What the Dickens? Little Dorrit

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  • čas přidán 18. 02. 2016
  • In which I talk about Charles Dickens’s Little Dorrit…
    Little Dorrit was Dickens’s eleventh novel, published in 1855-7; it is my third favourite Dickens novel.
    Little Dorrit: / 31250.little_dorrit
    2008 TV adaptation: www.imdb.com/title/tt1178522
    Catch up on What the Dickens? • What the Dickens? An I...
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Komentáře • 137

  • @valmarsiglia
    @valmarsiglia Před 8 měsíci +4

    I've always liked the 1988 adaptation with Alec Guinness. It deserves to be better known, it's one of the best costume dramas of the 80s.

  • @sarahhall4107
    @sarahhall4107 Před 8 lety +26

    I love the excitement you display in this video! It's so lovely to see someone so in love with what they read! it make me smile with glee!!

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety +2

      +Sarah Hall Thank you so much Sarah :) I certainly do enjoy Dickens!

    • @shaunagracek8178
      @shaunagracek8178 Před 8 lety +1

      Very much agree, I really admire you, you should be so proud to have such interest in old times and share it to the world, it is my favourites singers favourite book and I can see why now more so, just thanks again

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety

      Thanks so much :) Out of interest, who is your favourite singer?

    • @shaunagracek8178
      @shaunagracek8178 Před 8 lety +1

      +Books and Things andrea corr from the corrs, such a wonderfull lady, if you have a moment take a look at her interview also in this...fans Q & S, you may enjoy it, quite intelligent also and passionate reading

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety

      I'll have to look her up :)

  • @PoiemaLee
    @PoiemaLee Před rokem +2

    Your enthusiasm for this one is just contagious! I have only started the book, but I know I am going to love it.

  • @deannajohnstonclark8800
    @deannajohnstonclark8800 Před 7 lety +9

    "Little Dorrit" is my favorite because it is a true dark comedy and because the heroine is so humble. I love the 1986 movie because the marvelous actors, (great old names), bring the comedy and the misery to life so well...very broad and full of irony. Dickens great grandson came here to read "A Christmas Carol" and autographed my copy of Dorrit. I told him I felt the book was way ahead of its time...it was really about our own day.
    The Circumlocution Office, the story of Pancks, the pagan gloom of old heresy in Mrs. Clemmons, and on and on cover the waterfront....and Oh! lets not forget the collapse of the banks!!!

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 7 lety +1

      Agreed! What a brilliant, brilliant book. I love it a great deal. Also, I think I saw the same reading as you! I went to a reading of A Christmas Carol with Gerald Dickens two years ago and it was brilliant.

  • @johncook8720
    @johncook8720 Před 11 dny

    We just finished the miniseries a 2nd time, and I totally enjoyed it. I found the character of Mr Dorrit fascinating. At the beginning he had long since accepted his fate of living at the Marshallsea, knew his place there, in fact he said - and knew- he was respected there. But once he came into money it changed. Its like he tried to convince himself that to properly fit into this highest circle of $$ society, he had to put behind and forget everything and everyone he knew before, to the extent of treating ppl like Adam very badly. But then it changed again when he heard the whispers in his own mind how the rich ppl recognized him for who he had been before, and that he wasnt truly respected in this higher society circle - unlike the Marshallsea, where he was held in high regard. The actor who portrayed him here did a very good job of expressing these changes in the character. How unfortunate it all overwhelmed him in the end. I luv the old book version you have of this too- very cool! Major thumbs up for your channel, and Little Dorrit! :)

  • @madebylora
    @madebylora Před 2 lety +3

    I recently listened to the audio book, read by Juliet Stevenson. I love how she did Flora’s long confused speeches. Also the circumlocution office stuff made me laugh, it reminded me so much of a company that I used to work for!

  • @MrUndersolo
    @MrUndersolo Před 6 lety +1

    Just picked it up. And I am determined to read more Dickens this year.
    Good to find this online!

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 6 lety +1

      I hope you enjoy this one - it's just a wonderful book!

  • @pauldubois4668
    @pauldubois4668 Před 10 měsíci +1

    Dickens began it in December of 1855 and finished it in 1857, which made him 45 years old when it was completed. When I re-read it at the age Dickens was when he wrote it, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Whatever the middle-aged male equivalent of Bildungsroman is, this book is it. Interestingly, before 1900 this book was widely thought by critics to have been his best. Literary criticism goes through phases. Literal, Freudian, feminist, post-modernism ... often the analysis is tinged with misinterpretations of physics or mathematics news. I remember for example the really (unintentionally) hilarious references to chaos theory. Anyway, feminist thought has difficulty with heroines who are little. But I agree with you, Amy is anything but except physically.

  • @cjpreach
    @cjpreach Před 2 lety +3

    You read Little Dorrit at age 15? KUDOS to you, girl! Brilliant story. Not the easiest read.

  • @stressedoutofexistence663

    Hi Katie, sorry for the sudden absence and inactivity, I have been rather busy with school the past week. I will return to your videos and watch the ones I've missed.
    I briefly wanted to mention that you made the novel a lot more interesting than it already was :D.
    I will be back to see what you might be up to afterwards!
    Thank you for the brilliant content.
    PS. You might want to check the video description.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety +1

      +IAmBroke Ha whoops, that's what happens when I upload videos early in the morning :P
      And not at all, I have been bombarding you all with rather a lot of videos lately! And Little Dorrit really is a fascinating brilliant book :)

  • @Arunrajabraham
    @Arunrajabraham Před 6 lety +1

    Just got the book from the library today. Gonna start reading soon!!!!!

  • @traciebecker6669
    @traciebecker6669 Před 6 měsíci

    A couple of times I thought were ready to cry. I agree it is a brilliant story.

  • @sandrew255
    @sandrew255 Před 4 lety +2

    I think Little Doritos is my favourite Dickens novel and I often recommend it to friends. Like you, I came to it through the BBC adaptation. The character that made it for me was a John Chivery. I thought the actor (Russel Tovey)was fantastic, really wore his heart on his sleeve, and he brought me to tears many times. This is a novel where characters really feel love, and it’s sometimes painful. One thing I love about LD is that it is like 2 novels in one. The second half feels much more adult as Amy’s world expands and Arthur Clennam’’s collapses around him. For me, one of the major themes is about emotion, and empathy, allowing yourself to feel deeply and not selfishly. So many of Dickens’ lovable characters are extraordinarily open hearted, and his antiheroes are often false to their true emotions or seek to control them. This was obviously a “thing” for him. I wonder if he ever looked at his own life through that prism - and how he saw his relationship with Ellen Ternan. Perhaps all that secrecy and deception made him value honesty and integrity in others. How conflicted Victorian men must have been. I think I’ve started to ramble!

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 4 lety +2

      Little Dorrit is great! I like the idea of Dickens's valuing honest / being true to feelings. Very interesting.

  • @booksandquestions9135
    @booksandquestions9135 Před 8 lety +1

    I had to laugh when you started talking about the film making the ending triply complicated. I have not read this book, but I adored the miniseries, and I was thinking, "I don't remember whatever it is with the big reveal. The thing I'm told again and again 'do not forget' but what is it?" so I actually paused your video to go look it up, and then the next thing you said was how complicated they made the ending. So wonderful. Looking forward to reading this, and if you do decide to have this one be the super long read along I will totally join. :)

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety +1

      +BooksandQuestions Yes, the ending is rather complicated! And the readalong is Our Mutual Friend now, but perhaps once we're done in 18 months or so we can read Little Dorrit after :P

    • @booksandquestions9135
      @booksandquestions9135 Před 8 lety +1

      yes! I now see the goodreads group! Our Mutual Friend it is! :)

  • @Fortheloveofclassics
    @Fortheloveofclassics Před 7 lety +3

    I finished the book last week. I had given up on Dickens after reading "Great Expectations" but I had an amazing comeback with "Little Dorrit".
    Loved it. I only wish Arthur had a better love confession for Amy at the end. She is the one who does all the talking and he just agrees to everything.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 7 lety +3

      I'm glad you enjoyed it! I've kind of always liked that Amy does all the talking at the end. It feels like a nice conclusion and re-balance of power to their relationship. Theirs is one of my favourite love stories in literature :)

    • @AngelineProductions
      @AngelineProductions Před rokem

      I think it's a nice switch up of gender norms, similar to the ending of "North & South" where the female protagonist is essentially the one who proposes marriage

  • @ziadnadda4740
    @ziadnadda4740 Před 7 lety +12

    Oh my God, I finished this novel a week before but I want to comment here on this amazing video.
    I loved every little detail in this fascinating novel.
    I loved all the characters especially little Dorrit herself and john chivery as well as flora finshing and Mr. Clennam and I can't but to admire Mr. Frederick Dorrit

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 7 lety +3

      Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I love it so much - so many great characters!

    • @bingo1232
      @bingo1232 Před 3 lety +1

      Ziad... you have now been enrolled (with all the rest of the immortals) into the Dickens-Dorrit Society. Attendance is suggested , but not required. "Little Dorrit" is a teaching book, teaches us (all?) to love in spite of all (ALL) obstacles... in spite of any (and Amy's) other considerations. Welcome aboard!!! .

  • @quarantina3999
    @quarantina3999 Před 3 lety +1

    I wrote down so many great quotes of dialogue from this book. One of my favorites.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 3 lety +1

      It's great :)

    • @bingo1232
      @bingo1232 Před 3 lety +1

      Tina, my sweet, you may wish to consult Wikiquotes (in Wikipedia) for further fine references and quotable quotes in this truly fabulous book. 💗

  • @raquelsenra3977
    @raquelsenra3977 Před 8 lety +1

    This one sounds so interesting!

  • @AmandaQuotidianBooks
    @AmandaQuotidianBooks Před 8 lety +1

    This sounds so good!! If all goes well with Our Mutual Friend, I think this will be the next Dickens I try!

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety +1

      +Amanda Center (IntrovertX) It is just so brilliant! I hope you'll love both it and Our Mutual Friend :)

  • @julianneller4658
    @julianneller4658 Před 3 lety +3

    I enjoyed your enthusiastic summary of Little Dorrit, which is probably my favourite Dickens Novel. I agree with most of what you said about it. However, I do feel that you could have said more about the whole concept of 'prison' as a major theme in Little Dorrit. This goes much further than the physical prison of the Marshalsea, in which Mr.Dorrit is incacerated. There is, for instance, the way in which Mrs Clennam's religion imprisons her (and Arthur at the start of the novel). Even her 'paralysis' is self inflicted. Then there is Bleeding Heart lane in which the inhabitants are imprisoned by their poverty and the machinations of Casby. I could go on. One of the inspiring features of Amy Dorrit is that although she was born in the Marshalsea she is the least imprisoned by it of all the Dorrit family.
    However, what astonished me most about your talk is that you have never seen the 1986 Christine Edzard film of Little Dorrit. It is a masterpiece. Everyone in it puts in a stellar performance. It is one of my all time favourite movies, despite its 6 hours length. It is, in my opinion, superior to the tv series in every respect except one. Claire Foy is outstanding as Little Dorrit. Alec Guiness's performance as Mr Dorrit is one of the finest of his very distinguished career. Derek Jacobi brings depths and subtelties to the portayal of Arthur Clennam that only he can. Some of the minor roles in the film are equally compelling. Heathcote Williams plays Dr Haggage and is only in the film for about 5 minutes but is so memeorable because of his speech to Arthur about the 'peace' of the Marshalsea. John Chivery's scene with Arthur in the Marshalsea is a masterclass in acting, it is so well done. I could go on and on I love this film so much, but let me add one more thing. The film is made in two 3 hour parts. Part one is told from Arthur's point of view, part two from Little Dorrit's point of view. Some scenes from part one are repeated in part two, but from a different persepective. I've never seen this technique used before and it is a stroke of genius. When the scenes are repeated they add layer after layer of understanding to what is going on. For any Dickens fan, as you obviously are, this movie is an absolute must see. It is now available on DVD so is readily available. I hope you enjoy it.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 3 lety +3

      This comment really made me smile because I have literally just started rereading Little Dorrit, on about chapter 10, and was actually just thinking how interesting the symbolism of prisons were in the first few chapters especially, and how many different kinds of prisons there were is very interesting.
      I have never seen the 1986 film but I should!

    • @julianneller4658
      @julianneller4658 Před 3 lety +2

      @@katiejlumsden Excellent! I forgot to mention in my previous comment the outstanding performances of Joan Greenwood and Miriam Margolyes in the 1986 film. I think this might have been Joan Grenwood's last film role before she died. She brings an intensity to the role of Mrs Clennam which is simply staggering. By contrast Miriam Margolyes is so funny as Flora Finching she is a delight. The scene where she describes to Little Dorrit how Mr Flinching proposed 7 times is just priceless.
      I also watched your post on Victorian novels that you have read and noticed there was nothing by Lord Lytton, who was quite popular back in the day. Also no French or Russian authors, so still lots for you to post about.

    • @vanessamay3689
      @vanessamay3689 Před rokem

      @@julianneller4658
      Love your in depth comments.
      I’m half way through the book as not available here in New Zealand 🇳🇿.

    • @julianneller4658
      @julianneller4658 Před rokem

      @@vanessamay3689 I have just noticed your comment, thanks for that. I hope you are enjoying Little Dorrit, which I presume you have now finished. You might be interested to know that Part 1 of Christine Edzard's film is now available on youtube. I haven't been able to find Part 2 but that might simply by my lack of search skills.

  • @billford6405
    @billford6405 Před 2 lety +1

    I just finished Little Dorrit last night. It took me a bit longer for me to get into it than Our Mutual friend and Bleak House. I’m sure that’s more of a commentary on me than it is on Little Dorrit. I really gave it a hard push the last three or four days and as the book was getting closer and closer to the end, it really picked up momentum and interest for me. I just viewed this commentary from you on it and you really helped crystallize some of the characters for me. You helped me appreciate the genius of Dickens as he develops the complexity and the maturation of the characters. Tattycoram’s about-faced ending surprised me. I, too, felt like the Arthur/Amy relationship was extremely well developed without a sudden push toward romance. I really, really loved it and so glad I read it. Now onto one of your least favorites, Oliver Twist.

  • @ValeriaGalindo
    @ValeriaGalindo Před 4 lety +4

    Oh! I have just finished reading Little Dorrit last week. I must say it was amazing, superb but at the same time I struggled a lot! I think the characters are amazing portrayed, and the plot is one of the most complicated I´ve read so far from Dickens´novels. I struggled a bit with the descriptions( that due since English is my second language) and also to keep straight all the characters cause they are so many in this novel! But so far an amazing novel. I think it has become one of my favorites from him

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 4 lety +1

      So glad you enjoyed it! Little Dorrit is a great book.

    • @vanessamay3689
      @vanessamay3689 Před rokem +1

      I can understand the struggle with the many characters in Little Doritt.
      I do see some similarities to The Curiosity Shop.
      I listen on audiobooks as some of these books are difficult to come across here in New Zealand 🇳🇿.

  • @bingo1232
    @bingo1232 Před 3 lety

    You've given my food for thought... Little Dorrit is how the Universe unfolds and how allies can find each other in the end. Arthur and Amy... teachers in my life. 💗

  • @mosreads9535
    @mosreads9535 Před 8 lety +1

    I definitely googled what the final reveal was after watching the series...so confusing. And now, after that infusion of enthusiasm, I think I will go read some more of Our Mutual Friend. ;)

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety

      +Mo's Reads Hoorah, glad I'm encouraging Dickens-reading! And yes, much as I loved the series, they did make the ending a bit odd!

  • @cardenioscouse6238
    @cardenioscouse6238 Před 27 dny

    I have to say that I found the portrayal of Little Dorrit as a Saint to be implausible. The way in which she submits to her duty is honourable but at times she exhibits this Victorian high mindedness at the expense of her credibility. Take the way in which she instantly forgives Mrs Clennam - a woman of much cruelty, who has kept Amy's inheritance from her, raised Arthur in a cold and distant manner and kept his real parentage from him, she also allowed the Dorrits to remain in a debtor's prison, and likewise her 'son' is sent down for debt. This woman is someone who effectively faked a disability for years, allowing those around her to suffer. Given all of this I found Dorrit's reaction sentimental especially as Mrs Clennam's behaviour came out inadvertently, you'd expect someone to be at least a little peeved. You have to ask whether Dickens was providing his own views on the nature of heroism or whether he was just putting this on display.

  • @laurak5196
    @laurak5196 Před 4 lety +3

    I started it today. Bless your enthusiastic bones! 😀💪🏻💙

  • @davekeyes5589
    @davekeyes5589 Před 4 lety

    Wish I had had an English teacher as enthusiastic as you, Katie. Little Dorrit is my favorite Dickens, but will be sure to check ou your top two.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 4 lety

      Thanks! Little Dorrit is amazing :)

    • @davekeyes5589
      @davekeyes5589 Před 4 lety

      Haven’t yet read Dombey & Son or Our Mutual Friend. Will do so after my third time thru Little Dorrie, which, like the first two times, I cannot put down.

  • @jimsbooksreadingandstuff
    @jimsbooksreadingandstuff Před 2 lety +1

    I love your enthusiasm for this novel, this has for me been the slowest read of the Dickens novels I have read thus far (around 10). I feel like an early Dickens reader, that it may take me the full 19 months to get through... I started in September 2021, now it is March 2022 and I have just past the 600 page mark (My edition has 778 pages). I got bogged down in the Circumlocution Office satire, which felt very kafkaesque. That looks a splendid first edition you have. At 7:27 you mistakenly refer to the book as Bleak House. Bleak House is next on my Dickens TBR.

    • @christophergould8715
      @christophergould8715 Před 2 lety +2

      I have read a Dickens novel once every ten years all my life. I could not go at a faster pace.

    • @charliewest1221
      @charliewest1221 Před 2 lety +1

      Kafka, especially in "The Castle", is Dickensian. Kafka is writing long after Dickens. "The Castle" is heavily influenced by Book One, Chapter Ten of "Little Dorrit".

  • @Vates104
    @Vates104 Před rokem

    Little Dorrit is my favorite Dickens novel.

  • @selamoonshine
    @selamoonshine Před 3 lety +1

    Can someone explain the secret? I couldn't get it, at one point though they were brother and sister. He was an orphan but she what had to do with clennent's father 🤔

  • @RamblingsOfAnElfpire
    @RamblingsOfAnElfpire Před 8 lety +1

    I've only read A Christmas Carol, Great Expectations and The Old Curiosity Shop and though I've enjoyed them, I've always had issues with the portrayal of women and villains. I think Little Dorrit sounds amazing so this will very likely be my next Dickens choice!

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety +1

      +RamblingsOfAnElfpire I think in that case Little Dorrit or Our Mutual Friend might be for you :)

    • @RamblingsOfAnElfpire
      @RamblingsOfAnElfpire Před 8 lety +1

      Books and Things I have all of his books on my shelf but I'm looking forward to reading these ones the most now.

    • @ugaais
      @ugaais Před rokem

      Why both knew their roles..lol

  • @mikev4621
    @mikev4621 Před 3 lety +1

    Great review. Sarah Pickering WAS Amy Dorritt

  • @zaygezunt
    @zaygezunt Před rokem +1

    Oh joy;- Mr F's aunt, Maggie, Mrs General, Affery Flintwinch, Mr Pancks, Mrs Plornish
    Oh darkness;- Mrs Gowen, Mrs Clennam. Mr Merdle, Mr Casby

  • @valmarsiglia
    @valmarsiglia Před 8 měsíci

    Some striking parallels between Mr Merdle and Bernie Madoff not to mention the social order that enabled them. Even his name sounds like something from a Dickens novel.

  • @robertfrancois6064
    @robertfrancois6064 Před rokem

    Yes it’s a great story

  • @KevTheImpaler
    @KevTheImpaler Před 4 lety

    I agree the final reveal was rather unlikely, and I wondered what Blandois was doing there.

  • @jimburke3801
    @jimburke3801 Před 2 lety +1

    I enjoyed your review. Am I right in saying that Little Dorrit is set in the Regency period and not the Victorian period, 1826? I'm reading it at the moment. Did the writings of Dickens span these two periods?

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 2 lety +1

      So, Dickens' novels were published between 1837 and 1870, but Little Dorrit was published 1857 but is set in the 1820s.

  • @valmarsiglia
    @valmarsiglia Před 8 měsíci

    The Circumlocution Office is the grandparent of The Ministry of Silly Walks. I've always thought that Terry Gilliam would be a great director for LD or any Dickens adaptation.

  • @1sostatic
    @1sostatic Před rokem

    My 1st is Little Dorrit -- 2nd is Great Expectations ...A Christmas Carol .. I love the names like Pocket, Flintwinch, Pancks... Magwitch... Cratchit .... do you know anyone with these surnames??????

  • @SunriseFireberry
    @SunriseFireberry Před 8 lety +1

    How slow is the plot in LD up to the 3/4 mark? As you can tell I haven't read this one yet. Tomorrow D&S. You may be the biggest fan of that novel I'll ever come across. (MariaMuses is a big LD fan for instance. Fans of novels as BH, & GE are easy to find.)

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety

      +TimeAndChance For me I find it thoroughly exciting all the way through :) And yes, Dombey and Son is to my mind so, so underrated!

  • @jeffreykaufmann2867
    @jeffreykaufmann2867 Před 6 lety

    So have you 3 editions of little dorrit.Have you read little dorrit 3 times? I noticed the 4 burgundy red Everyman's library books(behind the tea cup) without the covers.I find that they look nicer without them.Did you get rid of the covers also or were they purchased like that?

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 6 lety +1

      The covers are in a drawer somewhere! I have three copies, and I have probably read Little Dorrit 3 times, but once in physical form and twice on kindle - the older copies are mostly for collection and show. I'd be afraid to read my first edition Little Dorrit!

    • @jeffreykaufmann2867
      @jeffreykaufmann2867 Před 6 lety

      Books and Things Why do you keep the covers in a drawer? Are you gonna eventually put the covers back on? Will the 1st edition of little doritt break apart if you read it? How old is the book?

    • @jeffreykaufmann2867
      @jeffreykaufmann2867 Před 6 lety

      Books and Things You can cut part of the cover that covers the front of the book and glue it on the inside of the book and throw the rest away!😂

  • @dustinturnmyre7553
    @dustinturnmyre7553 Před 8 lety

    I was curious to know if you'd seen 6 hour 1988 version of "Little Dorrit" with Alec Guinness, Derek Jacobi, Cyril Cusack and Sarah
    Pickering? And, if so, what your opinion was of it.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety +1

      No, I haven't seen that one! I know the 2008 version well, but not the older one - is it well worth a watch? Sounds like a good cast.

    • @dustinturnmyre7553
      @dustinturnmyre7553 Před 8 lety +1

      I originally saw this film at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Part One is entitled "Nobody's Fault". Part Two is entitled "Little Dorrit's Story". Each part has an approximate running time of three hours. I've not seen the 2008 version so I have no way of comparison but, having read the wonderful novel, the older version is very faithful to its source material. The cast includes Derek Jacobi Arthur Clennam, Joan Greenwood as Mrs. Clennam, Alec Guinness (brilliant in this part) as William Dorrit, Cyril Cusack as Frederick Dorrit, Sarah Pickering as Little Dorrit, Robert Morley as Lord Decimus Barnicle and Roshan Seth as Mr. Pancks. There's a huge cast, much to large to mention here, but each role, in my opinion, was well supported. The film was directed by Christine Edzard. I read one review which stated, "viewers will either adore this or despise it". I'm one of those who adore it. To even attempt an adaptation of this massive novel, in my view, was a brave undertaking. I strongly recommend this film. It may be difficult or impossible to locate it but it'll well be worth the effort. Lastly, forgive this length message.

    • @deannajohnstonclark8800
      @deannajohnstonclark8800 Před 7 lety

      I'm with you about this. The characters are played broadly so you won't get them wrong..but some people want to keep Dickens, like Shakespeare, under glass.

    • @dustinturnmyre7553
      @dustinturnmyre7553 Před 7 lety

      I couldn't agree more with you.

  • @gemmafortuny8632
    @gemmafortuny8632 Před 3 lety

    HI, I am looking for novels by Dickens but centered on female orphans or main characters like little Dorrit. Could you recommend me another one? Thanks and I am very grateful to you for this amazing review.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 3 lety

      Hi! Little Nell in The Old Curiosity Shop is a young female orphan main character. Then Bleak House might be a good one for you, and also Dombey and Son - the main character of Dombey and Son, Florence, isn't an orphan, her mother has died but her father is still alive, though very absent, but it still might be helpful for you.

    • @charliewest1221
      @charliewest1221 Před 2 lety +1

      Add: Estella ("Great Expectations"), Rose Maylie ("Oliver Twist"), Rosa Bud ("The Mystery of Edwin Drood"), Madame Defarge ("A Tale of Two Cities"), Lizzie Hexam ("Our Mutual Friend"), Emily ("David Copperfield"), Mary Graham ("Martin Chuzzlewit") in addition to those indicated by "Books and Things".

  • @ashenaura
    @ashenaura Před 3 lety +3

    I don't think that Ms Wade's interest in TattyCoram a gay thing, I think Tatty was her opening to getting revenge for her poor treatment by her prior lover, Henry Gowan
    who is Pet Meggles fiance and later, husband.

  • @lw3646
    @lw3646 Před rokem

    "'Father is rather vulgar, my dear. The word Papa, besides, gives a pretty form to the lips. Papa, potatoes, poultry, prunes and prism, are all very good words for the lips: especially prunes and prism. You will find it serviceable, in the formation of a demeanour, if you sometimes say to yourself in company - on entering a room, for instance - Papa, potatoes, poultry, prunes and prism."

  • @amjgbaobei
    @amjgbaobei Před rokem

    7:29. Are you talking about Bleak House or Little Dorrit. I’m confused because you mentioned the former.

  • @patriciah3779
    @patriciah3779 Před 5 lety +1

    Best Dickens' book I have ever read. My favorite is Little Dorrit and the TV series was perfectly acted and portrayed. Since you love the book as much as I did - I will have to point out the very best chapter in book that I have ever read. Can you guess which? I will tell you and I have even have it framed(!) Yes framed the entire chapter. Chapter 11. It is simply a masterpiece. And in case you are wondering - Dorrit may be stem for term for - 'dorado' - meaning golden. She is a nugget of gold - so to speak. If there is another meaning - do share.

  • @billford6405
    @billford6405 Před 2 lety

    Have you done a chapter by chapter read along of Little Dorrit?

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 2 lety

      I haven't, I'm afraid!

    • @billford6405
      @billford6405 Před 2 lety

      @@katiejlumsden Afraid? May I ask, of what? You’re so incredibly perceptive and able to get beneath the story so well. Your read along of Our Mutual Friend enhanced the experience ten-fold for me. In response to your “I haven’t, I’m afraid!” - I almost sent an “haha!” But I didn’t want to be offensive if you weren’t slightly jesting. My hunch is that you were slightly jesting.

  • @user-db9mu4bl3o
    @user-db9mu4bl3o Před 9 měsíci

    Do you like Little Dorrit then? Lol. My top five are Our Mutual Friend, Bleak House, Little Dorrit and Dombey and Son and Barnaby Rudge…

  • @kelleymasters1522
    @kelleymasters1522 Před 4 lety +1

    I named my daughter Amy because of this book

  • @Hakausu
    @Hakausu Před 5 lety +1

    I also thought it was "brilliant", as it dealt realistically and at times daringly with issues of not just society, which can more easily be attacked, but money and religion. dress, class, various occupations and personality...even cleanliness...things that many people hold sacred beliefs about. Not having lived at the time, I cannot say what the "real" feeling was about such issues. I know now that in today's world it is still refreshing to read such honest representations of them. I felt that there could easily have been another 1/3 of the book to fill in stories that were started and alluded to but never continued, just cursorily wrapped up. I also felt that much of it was very, very slow paced and for no real reason that was taken up later. Still, it was enjoyable to read and there were probably more "quotable quotes" in this than in other books by Dickens I have read. The plot twists were certainly interesting and not unreasonable so it is a great classic, IMO.. I will also say that as a professional in the realm of human psychology/psychiatry, it did have some characters that I have not seen in other books. It seems that Dickens had a clear view of what paranoid/schizoid personality was like and the attraction of such unfortunate people for others who are prone to such delusional tendencies as well. I could write a case study on Miss Wade (who I do not think was gay, by the way). The ability of Little Dorrit to continually love and forgive does seem unrealistic to me but since I have had more personal experience with the Miss Wade types, it may just be my upbringing. The book is full of great contrasts and turns many traditional values upside down, or right side up.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 5 lety +1

      I'm surprised you say the pace was slow; I've always loved Little Dorrit so much and really enjoyed the plot and pacing. It has a lot of very interesting themes as you say.

    • @Hakausu
      @Hakausu Před 5 lety

      @@katiejlumsden To be honest, it may have been the reader, or my mood. I usually enjoy the way writers set up situations and use words to create images and feelings. That's why I like books more than movies. I do remember several times, though, wishing he would get to the point. It's not a criticism of him, of course, just something to keep in mind as I read.

  • @JWP452
    @JWP452 Před 2 lety +1

    I loved Little Dorrit so much that I took the name Penuria as my gay name.

  • @tmac8892
    @tmac8892 Před 5 lety +1

    1st edition CD gotta b worth a few quid.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 5 lety +1

      Depends on the books. Great Expectations in perfect condition, sure, but a copy of Dombey and Son in middling condition is about £150. Obviously quite a lot of money, but not a fortune like some first editions. Quite a lot of Dickens were printed, you see. Whereas a first edition Jane Eyre - that's thousands of pounds.

  • @CarolynsReadingRamblings
    @CarolynsReadingRamblings Před 8 lety +1

    wait wait wait, the end of the book is less complicated than the end of the show? well that will make me feel much better. can you PM me and tell me what part they over complicated in the show? I remember most of the show and remember some complicated bits (the end was like unravelling a pretzel) but a specific part isn't standing out. I love the series so much! I actually did the same thing as you where I saw the show and then ordered the book (I just still haven't gotten to the book lol). The cast is wonderful! I love everything Matthew Macfadyen does and here he is great. I thought it was especially perfect that he and Claire Foy (she was wonderful!) played the leads because like half her face can fit in just one of his hands which I thought was fitting for their characters haha. ah, such a good show and now I am impatient for the book!

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety

      +BBCgirl520 I'm PM you :) It's still a bit complicated in the book, but a little less so. And yes, Claire Foy is just brilliant. I think if you enjoyed the series, you will love the book!

    • @CarolynsReadingRamblings
      @CarolynsReadingRamblings Před 8 lety

      +Books and Things indeed, I suspect Little Dorrit and Bleak House will be my 2 favorites (okay 3 if you include NN) once I've read them all and if any others become favorites that will be a nice surprise :)

    • @CarolynsReadingRamblings
      @CarolynsReadingRamblings Před 8 lety

      +Books and Things ugh for some stupid reason, the last 2 times people have messaged me via CZcams, it emails me the message to read but then when I go to my messages page to reply it is empty :( But all I was going to say was I remember that driving me nuts cuz I thought "wait a second, WHAT?!" because I did think for a minute that twist was the case but then when I googled it the book explanation cleared everything up and I was like "ok good cuz that was so weird"!

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 8 lety

      Weird! And yep, I think they didn't quite notice the implications of how they did the reveal!

    • @CarolynsReadingRamblings
      @CarolynsReadingRamblings Před 8 lety

      +Books and Things rewatching this makes me even more eager to read it so i am considering maybe reading it when i finish Pickwick papers and then reading it again when I get to it in the bibliography but I am worried reading it that way will defeat the purpose of seeing the progression of his writing over time.

  • @maysmallfan
    @maysmallfan Před 6 lety +1

    I watch and loooove all of your videos and yet I don't know your name! I'm also curious about your age! Lots of love! Today I bought Our mutual friend ! (of course because of you!)

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 6 lety +1

      Thanks! My name is Katie and I'm 24 (I think I was 22 or 23 when I made this video.) Enjoy the book!

    • @maysmallfan
      @maysmallfan Před 6 lety +2

      Books and Things . Hiii! So beautiful that you replied.

  • @zappawoman5183
    @zappawoman5183 Před 6 lety +3

    How is Miss Wade gay when she was in love with Mr Gowan?

    • @Hakausu
      @Hakausu Před 5 lety +3

      Very good point! Some people prefer to see things that aren't there. Since it's fiction, I guess they have a right to, but it is important not to read things into such classics based on our current not necessarily enlightened (often times darkened!) beliefs about lifestyles, personalities, etc.

    • @alexzhu4710
      @alexzhu4710 Před 3 lety

      i also want to ask.

    • @jimsbooksreadingandstuff
      @jimsbooksreadingandstuff Před 2 lety

      She is aloof and stubborn and confusing. She tries to rescue Tattycoram from a seemingly oppressive domestic situation. What did you make of her letter in the chapter "The History of a Self Tormentor"?

  • @alexzhu4710
    @alexzhu4710 Před 3 lety

    I can't say how my feeling when i just finished the book today. something like, enjoying a wondful delicious cake, then before the last biting, find there is a fly in it. the first 700 pages of the book is definitely first-rate. but i must say, the final 70 pages ruins the book. I understand C.D needs a happy ending. but the plot is not very reasonable. it's a flaw to a great novel. and the secret under the surface can't support the whole structure of the book. i m sorry for that.

    • @katiejlumsden
      @katiejlumsden  Před 3 lety +1

      Aw, I don't mind it - Dickens likes a tied up ended and sometimes so do I!

    • @alexzhu4710
      @alexzhu4710 Před 3 lety +1

      @@katiejlumsden I love C.D 😄

  • @tashaimpressions
    @tashaimpressions Před 4 lety

    It starts in 1826. Queen Victoria doesn't become queen until 1837!

  • @1qwasz12
    @1qwasz12 Před 2 lety +1

    George Rouncewell is gay? Shut your mouth. my fave character in BH..

  • @valmarsiglia
    @valmarsiglia Před 8 měsíci

    Yeah, DIckens was at his weakest when pandering to xenophobic stereotypes, as in his depictions of Rigaud/Blandois in LD or Hortense in Bleak House (and let's not even mention Fagin and Mr Riah, lol).

  • @yon8378
    @yon8378 Před 2 lety

    I have a hard time following you. Please talk more slowly!

  • @geoffpoole483
    @geoffpoole483 Před 3 lety

    I hated it.