Bleak and impoverished - in Bleak House style (10)

I believe the answer is:

dickensian

(Other definitions for dickensian that I've seen before include "squalid surroundings" , "Involving very poor social conditions -- case in kind (anag)" , "Literary" , "conditions so squalid?" , "Twist perhaps" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.