Plot Synopsis
The main plot centers around John Harmon, who returns to England after many years abroad, having been promised a great inheritance by his father if he marries the beautiful but materialistic Bella Wilfer. A body is found in the Thames River], assumed to be Harmon, as he was believed to have been murdered. However, Harmon tells Noone he is indeed alive. He assumes the name of John Rokesmith, and takes a job with Mr. Boffin, a former employee of his father, who is now heir to his father's fortune. As the Boffins have now taken in Bella, his former bride-to-be, he wishes to learn all he can about her true character.
Critical Reception
Though the book was poorly reviewed at the time, it has been treated far more kindly by contemporary critics, and is considered a great work of his later period.
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