I’ve only managed to read ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’ I’m afraid, but it’s started off well. There’s enough to suggest a bit of drama and mystery, so I’m hooked.
Dickens’ descriptions are perfect: he captures the old man prevaricating before the goes in (these days he would just pretend to look at his phone) and Dick Swiveller suffering from having “the sun very strong” in his eyes (and I think the problem may have been moonshine rather than sunlight).
The line that caught me, though, was, “The cause is a young child’s, guiltless of all harm or wrong, but nothing goes well with it.” That certainly adds an air of mystery and feels just slightly sinister. It feels like a major plot-line may be captured in that sentence.
I know very little about the book, but I do know there is a more sinister character to come, so I’m hoping that Dick Swiveller turns out to be a likeable character than an out-and-out rotter (although that wouldn’t surprise me at all).
I’m starting to realise how much of a factor – almost a character – money is in Dickens’ books. Of course, knowing his family history, that isn’t at all surprising – the debtors’ prison is all too real to him.
It is good of you to include the story from The Pickwick Papers of this character who never gets to occupy that final chair at the table. I think it is good that Dickens goes away from Master Humphrey’s Clock frame narrative story as this seems like the author trying to catch lightning in a bottle a second time early in his career and instead frees him up to write new novels going forward. That said, I’ve never read Pickwick Papers and have started it now to rectify this situation in my own reading. It should be fun.
Thanks for getting back to me. I couldn't get the video to work on my Samsung tablet but, later on, it worked just fine on my Samsung phone. Go figure!!
I’ve only managed to read ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’ I’m afraid, but it’s started off well. There’s enough to suggest a bit of drama and mystery, so I’m hooked.
Dickens’ descriptions are perfect: he captures the old man prevaricating before the goes in (these days he would just pretend to look at his phone) and Dick Swiveller suffering from having “the sun very strong” in his eyes (and I think the problem may have been moonshine rather than sunlight).
The line that caught me, though, was, “The cause is a young child’s, guiltless of all harm or wrong, but nothing goes well with it.” That certainly adds an air of mystery and feels just slightly sinister. It feels like a major plot-line may be captured in that sentence.
I know very little about the book, but I do know there is a more sinister character to come, so I’m hoping that Dick Swiveller turns out to be a likeable character than an out-and-out rotter (although that wouldn’t surprise me at all).
I’m starting to realise how much of a factor – almost a character – money is in Dickens’ books. Of course, knowing his family history, that isn’t at all surprising – the debtors’ prison is all too real to him.
Wonderful comments, as ever, Bren!
It is good of you to include the story from The Pickwick Papers of this character who never gets to occupy that final chair at the table. I think it is good that Dickens goes away from Master Humphrey’s Clock frame narrative story as this seems like the author trying to catch lightning in a bottle a second time early in his career and instead frees him up to write new novels going forward. That said, I’ve never read Pickwick Papers and have started it now to rectify this situation in my own reading. It should be fun.
The Pickwick Papers is brilliant . . . You’ll love it!
The video Stops right after the phrase “the second chapter” at the very beginning. Is anyone else having this problem? Any suggestions?
Oh dear – I’m sorry Rick. It looks ok my end . . . Maybe try watching online, rather than in the email? Fingers crossed you can get it working.
Thanks for getting back to me. I couldn't get the video to work on my Samsung tablet but, later on, it worked just fine on my Samsung phone. Go figure!!
Great news!