · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Gently muddle mint with simple syrup in a julep cup. Add bourbon and fill with crushed ice; stir until the cup frosts, then mound with more crushed ice.
- Garnish: Mint bouquet.
- Glassware: Julep cup.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Julep cup ↗Muddler ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.