The Old Curiosity Shop tells the story of Little Nell, a young girl who lives with her grandfather in a shop of odds and ends. When her grandfather falls into debt, he is forced to sell the shop to the sinister Mr. Quilp. Nell and her grandfather flee London, but Quilp is determined to find them. Nell and her grandfather travel across England, pursued by Quilp and his henchmen. Along the way, they meet a variety of characters, including the kind-hearted Kit, the mysterious Mr. Trent, and the mysterious dwarf, Mr. Brass. Eventually, Nell and her grandfather find refuge in a small village, where they are welcomed by the locals. However, Quilp is still determined to find them, and his pursuit leads to a dramatic climax. In the end, Nell and her grandfather are reunited, and Quilp is brought to justice.
By Charles Dickens · First published 1840 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Social Criticism, Romance · 60 chapters