The Kobo mini e-reader has been loaded with free classics. I have just spent a few days with Dickens and enjoyed it immensely. I picked David Copperfield because it is the all-time favourite book of our dear retired librarian and of the author himself.
I had read it when I was 12 and barely remembered it. The only part that had stayed with me was irritation with David for falling in love with stupid Dora, and taking years to figure out he belonged with wise Agnes. The whole rich cast of other characters and plots had not left a trace in the preteen brain.
Even though the setting is realistic and there is a lot of social commentary, there is a fairy tale aspect to the tale. Most of the characters wear white hats or black hats. Innocence is wronged but vindicated. After trials and tribulations a happy ending is provided for most who deserve it. The writing is, of course, quite wonderful and often funny with a bite. It made me laugh out loud, wipe away the odd tear and wanting to jot down quotes. I loved it and couldn't put it down.
After spending a few days immersed in Dickensian London I feel like spending some more time there before moving to the next book. I have never been to London and it is not likely that I will get the chance. So I am having some fun with Google Maps, with the extra guidance of David Perdue. http://charlesdickenspage.com/dickens_london.html
For my Christmas present a couple of years ago my son bought me a CD of several 19th century London maps. Some of these are available free on online here: http://mapco.net/london.htm
ReplyDeleteA lot of steets are gone now, and names have changed too. These really help!
Neat, thanks! So much literature is set there. I really should know what it looks like.
DeleteHis books sentimental yes but real reality as opposed to the fake reality on TV today...
ReplyDeletePerhaps we can use a bit of real sentiment. Unfortunately the reality of our social landscape is getting to be more Dickensian by the day. Very scary.
DeleteI never read David Copperfield. In high school I had both A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations foisted on me, to which I was ambivalent - too long, too many characters, too much exposition about morality and acceptance of one's lot in life. On the other hand I read A Christmas Carol multiple times, so go figure.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever do get to London, I highly recommend going on a guided walking tour with a Dickens or Shakespeare theme.
Winning a lottery would be the only way I could ever afford to go, and I never buy tickets. But I love the idea of a guided literary tour. As for the criticism, it seems to be a law that foisting books on people in school guarantees disgust for life. I can deal with "too long". Originally the books were serialized, more like watching an episode of Downton Abbey once a week than inhaling a whole season in one sitting. But I hear you on the exposition of acceptance of one's lot in life. Did the upwardly mobile Uriah Heep have to be such a cartoon villain? Will have to read more....The complete works are only a click away.
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