Martin Chuzzlewit is Charles Dickens' powerful black comedy that delves into themes of hypocrisy and greed. The story follows the lives of two Chuzzlewits, Martin and Jonas, who embody the characteristic Chuzzlewit selfishness.

Set partly in America, a country Dickens visited in 1842, the novel features a searing satire on the United States. It contrasts the diverse fates of moral redemption and worldly success for one, with increasingly desperate crime for the other.

This engaging tale is laced with blackmail and features some of Dickens' most grotesque characters, including the infamous Mrs. Gamp. With its vivid portrayal of family dynamics and societal conventions, Martin Chuzzlewit remains a timeless classic.