Martin Chuzzlewit is raised by his wealthy grandfather and namesake and together the two live with Mary a young woman the senior Martin hired to take care of him When a rift concerning Mary tears the two Chuzzlewit men apart the younger Martin leaves and several selfish and nefarious relatives arrive hoping to inherit the old mans wealth After a series of adventures through which he learns what is most important to him Martin Junior returns to defend his grandfather Dickens thought The Life and Adventures of Martin Chuzzlewit to be amongst his best work but it was one of his least popular books during his life It has endured however as a moving tale of family loyalty peppered with Dickens signature satirical wit
