This section of 'The Old Curiosity Shop' had me well and truly gripped. Dickens really does play with us. First he lets us think that the Single Gentleman will find Nell, and then he has all those awful things happen to Poor Little Nell!
What I find heartrending is that Grandfather should be the one to look after Little Nell, but he's the one who causes her the most problems. Her help and protection comes from unexpected (and perhaps unlikely) sources. The man at the furnace is another outsider and helps her th best he can. It's incredibly touching when he hands over the two pennies.
The men on the boat are indeed rough and ready, but they still manage to look after Nell and her Grandfather in their own little way.
And the landlady and the people at the inn all show genuine concern for Nell. And, of course, Mrs Jarley and company. And the schoolmaster. All of them going genuinely on the look-out for Little Nell, but her Grandfather...
The wander through industrial decay is truly horrific - Dickens at his most Dickensian. The dead baby did come as a real shock. This section really does feel quite monochrome.
There is a real sense of impending doom at this point, and Dickens is already preparing us for it: "What would he have given to know, and what sorrow would have been saved if he had only known, that at that moment both child and grandfather were seated in the old church porch, patiently awaiting the schoolmaster's return!" (And I approve the exclamation mark there, it's totally justified.) Dickens may as well have taken out a full page ad saying "No happy ending here". What a way to end the chapter!
Bren, I really have come to rely on you to point out, "Pay attention to this. This is important." As with Henry, I learn from you. Your observations make me consider more deeply. Thank you for that.
As Nell went past the long stretch of households marked by poverty and death and ceaseless labor, I stopped and imagined each of those dwellings housing their own "Beloved" story, each filled with their own horrors.
I look forward to these regular updates on new books. You’ve given me so many reading prompts.
I’m a devotee of Janet Frame and haven’t read this one so will be checking that out and looking forward to The Dubliners in December and Karamazov next year.
Thanks Alan - it would be wonderful to have you with us in person! And Hatchards Los Angeles is a great idea . . . James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, is also CEO of Waterstones who own Hatchards, so maybe it’s not impossible . . .
This section of 'The Old Curiosity Shop' had me well and truly gripped. Dickens really does play with us. First he lets us think that the Single Gentleman will find Nell, and then he has all those awful things happen to Poor Little Nell!
What I find heartrending is that Grandfather should be the one to look after Little Nell, but he's the one who causes her the most problems. Her help and protection comes from unexpected (and perhaps unlikely) sources. The man at the furnace is another outsider and helps her th best he can. It's incredibly touching when he hands over the two pennies.
The men on the boat are indeed rough and ready, but they still manage to look after Nell and her Grandfather in their own little way.
And the landlady and the people at the inn all show genuine concern for Nell. And, of course, Mrs Jarley and company. And the schoolmaster. All of them going genuinely on the look-out for Little Nell, but her Grandfather...
The wander through industrial decay is truly horrific - Dickens at his most Dickensian. The dead baby did come as a real shock. This section really does feel quite monochrome.
There is a real sense of impending doom at this point, and Dickens is already preparing us for it: "What would he have given to know, and what sorrow would have been saved if he had only known, that at that moment both child and grandfather were seated in the old church porch, patiently awaiting the schoolmaster's return!" (And I approve the exclamation mark there, it's totally justified.) Dickens may as well have taken out a full page ad saying "No happy ending here". What a way to end the chapter!
Bren, I really have come to rely on you to point out, "Pay attention to this. This is important." As with Henry, I learn from you. Your observations make me consider more deeply. Thank you for that.
Hear hear!
You’re so right – the Grandfather is such a burden for Nell. It is heartbreaking!
As Nell went past the long stretch of households marked by poverty and death and ceaseless labor, I stopped and imagined each of those dwellings housing their own "Beloved" story, each filled with their own horrors.
You’re so right Alan – this is another of those times when two of our books speak closely to each other.
I look forward to these regular updates on new books. You’ve given me so many reading prompts.
I’m a devotee of Janet Frame and haven’t read this one so will be checking that out and looking forward to The Dubliners in December and Karamazov next year.
Wonderful! Thanks Grace – I look forward to reading with you.
I love the Book Club recap, Henry!
As you said, another great discussion and I truly look forward to discussing each book with everyone, each month.
The ability to share my experience with everyone, and in turn listen to others' experiences is really elevating my reading experience. Such fun.
Thanks so much Lee! That’s very kind of you to say. Great to see you last night!
Lee, I'm jealous of those you who get to attend. And Henry, thank you for the "faithful correspondent" video to give the rest of us an inside look.
Looking forward to the opening of Hatchards Los Angeles...
Thanks Alan - it would be wonderful to have you with us in person! And Hatchards Los Angeles is a great idea . . . James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, is also CEO of Waterstones who own Hatchards, so maybe it’s not impossible . . .