Set against the backdrop of the 1780 Gordon Riots, the narrative follows the simple-minded Barnaby Rudge and his pet raven as they become entangled in a violent religious and political uprising. The story tracks the intersecting lives of various families, including the Willets and the Vardens, as they navigate the social upheaval of 18th-century London. Dickens employs a third-person omniscient perspective to examine the intersection of personal secrets and public chaos. The characters must contend with the rigid class structures and the volatile nature of mob mentality that threatens to consume their community.

Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of Dickens's transition into historical fiction and his ability to balance intimate character studies with large-scale public events. Readers frequently highlight the atmospheric intensity of the riot scenes, noting how the author captures the chaotic energy of the mob. Critics often point to the book as a significant departure from his more contemporary urban settings, praising the meticulous research into the period. The thematic focus on the dangers of religious fanaticism remains a frequent topic of analysis in academic circles. Many readers find the pacing deliberate, emphasizing the slow build of tension before the eventual eruption of violence in the final acts.