I was force-fed David Copperfield, tried Great Expectations (twice) and never got past page 14. I was told repeatedly, "Oh, but you must read A Tale of Two Cities. It's different. You'll love it." Well, it wasn't, and I didn't. That's the one that flew. There were other attempts, but I've forgotten what they were. There's no doubt of his brilliance, but I just can't get past the style and, as you say, the mawkishness. My hopes are dimming for finding a Dickens I can appreciate.