Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens

After his father’s death, young Nicholas Nickleby must support his family and protect his sister from exploitation. He endures cruelty at a Yorkshire boarding school before striking out on his own, confronting villains like the greedy Ralph Nickleby and the lecherous Sir Mulberry Hawk. Along the way, he finds allies, comic relief, and eventually love. The plot moves briskly through hardship, injustice, and spirited rebellion. It’s a vibrant tale of youth, courage, and the triumph of decency.