Dickens and the rhetoric of laughter

There is an irony about this book that perhaps the author is well aware of. He dissects extensively Dickens' works. Going beyond looking at comic scenes, in finding sombre implications under the superficialities. Of all things, this is not a comical text. Kincaid's analysis is commendable and thorough. So much so that he strips away any veneer of light hearted comedy that was present in the first place. Showing Dickens' preoccupation with such matters as social commentary on the Britain of his time. Naturally, the book presupposes you've read all the major Dickens novels. Rather unintelligible otherwise.