A hearty little introductory book presenting imaginary conversations with the great Charles Dickens! It covers 15 different themes which center more around his writing rather than personal matters.
The beginning of the book provides background for Charles Dickens, so the conversations do not start until 20% (on a Kindle). The first half of the book focuses on his favorite authors, their influence on his writing, and his financial agreements with publishers. It isn’t until after 57% (on a Kindle) when the conversation turns a bit more personal and Dickens then recounts memories of his mother and further goes on to address romantic rumors. The conversation then proceeds to tackle his religious beliefs, moral principles, travels, thoughts on crime and punishment, education, politics, hobbies/activities, and lastly Christmas.
This is a great introduction to Dickens and would be beneficial to students. It is short and would be valuable in comparative literature circles. The premise is fun, and my favorite parts were hearing his voice containing his acclaimed slang and neologisms.
“So, you see, Mrs. Seymour’s claim that her late husband deserved most of the credit for the success of Pickwick is sheer poppycock!”
“…many readers thought that it was intended as a likeness of Nicholas, and not me. As if – ha, ha! – any fictional character could be as a dashing as I was in those days!”
Thanks to Netgalley, Paul Schlicke, and Watkins Publishing for this copy. Opinions are my own.
More on Charles Dickens:
How Charles Dickens changed the English language
Dickens Museum