Bleak House

The narrative revolves around a protracted legal case, Jarndyce and Jarndyce, stemming from conflicting wills, which exposes the flaws of the English judicial system. Told through the perspectives of Esther Summerson and an omniscient narrator, the novel intertwines various characters and sub-plots, highlighting themes of social injustice and the impact of law on individuals. Dickens' sharp satire of the legal profession sparked discussions on judicial reform, contributing to significant changes in the 1870s. The setting remains a topic of scholarly debate, with hints pointing to the 1820s or 1830s.