Dead on, Katie! He really was something special-endlessly inventive, perfectly balanced, utterly fascinating. He has made me a better person and has enriched my life immeasurably.
"More than eighty years have passed since Charles Dickens died. [This written in 1952.] His passionate heart has long since crumbled to dust. But the world he created shines with undying life, and the hearts of men still vibrate to his indignant anger, his love, his tears, his glorious laughter, and his triumphant faith in the dignity of man." Edgar Johnson
I totally agree about his characters, I don't know why people mind when they're so amusing and spice things up! Two minor ones that comes to mind is the vain dance instructor father in law in "Bleakhouse" and Amy Dorrit's friend Maggie in "Little Dorrit". Just so many colorful and zany characters!
+Kate Howe Yes, agreed! I just love the minor characters, they're so brilliant and unique and wonderful. And yes, Mr Turveydrop in Bleak House is an incredible character - and I love Maggie too. Oh, so many beautiful characters :)
Because of you, I adore Dickens! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm for him and for these videos! Since finding your channel a year ago, you've introduced me to two of my favorite authors: Elizabeth Gaskell and Charles Dickens. I read Our Mutual Friend this week and ADORED it! Genius! I laughed and cried and laughed some more! I underlined, starred, hearted, annotated, and highlighted my book to the nth degree! My ranking of the full novels of Dickens that I've read so far goes like this: 1. Great Expectations (I declare it to be a masterpiece.) 2. Our Mutual Friend (Awesome. Just Awesome.) 3. A Tale of Two Cities. I've got Bleak House primed and ready to read here....it's a monster lol! Oh, and I give A Christmas Carol a passel of five radiant, gleaming stars. For Victober this year I've read Great Expectations, Tale of Two Cities, Our Mutual Friend, The Woman In White, Wives And Daughters, Peter Pan, (so close to qualifying for Victorian era lol), Cranford, and I reread Wuthering Heights. (I HATED Wuthering Heights the first time I read it in my early twenties and this time, not expecting a great love story but fully expecting all levels and degrees of misery, I LOVED it and gave it an enthusiastic five stars.) I am reading Elizabeth Gaskell's book on the life of Charlotte Bronte right now which I read half of last year...but ran out of Victober to finish it.
@@katiejlumsden Yay! And your comment makes me happy too! I just got Pickwick Papers yesterday and am eager to read that also. I did finish Gaskell's book on Charlotte and am now in the middle of reading Jane Eyre again. I've held it high on the literary throne of my heart, above all others, these many years and decided it was time to read it again.
I came to believe, late in life, that it is a wonderful thing to find something you love and involve yourself with it. You've found that gift very early and I hope it always remains for you the gift that keeps on giving.
Dinosaur in the Library Thank you very much! I'm excited to be here :) Also, I should really read some Shirley Jackson... Where do you recommend I start?
A lot of people start with her short stories (mainly because of "The Lottery"), but I would suggest starting with her novels. Read them in order of publication, and you can watch her characters become slowly more and more damaged--kind of like Dickens becoming a better person :-) The Road Through the Wall, Hangsaman, Bird's Nest, The Sundial, Haunting of Hill House, and then We Have Always Lived in the Castle. After the Bird's Nest, she just right off the deep end. It's amazing. I need to do my Shirley Jackson video...
I'm a late-comer to this video. I think you're spot-on. I'm the only person I know who loves Dickens :( I've read all his novels, and re-read most of them. From the lighter earlier novels to the darker later ones, they're ooze quality and insight. I have thought that reading a Dickens novel is like taking in a whole cathedral - lots and lots of detail making up a glorious whole. I could go on, but won't. Thank you for your video a great summary of how us fans feel.
The most brilliant writer ever. I love all his books. Whenever I’m in London, which is as often as I can (I’m Canadian), I search out the second hand book stores for old Dickens books. I love the smell of the pages from the older books. I love walking London, much as Dickens did. Excellent video. You are very knowledgeable and I enjoyed your insights.
He was an interesting man and author....I do like his "Tale Of Two Cities." and "David Copperfield" as I named my cat Copperfield is a favorite novel.....and I do like his ghost stories.....and besides, he met the Time-Lord once; great episode.
I must admit, I have never read a Dickens. But I did pick up one of his books because of another video I watched, and this video is going to be the push I need to actually read it now, rather than another 5 years from now. I will be starting with The Pickwick Papers. And I did see that you had commented earlier in the comments about a reading order...but I didn't see that until too late. :D I just figure that starting here will make my experience reading Dickens only get better as I read his better books :D
My first Dickens that I read was A Tale of Two Cities and I'm working on reading more. I have read A Christmas Carol, but I have seen a lot of the adaptations at least twice, and my dad was in a community theatre production of it.
I'm so glad I found your channel today! I have not read ANY Dickens yet, but I've been wanting to very much, and now that I've watched several of your videos about him and can see your excitement about him, I'll DEFINITELY start right away! Thank you! :-)
Thank you! I'm so glad my manic enthusiasm has encouraged you to pick up Dickens - he's a brilliant writer and I strongly recommend his books :) David Copperfield and Great Expectations are great places to start :)
With reference to item 3, story telling: Cultural and technological evolution has, I fear, dulled our ability to process protracted thought. I am an audio learner/reader and am also a senior of 64 years. I found that when I read or listened, I needed to slow down to think. Dickens wasn't the problem, I was. I have slowed down. I have read. Now, I do think and read and love Dickens. Thank you, Katie, for adding to my thinking.
I love your enthusiasm! My favorite all time book is David Copperfield (it would be my Desert Island Disc book) and I try from time to time to read other books by Dickens but often give up for lack of understanding what is going on. Your videos are so helpful and I’m determined to read all of Our Mutual Friend now because I know I’ll have your insights and knowledge to help me when I get stuck. Thank you so much! You are awesome!
Thanks! I'm so glad to hear you love David Copperfield - it is such a great book. I highly recommend Our Mutual Friend :) If you're struggling with understanding or following, I recommend the 1998 television adaptation as well.
I can help but agree about his humour... it's so unique and unembellished...for instance take this passage from oliver twist. "The doctor seemed especially troubled by the fact of the robbery having been unexpected, and attempted in the night time; as if it were the established custom of gentlemen in the housebreaking way to transact business at noon, and to make an appointment, by post, a day or two previous."
This extract just made me LOL. I love his humour. I was so sad when I saw a colleague read Great Expectations and I said it's really funny but they replied "Is it? Maybe I haven't gotten there yet." I thought the first page was so funny already with Also Georgiana wife of the above :,)
I too love Dickens. And I truly enjoyed your video. I'd love to hear more of your views on his works, especially Hard Times, which one of my favorites. I feel like even in The Pickwick Papers you can see the trajectories of depth and compassion already at work which would culminate in his later longer novels. I love the character of Sam Weller and the almost mutual custodial relationship that he and Mr. Pickwick have for each other. Lastly, I'm so glad I stumbled upon your page.
What a fantastic video! I have always wanted to read and learn more about Dickens. I would actually really love to see more videos about Dickens from you in the future. This was a lovely insight into this brilliant man's life. Thank you for sharing it with us! :)
I really like your enthusiasim I'm halfway through my first novel, The old curiosity shop. You're spot on about the balance of light and shade. If you're familiar with the King James bible you will get even more out of him as he uses it for little remarks and use of its text. I've found this in a few of the short stories of his and even in, The old curiosity shop. I enjoyed your video.
What are your views on Orwell. Have you read much of his work. I've read all of his and my favourite 4 are 1984, Animal Farm, Down and Out in Paris and London and Burmese Days.
Don't know if I can attempt Dickens AGAIN, but your enthusiasm will likely stay in mind until I do. I appreciate that you fully discuss how he wrote for serialization while getting paid by the word, which would certainly motivate thousand-pagers! Also, you had a somewhat less direct and slightly more fanciful style six years ago!
I love Dickens too :D His one of my most favourite classic authors along with Jane Austen :) If you ever get chance too, you should totally go to the Rochester Dickens Festival. Loving your booktube channel so far cannot wait for more videos x
Legolas Dreams Thanks so much! I too love Jane Austen. I've been to Rochester but didn't know there was a Dickens festival - I'll have to try and go next year :)
I loved hearing your passion throughout this video! And you had a lot of really interesting things to say, because you really knew your stuff! I've only read Great Expectations and Tale of Two Cities, but the latter is the only book that has ever caused me to cry my eyes out! 😭 For future Dickens videos, could you consider a "Where to Begin" video? I would love to hear your insight and suggestions of what are good books to start with for a beginner who's trying to read more Dickens!
Miranda Paul Ah thank you so much Miranda :) I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I'll definitely try and do a Where to Begin video in the future. In the meantime, I think David Copperfield or Dombey and Son are good ones to continue on to after the ones you've currently read :)
I've got a few of Dickens books on my list to read so I was recommended to subscribe to you and watch your videos for some guidance so.......Here I am, subbed! Lol you've been helping me a TON
Sometimes the strength of evil people is no more than a tacit admission that we are weak and that we lack resolve in engaging that evil. Edgar Johnson nails it below! A great scene from David Copperfield with Edna May Oliver playing David's Aunt, Betsey Trotwood. This is referenced in Edgar Johnson's definitive biography of Dickens - Charles Dickens: His Tragedy and Triumph. David was orphaned and left to be raised by the Murdstones. He ran away seeking refuge in the household of Betsey. A theme in that thinly disguised autobiographical novel is the struggle in the world between simple goodness and cruel cunning. Miss Betsey destroys the Murdstones. ". . . you must begin to train her (David's mom), must you? begin to break her, like a poor caged bird, and wear her life away, in teaching her to sing your notes." And who can forget Aunt Betsey's parting shot at Miss Murdstone? "Let me see you ride a donkey over my green again, and as sure as you have a head upon your shoulders, I'll knock your bonnet off, and tread upon it!" Edgar Johnson: "But their physical strength, their awful visages, their hypocritical assumptions of respectability, are no match for the goodness of one brave frail old woman, whose only support is the lunatic innocence of Mr. Dick. It is a splendid victory. In an instant these two dark ogres of childhood have been deflated to life size, and their power shown to have been only the weakness of their victims. Anyone good and courageous enough to defy them can defeat them." Just so. A great book and and a great film.
I too love Charles Dickens. I actually have a complete collection of his novels that I found almost perfectly preserved in the attic (they look almost identical to the red ones shown in the shelf in the first minute of the video but they’re blue) and ever since, I’ve been hooked on his novels.
An excellent video. Your five reasons for loving Dickens are well presented. Balance, storytelling and growth as a writer are strong points. I like that you address the Dickens critics re: wordiness and caricatures.
In the 1980's my (ex)wife used to type theses for phd and mphil students in cambridge. one called alban harvey did one on the historic novels of charles dickens. i thought i'd read tale of 2 cities, i didn't know barnaby rudge, or the gordon riots. i read tale of 2 cities about 2 years ago, for the first time, and am listening to barnaby rudge.
I love Charles Dickens! Not just as a great literary figure, but as a personal friend.As for the undeserved reputation of "dark and dreary," Dickens generally has as much humor on every page as there are bubbles in champagne! Even the first chapters of Oliver Twist are talking of l people in ghastly circumstances, like Oliver's mom and Oliver himself, and yet his writing is SO funny and enjoyable- it is completely absent the nasty glee over innocents suffering that seems so widespread today. This post is already too long, but I can't finish the last few pages of A Tale of Two Cities without tears in my eyes while reading. When I read The Pickwick Papers, which I didn't think I would like, I found myself laughing rather loud on the bus, which was embarrassing. Whatever can he said of Fagin, his last night in prison I found quite moving and really unique in Dickens' novels. Finally, when my husband and I were on a long car trip, we listened to an unabridged recording of Oliver Twist. Listening to Bill Sykes murder Nancy, my hubby John got so upset he missed an important exit while driving. He said he was absolutely sure Nancy made it into Heaven!
YOU ... are adorable! It looked as though you were tearing up with excitement while talking about this subject. I'm am one of the few people who LOVED "Pickwick Papers" but yes, there was a lot of crying and fainting in that one. Alas. "Our Mutual Friend" is on my bookcase because of your recommendation and just waiting to be opened. Last year I was able to venture over the pond (finally!) and visited the Dickens Museum in London where I purchased for my niece "Great Expectations", so for her and I, could you please do a video on this Dickens novel?
Our Mutual Friend is amazing - I hope you like it! I have a whole playlist of videos on every single Dickens books (including Great Expectations), so here you go: czcams.com/play/PLw2Mjecd2B-NJnXjqG86h_tuwciMlCtwY.html
Wish he was writing today. On a laptop. He could edit. Cut. Move. His novels r first drafts. Which is remarkable. He would have been the best screenwriter in history.
"Of all my books, I like this the best. It will be easily believed that I am a fond parent to every child of my fancy, and that no one can ever love that family as dearly as I love them. But, like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is DAVID COPPERFIELD." Charles Dickens
That's an amazing collection. I have a dearth of Dickens in my reading which I'm going to remedy soon - I think I'll even start today (thanks to your passion). I'd be very interested to watch you talk more about each book.
TWBooks Wonderful! Which book are you going to start with? Let me know how you get on, and I hope you enjoy it :) I'll definitely make that video soon then. It may be another very long one...
Well, the two Dickens I haven't read on my shelves are Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. I've already read A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities - I don't know why I've put off reading more because he really is quite good. I'd suggest doing each book as an individual video. The Internet tends to favour short videos over long. I personally tend to watch whole videos, but I'm one of the exception not the rule.
TWBooks Ooo good plan. I think I shall do a separate video for each; I could do a whole two weeks of a Dickens video every day... I much prefer Great Expectations to Oliver Twist, but I hope you like whichever one you go with. Let me know what you think :)
+Amanda Center (IntrovertX) I'm certainly planning on many one / many of these - I'd like to do a series of videos going through each, but first I need to reread Barnaby Rudge - it's been a very long time and I don't remember it very well. It's the one I know least.
A family friend of ours was very nice to get me a complete collection of Dickens' works for graduating college. They were really old hardback copies, but nevertheless, I am excited to read them. I believe David Copperfield will be first. Dickens and Shakespeare were also the most popular writers in America during the 19th century, since literature from Americans was not as notable during that period (their notability came later). My American Literature instructor constantly stressed this, for this was (and continues to be) his key project. That Dickens collection of yours is wild, but appropriate for someone who has a passion for his work. I enjoyed watching this and I will definitely take your ideas into account as I begin reading his work! :) -Josh
Literary Gladiators David Copperfield is great, and certainly one of the best to start with - I hope you enjoy the Dickens! Also, Martin Chuzzlewit might interest you as half of it's set in America. It's true, I suppose, that the most famous American classics I can think of are from the 20th century and the majority of the most famous British classics are from the 19th century. Interesting. And yes, I am slightly crazy about Dickens but only because his books are so wonderful :P Enjoy!
Books and Things I guess it makes sense to go forward with it, then. It was the one book I owned before I got his entire collection upon graduation. As random as this sounds, it was the book that Henry Bemis was reading at the beginning of an episode of The Twilight Zone called "Time Enough At Last." I will have to check out Martin Chuzzlewit as well and am quite curious to see how I enjoy it. I remember Dickens did make a visit to America. It does sound logical that British classics came about in the 19th century and American classics in the 20th century, for America seemed to establish itself by that particular time. It was only around 1925 when American literature began to be studied on the scholarly level. I am looking forward to reading his work and I get more and more motivation when you express your passion! :)
Literary Gladiators Ah literary history is so interesting. Do let me know how you enjoy David Copperfield - hopefully it'll lead you on to more Dickens. :)
Books and Things Indeed it is! Literature and history are two of the most fascinating fields of study (even if math, science, and technology have greater opportunities). I will be sure to let you know about how I like David Copperfield when I read it! :)
I think he definitely wrote for being read out by someone while the family and friends listen. I know you have looked at the novels in their original serialisations and I must get some of his works in audiobook form and listen to them in the original sections over the time he published them.
It's very interesting reading them in the serialised parts. I must try a serialised audiobook some time soon. I used to listen to lots of Dickens on audiobook but haven't done so for a while now.
I really don't understand why most people dislike ''David Copperfield''. David Copperfield was one of the best of Charles Dickens novels I have ever read. It was just so eccentric , Full of adventure and was just amazing! I am also obsessed with Charles Dickens and I have almost every one of his novels. I totally agree with you about his characters , His characters are just so peculiar in every way and are different to other characters in novels. Which I adore! I am glad that someone finally agrees with me...
Dear Katie, I was recently given a book entitled, 'The Detective and Mr. Dickens', The preface attributes it to Wilke Collins with William J. Palmer as editor, published by St. Martin's Press. Now, I am Dickensian in to fullest degree and having read (listened) to all of his novels, I've devoured and thoughtfully processed every biography I can get my hands on. So, I was just curious if you've heard about or read this book. I value your comments.
It's a shame that I never paid a visit to the Dickens museum when I lived in London. I hadn't read Dickens yet at that time. but one day, after leaving London almost 2years later. I occasionally pickup a tale of two cities, and totally shocked with it's beautiful language and height of the thoughts. from that time I just read Dickens one by another till today I finnished all Dickens novel. just as one recommend says: the only thing you can do after reading a dickens book is picking up another one and read it
@@katiejlumsden absolutely first class in the literature pantheon. you know when i reading the chapter 1 of a tale of two cities, I found that i am not just reading but seeing. his narrative give me an unintermittent full long shot view of that era. I believe that even today's film directors must be inspired by C.D
I really enjoyed this video! I would love to see more Dickens videos! I have never read any Dickens though I have been thinking of trying him. Where would you suggest starting?
Found your channel today and it's made me smile so much :') I'm an undergrad literature student and I'm trying to plough through my uni reading while reading stuff on the side (currently Little Dorrit) but it's really hard to find the time, so I was wondering if you had any recommendations for film or TV adaptations of classics that you would recommend? x
Thanks Meg! (Gosh, this is a very old video). If you're looking for Dickens videos/recommendations, I have a whole series of Dickens videos where I mention any good adaptations: czcams.com/video/Tb_eEnGVhAY/video.html The BBC miniseries of Little Dorrit is good, as are most BBC miniseries, but the majority of them are quite different to the books.
Books and Things haha yeah I got a bit lost in the depths of CZcams :') ooh that's fantastic, thank you! None of my friends are really into Victorian literature so it's really nice to hear someone else's perspectives on it :') x
I have read only Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol by Dickens Documents and I am planning to read Our Mutual Friends this summer. What order of his books would you recommend me to read?:)
I recommend David Copperfield as another good early one to read, but to be honest if you enjoyed Great Expectations, feel free to go anywhere from there!
Ohh I have finished reading our mutual friend and oh my God it is so amazing and so good. I love it so much. But now, I have David copperfid and I have little Dorrit, which one should I read first ?
I'm so glad you loved it! I love both David Copperfield and Little Dorrit, but probably Little Dorrit more, and I'd say in form it's closer to Our Mutual Friend. Enjoy!
I own several Dickens novels but so far the only one i've read (that is one of my favorite classics) is Nicholas Nickleby. I love A Christmas Carol but still haven't managed to read it (hopefully this Christmas). in 2016, I want to start Dickens in chronological order but there are a few of his books i am hesitanf about and would love your advice. Unfortunately I know I will skip Great Expectatons because no matter how many adaptations I see I never like the story :( I tried reading David Copperfield but got 50 pages in and found it very difficult, which was a shame because i love the film. Should I give it another go? Also some that I am questioning are Dombey and Son(s?), Oliver Twist, Martin Chuzzlwit, Our Mutual Friend, and Hard Times. If I have issues with villainous main characters or plots that are all misery and no joy, would I have issues with these? Great video!
+BBCgirl520 Ooo okay, let me have a proper think. If you like books with a more positive outlook, I wouldn't go for Hard Times. Most of Dickens books have a delicious balance of sorrow and joy, but the bleakest are probably Hard Times, Great Expectations and Tale of Two Cities. But I wouldn't let the fact you haven't enjoyed about adaptations of Great Expectations stop you picking up the novel. I love Great Expectations but I don't really like any of the adaptations - they often put a very different spin on the story which isn't quite right and doesn't reflect what it's actually like. I love David Copperfield, and often think it's quite a good place to start - so it might be worth trying to read that one again. It maybe depends on how long ago you tried to read it? So, my favourite Dickens novels are Our Mutual Friend and Dombey and Son, and in that way I strongly recommend both of them. However, Nicholas Nickleby isn't my favourite, so you may have slightly different Dickensian taste to me. I'd say the most similar to Nicholas Nickleby in tone are Oliver Twist, Martin Chuzzlewit and The Old Curiosity Shop, which has a similar travelling round England meeting interesting people plotline :) I think if you like Nicholas Nickleby I'd probably recommend those first, especially the Old Curiosity Shop. Also, Little Dorrit is a brilliant :) (Sorry for the slight essay. Hope that helps!)
+Books and Things Thank you so much! Sorry my first comment was an essay as well lol. My dislike of GE is mostly to do with the characters, are they written differently than the adaptations portray them? My hesitation with Oliver Twist is the anti semitism with Fagan and the fact that I have seen so many adaptations that I am worried I might find the book boring I suppose. I love Little Dorrit! I watched the mini series last year and completely fell in love with the characters and the story! What about Barnaby Rudge? Do you recommend it?
+BBCgirl520 Pip in adaptations tends to be a bit like Pip in the book, but the thing that really annoys me about most adaptations of Great Expectations is that they get Estella completely wrong. Oliver Twist is another one where the adaptations are very, very, different from the book, so I don't think you'll find it boring. However, the antisemitism in Oliver Twist is one of the less nice things about Dickens / the Victorian period at large. Interestingly Dickens got a complaint half way through the serialisation of Oliver Twist about just that and so the second half of the book lays a lot less emphasis on the fact that Fagin is Jewish. But yes, it's still a bit nasty. It's probably my least favourite Dickens. Barnaby Rudge is probably the Dickens I know least - I've only read it once and I long time ago. I've just started rereading it actually, but I'm not sure I know it well enough to recommend it or not. I do like it, but I just don't know it as well. But yes, Little Dorrit is so wonderful :)
+Books and Things In that case, I probably will try it again. As for Oliver Twist, I think I'll decide when I get to that part of his bibliography. I'll look up the synopsis for Barnaby Rudge again and see what I think. Thank you so much for being my Dickens advisor :)
Hello katie could you please suggest me from where i start to read charles Dickens??? Someone told me about "The great expectations" and "David Copperfield" Could you please suggest me which book i should read frist??? Please givd me sequence wise if possible..
@@Nileshpandey0907 well David copperfield has become my most favourite book its a wonderful story its written in the first person so you hear the whole story from davids perspective this makes it easier to follow compared to dickens other books as they can be a lot more complicated with a lot more characters. it does have dickens unique writing style and his way with words so id highly recommend starting with this book.
@@princessnottoosure6413 thanks again for instant reply, now I am going order this book now on amazon. Actually my english is not good i do lots of grammatical mistakes & i wanted to improve my fluency thate why i started reading some english books. After completing some self help books. somewhere i read about Charles Dickens novels. So i wanted to read his novel that's why aksed here where to start read. And i m glad that you helped me to find out where to start :)
The grotesqueness is why I love Dickens. Tale of Two Cities is probably my least favourite because it doesn't have much grotesqueness. I love The Old Curiosity Shop, and I agree, I don't care about the central plot at all. I just care about the grotesque characters. The plot, for me, just sets the stage for the unforgettable characters to do weird things on.
@@katiejlumsden Hello, I'm honoured that you took the time to respond. I was only being lighthearted. I've recently started Barnaby Rudge because it is set in the lifetime of my favourite Irish poet, Eoghan Ruadh Ó Súilleabháin (1748 - 1784). On your recommendation I'll try Our Mutual Friend next. God bless, Jim
About Fagin, I would argue that Dickens portrayed him that way not because of any antipathy towards Jewish people, but because he was the secondary antagonist in the story. He was holding the audience's hand and saying, "look, this person is not a nice man". Same thing in Curiosity Shop. I mean, look at Uriah Heep. He's pretty much bashing us over the head there lol
I think she likes Charles Dickens! I haven't had the chance to read any of Charles Dickens work but, if he's as good as you make him sound, I'm better!!😇
+Ricardo Ralph How on earth did you guess I like Charles Dickens?! :) Well, if you do pick up anything by him, I hope you enjoy it. I recommend David Copperfield as a good place to start.
Jenny Wren is a much more complex character than Tiny Tim though, no? Tiny Tim is only really a victim and Jenny is not exactly that, and something more. Although I take the point about Mr Wegg. I keep on thinking that and being angry with Dickens as I reread.
Found your channel today and it's made me smile so much :') I'm an undergrad literature student and I'm trying to plough through my uni reading while reading stuff on the side (currently Little Dorrit) but it's really hard to find the time, so I was wondering if you had any recommendations for film or TV adaptations of classics that you would recommend? x
TV adaptations can be very Long, concerning Dickens, and are not necessarily the better for it. I realize this is the 21st Century, but if you are willing to give black and white movies a try, DO see the 1930s movie A Tale of Two Cities. Ronald Colman gives one of the best performances of any actor as Sydney Carton, not to mention being drop-dead good looking Especially in this role. The actress who plays Madame Defarge does not match Dickens' description of her appearance, but you will Never forget her performance! If you are adventurous, you might try director David Lean's B&W versions of Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. When I got married, John did not like black and white films, or so he thought. I put on a VHS tape of Captains Courageous with Spencer Tracy. After it ended, I said, " John, you have tears in your eyes!" He said "No I don't. The motor home is leaking." :) !?!
Dead on, Katie! He really was something special-endlessly inventive, perfectly balanced, utterly fascinating. He has made me a better person and has enriched my life immeasurably.
"More than eighty years have passed since Charles Dickens died. [This written in 1952.] His passionate heart has long since crumbled to dust. But the world he created shines with undying life, and the hearts of men still vibrate to his indignant anger, his love, his tears, his glorious laughter, and his triumphant faith in the dignity of man." Edgar Johnson
I totally agree about his characters, I don't know why people mind when they're so amusing and spice things up! Two minor ones that comes to mind is the vain dance instructor father in law in "Bleakhouse" and Amy Dorrit's friend Maggie in "Little Dorrit". Just so many colorful and zany characters!
+Kate Howe Yes, agreed! I just love the minor characters, they're so brilliant and unique and wonderful. And yes, Mr Turveydrop in Bleak House is an incredible character - and I love Maggie too. Oh, so many beautiful characters :)
Love the passion
Video was perfect length! Your enthusiasm and passion for Dickens keeps the viewers interested! Great job!
Thanks!
He is also my favourite author... and died on the day that would be my birthday (June 9th) /:
I love to re-watch your Dickens videos A lot. I am obsessed with him too! His my favorite author💜
He's amazing!
Because of you, I adore Dickens! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm for him and for these videos! Since finding your channel a year ago, you've introduced me to two of my favorite authors: Elizabeth Gaskell and Charles Dickens. I read Our Mutual Friend this week and ADORED it! Genius! I laughed and cried and laughed some more! I underlined, starred, hearted, annotated, and highlighted my book to the nth degree! My ranking of the full novels of Dickens that I've read so far goes like this: 1. Great Expectations (I declare it to be a masterpiece.) 2. Our Mutual Friend (Awesome. Just Awesome.) 3. A Tale of Two Cities. I've got Bleak House primed and ready to read here....it's a monster lol! Oh, and I give A Christmas Carol a passel of five radiant, gleaming stars. For Victober this year I've read Great Expectations, Tale of Two Cities, Our Mutual Friend, The Woman In White, Wives And Daughters, Peter Pan, (so close to qualifying for Victorian era lol), Cranford, and I reread Wuthering Heights. (I HATED Wuthering Heights the first time I read it in my early twenties and this time, not expecting a great love story but fully expecting all levels and degrees of misery, I LOVED it and gave it an enthusiastic five stars.) I am reading Elizabeth Gaskell's book on the life of Charlotte Bronte right now which I read half of last year...but ran out of Victober to finish it.
Thanks so much - this comment makes me happy. So glad you've been enjoying Dickens and other Victorian literature :)
@@katiejlumsden Yay! And your comment makes me happy too! I just got Pickwick Papers yesterday and am eager to read that also. I did finish Gaskell's book on Charlotte and am now in the middle of reading Jane Eyre again. I've held it high on the literary throne of my heart, above all others, these many years and decided it was time to read it again.
I came to believe, late in life, that it is a wonderful thing to find something you love and involve yourself with it. You've found that gift very early and I hope it always remains for you the gift that keeps on giving.
Love how excited you get! I love Tale of Two Cities so much, and your videos are awesome.
Dinosaur in the Library Ha thank you so much! I do get very excited about Dickens...
I get that way myself about Shirley Jackson and a few (*cough* lots *cough*) others. Welcome to Booktube!
Dinosaur in the Library Thank you very much! I'm excited to be here :) Also, I should really read some Shirley Jackson... Where do you recommend I start?
A lot of people start with her short stories (mainly because of "The Lottery"), but I would suggest starting with her novels. Read them in order of publication, and you can watch her characters become slowly more and more damaged--kind of like Dickens becoming a better person :-) The Road Through the Wall, Hangsaman, Bird's Nest, The Sundial, Haunting of Hill House, and then We Have Always Lived in the Castle. After the Bird's Nest, she just right off the deep end. It's amazing. I need to do my Shirley Jackson video...
Dinosaur in the Library That sounds great! I'll try to start with The Road Through the Wall :)
I have a goal of reading all of his writings. I am about half way through. I am loving it.
I’m reading Our Mutual Friend now, thanks to all your enthusiasm ! I love Dickens too 👍👍
Dickens is amazing!
I'm a late-comer to this video. I think you're spot-on. I'm the only person I know who loves Dickens :( I've read all his novels, and re-read most of them. From the lighter earlier novels to the darker later ones, they're ooze quality and insight. I have thought that reading a Dickens novel is like taking in a whole cathedral - lots and lots of detail making up a glorious whole. I could go on, but won't. Thank you for your video a great summary of how us fans feel.
Dickens is so, so great! I love the idea of his books being like a cathedral.
The most brilliant writer ever. I love all his books. Whenever I’m in London, which is as often as I can (I’m Canadian), I search out the second hand book stores for old Dickens books. I love the smell of the pages from the older books. I love walking London, much as Dickens did. Excellent video. You are very knowledgeable and I enjoyed your insights.
Thanks :) He's a wonderful writer!
He was an interesting man and author....I do like his "Tale Of Two Cities." and "David Copperfield" as I named my cat Copperfield is a favorite novel.....and I do like his ghost stories.....and besides, he met the Time-Lord once; great episode.
I must admit, I have never read a Dickens. But I did pick up one of his books because of another video I watched, and this video is going to be the push I need to actually read it now, rather than another 5 years from now. I will be starting with The Pickwick Papers. And I did see that you had commented earlier in the comments about a reading order...but I didn't see that until too late. :D I just figure that starting here will make my experience reading Dickens only get better as I read his better books :D
My first Dickens that I read was A Tale of Two Cities and I'm working on reading more. I have read A Christmas Carol, but I have seen a lot of the adaptations at least twice, and my dad was in a community theatre production of it.
I hope you like the rest of them :)
I'm so glad I found your channel today! I have not read ANY Dickens yet, but I've been wanting to very much, and now that I've watched several of your videos about him and can see your excitement about him, I'll DEFINITELY start right away! Thank you! :-)
Thank you! I'm so glad my manic enthusiasm has encouraged you to pick up Dickens - he's a brilliant writer and I strongly recommend his books :) David Copperfield and Great Expectations are great places to start :)
Love your videos! And can I say you look like Barbara from Call the Midwife.
Thanks!
With reference to item 3, story telling: Cultural and technological evolution has, I fear, dulled our ability to process protracted thought. I am an audio learner/reader and am also a senior of 64 years. I found that when I read or listened, I needed to slow down to think. Dickens wasn't the problem, I was. I have slowed down. I have read. Now, I do think and read and love Dickens. Thank you, Katie, for adding to my thinking.
Thanks Ed :)
I love your enthusiasm! My favorite all time book is David Copperfield (it would be my Desert Island Disc book) and I try from time to time to read other books by Dickens but often give up for lack of understanding what is going on. Your videos are so helpful and I’m determined to read all of Our Mutual Friend now because I know I’ll have your insights and knowledge to help me when I get stuck. Thank you so much! You are awesome!
Thanks! I'm so glad to hear you love David Copperfield - it is such a great book. I highly recommend Our Mutual Friend :) If you're struggling with understanding or following, I recommend the 1998 television adaptation as well.
I can help but agree about his humour... it's so unique and unembellished...for instance take this passage from oliver twist.
"The doctor seemed especially troubled by the fact of the robbery having been unexpected, and attempted in the night time; as if it were the established custom of gentlemen in the housebreaking way to transact business at noon, and to make an appointment, by post, a day or two previous."
I do love his humour!
This extract just made me LOL. I love his humour. I was so sad when I saw a colleague read Great Expectations and I said it's really funny but they replied "Is it? Maybe I haven't gotten there yet." I thought the first page was so funny already with Also Georgiana wife of the above :,)
I too love Dickens. And I truly enjoyed your video. I'd love to hear more of your views on his works, especially Hard Times, which one of my favorites. I feel like even in The Pickwick Papers you can see the trajectories of depth and compassion already at work which would culminate in his later longer novels. I love the character of Sam Weller and the almost mutual custodial relationship that he and Mr. Pickwick have for each other. Lastly, I'm so glad I stumbled upon your page.
I'm huge Dickens fan from Poland. He is the BEST!!!!!!
Dickens is certainly great :)
Thanks for your informed and enthusiastic work. I love your videos so much.
+Yvette M. Holland Thanks so much :)
What a fantastic video! I have always wanted to read and learn more about Dickens. I would actually really love to see more videos about Dickens from you in the future. This was a lovely insight into this brilliant man's life. Thank you for sharing it with us! :)
Rain Misoa Thank you :) There'll definitely be more Dickens videos in the future!
I really like your enthusiasim
I'm halfway through my first novel, The old curiosity shop.
You're spot on about the balance of light and shade.
If you're familiar with the King James bible you will get even more out of him as he uses it for little remarks and use of its text.
I've found this in a few of the short stories of his and even in, The old curiosity shop.
I enjoyed your video.
Bravo!
I've read 7 Dickens novels since October. I want to get through them all eventually. I hadn't read a single one till a few months back. 😂
What are your views on Orwell. Have you read much of his work. I've read all of his and my favourite 4 are 1984, Animal Farm, Down and Out in Paris and London and Burmese Days.
I have read 1984 and The Road to Wigan Pier, both of which I really enjoyed.
Don't know if I can attempt Dickens AGAIN, but your enthusiasm will likely stay in mind until I do. I appreciate that you fully discuss how he wrote for serialization while getting paid by the word, which would certainly motivate thousand-pagers! Also, you had a somewhat less direct and slightly more fanciful style six years ago!
I love Dickens too :D His one of my most favourite classic authors along with Jane Austen :) If you ever get chance too, you should totally go to the Rochester Dickens Festival. Loving your booktube channel so far cannot wait for more videos x
Legolas Dreams Thanks so much! I too love Jane Austen. I've been to Rochester but didn't know there was a Dickens festival - I'll have to try and go next year :)
I loved hearing your passion throughout this video! And you had a lot of really interesting things to say, because you really knew your stuff!
I've only read Great Expectations and Tale of Two Cities, but the latter is the only book that has ever caused me to cry my eyes out! 😭
For future Dickens videos, could you consider a "Where to Begin" video? I would love to hear your insight and suggestions of what are good books to start with for a beginner who's trying to read more Dickens!
Miranda Paul Ah thank you so much Miranda :) I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I'll definitely try and do a Where to Begin video in the future. In the meantime, I think David Copperfield or Dombey and Son are good ones to continue on to after the ones you've currently read :)
I've got a few of Dickens books on my list to read so I was recommended to subscribe to you and watch your videos for some guidance so.......Here I am, subbed! Lol you've been helping me a TON
Thanks - enjoy Dickens :)
Sometimes the strength of evil people is no more than a tacit admission that we are weak and that we lack resolve in engaging that evil. Edgar Johnson nails it below!
A great scene from David Copperfield with Edna May Oliver playing David's Aunt, Betsey Trotwood.
This is referenced in Edgar Johnson's definitive biography of Dickens - Charles Dickens: His Tragedy and Triumph. David was orphaned and left to be raised by the Murdstones. He ran away seeking refuge in the household of Betsey. A theme in that thinly disguised autobiographical novel is the struggle in the world between simple goodness and cruel cunning.
Miss Betsey destroys the Murdstones. ". . . you must begin to train her (David's mom), must you? begin to break her, like a poor caged bird, and wear her life away, in teaching her to sing your notes."
And who can forget Aunt Betsey's parting shot at Miss Murdstone? "Let me see you ride a donkey over my green again, and as sure as you have a head upon your shoulders, I'll knock your bonnet off, and tread upon it!"
Edgar Johnson:
"But their physical strength, their awful visages, their hypocritical assumptions of respectability, are no match for the goodness of one brave frail old woman, whose only support is the lunatic innocence of Mr. Dick.
It is a splendid victory. In an instant these two dark ogres of childhood have been deflated to life size, and their power shown to have been only the weakness of their victims. Anyone good and courageous enough to defy them can defeat them."
Just so. A great book and and a great film.
Dickens and Austen are my favorite authors
I too love Charles Dickens. I actually have a complete collection of his novels that I found almost perfectly preserved in the attic (they look almost identical to the red ones shown in the shelf in the first minute of the video but they’re blue) and ever since, I’ve been hooked on his novels.
He's amazing!
An excellent video. Your five reasons for loving Dickens are well presented. Balance, storytelling and growth as a writer are strong points. I like that you address the Dickens critics re: wordiness and caricatures.
I appear to have missed this comment from a while ago! I do love Dickens, for all that he's not perfect :)
In the 1980's my (ex)wife used to type theses for phd and mphil students in cambridge. one called alban harvey did one on the historic novels of charles dickens. i thought i'd read tale of 2 cities, i didn't know barnaby rudge, or the gordon riots. i read tale of 2 cities about 2 years ago, for the first time, and am listening to barnaby rudge.
The pub and its inmates in Brnaby Rudge is funny
I love Charles Dickens! Not just as a great literary figure, but as a personal friend.As for the undeserved reputation of "dark and dreary," Dickens generally has as much humor on every page as there are bubbles in champagne! Even the first chapters of Oliver Twist are talking of l people in ghastly circumstances, like Oliver's mom and Oliver himself, and yet his writing is SO funny and enjoyable- it is completely absent the nasty glee over innocents suffering that seems so widespread today. This post is already too long, but I can't finish the last few pages of A Tale of Two Cities without tears in my eyes while reading. When I read The Pickwick Papers, which I didn't think I would like, I found myself laughing rather loud on the bus, which was embarrassing. Whatever can he said of Fagin, his last night in prison I found quite moving and really unique in Dickens' novels. Finally, when my husband and I were on a long car trip, we listened to an unabridged recording of Oliver Twist. Listening to Bill Sykes murder Nancy, my hubby John got so upset he missed an important exit while driving. He said he was absolutely sure Nancy made it into Heaven!
Dickens is great! His novels are just so hilarious for me, and so moving too.
YOU ... are adorable! It looked as though you were tearing up with excitement while talking about this subject. I'm am one of the few people who LOVED "Pickwick Papers" but yes, there was a lot of crying and fainting in that one. Alas. "Our Mutual Friend" is on my bookcase because of your recommendation and just waiting to be opened. Last year I was able to venture over the pond (finally!) and visited the Dickens Museum in London where I purchased for my niece "Great Expectations", so for her and I, could you please do a video on this Dickens novel?
Our Mutual Friend is amazing - I hope you like it! I have a whole playlist of videos on every single Dickens books (including Great Expectations), so here you go: czcams.com/play/PLw2Mjecd2B-NJnXjqG86h_tuwciMlCtwY.html
Wish he was writing today. On a laptop. He could edit. Cut. Move. His novels r first drafts. Which is remarkable. He would have been the best screenwriter in history.
Novelists still drafted even when they wrote by hand. Dickens's published works are far from first drafts.
Your arguments are extremely convincing
Thanks!
"Of all my books, I like this the best. It will be easily believed that I am a fond parent to every child of my fancy, and that no one can ever love that family as dearly as I love them. But, like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is DAVID COPPERFIELD."
Charles Dickens
That's an amazing collection. I have a dearth of Dickens in my reading which I'm going to remedy soon - I think I'll even start today (thanks to your passion). I'd be very interested to watch you talk more about each book.
TWBooks Wonderful! Which book are you going to start with? Let me know how you get on, and I hope you enjoy it :)
I'll definitely make that video soon then. It may be another very long one...
Well, the two Dickens I haven't read on my shelves are Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. I've already read A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities - I don't know why I've put off reading more because he really is quite good.
I'd suggest doing each book as an individual video. The Internet tends to favour short videos over long. I personally tend to watch whole videos, but I'm one of the exception not the rule.
TWBooks Ooo good plan. I think I shall do a separate video for each; I could do a whole two weeks of a Dickens video every day...
I much prefer Great Expectations to Oliver Twist, but I hope you like whichever one you go with. Let me know what you think :)
A cup that says "Please sir I want some more"?????
Oh my god, I'm dying!!!!
I love it!
@@katiejlumsden I love Oliver Twist! I'm reading it now in English (yeah, what a dream!) and Dickens's writing is amazing!!!
I'd love to see a video explaining each of his novels or at least where to start!
+Amanda Center (IntrovertX) I'm certainly planning on many one / many of these - I'd like to do a series of videos going through each, but first I need to reread Barnaby Rudge - it's been a very long time and I don't remember it very well. It's the one I know least.
I'm obsessed with Dickens too 😍😂
Ha good!
Great video! I'm Planning to read/reread most of his books because of it!
Great - enjoy :)
A family friend of ours was very nice to get me a complete collection of Dickens' works for graduating college. They were really old hardback copies, but nevertheless, I am excited to read them. I believe David Copperfield will be first. Dickens and Shakespeare were also the most popular writers in America during the 19th century, since literature from Americans was not as notable during that period (their notability came later). My American Literature instructor constantly stressed this, for this was (and continues to be) his key project. That Dickens collection of yours is wild, but appropriate for someone who has a passion for his work. I enjoyed watching this and I will definitely take your ideas into account as I begin reading his work! :) -Josh
Literary Gladiators David Copperfield is great, and certainly one of the best to start with - I hope you enjoy the Dickens! Also, Martin Chuzzlewit might interest you as half of it's set in America. It's true, I suppose, that the most famous American classics I can think of are from the 20th century and the majority of the most famous British classics are from the 19th century. Interesting.
And yes, I am slightly crazy about Dickens but only because his books are so wonderful :P Enjoy!
Books and Things I guess it makes sense to go forward with it, then. It was the one book I owned before I got his entire collection upon graduation. As random as this sounds, it was the book that Henry Bemis was reading at the beginning of an episode of The Twilight Zone called "Time Enough At Last." I will have to check out Martin Chuzzlewit as well and am quite curious to see how I enjoy it. I remember Dickens did make a visit to America. It does sound logical that British classics came about in the 19th century and American classics in the 20th century, for America seemed to establish itself by that particular time. It was only around 1925 when American literature began to be studied on the scholarly level. I am looking forward to reading his work and I get more and more motivation when you express your passion! :)
Literary Gladiators Ah literary history is so interesting. Do let me know how you enjoy David Copperfield - hopefully it'll lead you on to more Dickens. :)
Books and Things Indeed it is! Literature and history are two of the most fascinating fields of study (even if math, science, and technology have greater opportunities). I will be sure to let you know about how I like David Copperfield when I read it! :)
I think he definitely wrote for being read out by someone while the family and friends listen. I know you have looked at the novels in their original serialisations and I must get some of his works in audiobook form and listen to them in the original sections over the time he published them.
It's very interesting reading them in the serialised parts. I must try a serialised audiobook some time soon. I used to listen to lots of Dickens on audiobook but haven't done so for a while now.
Bounder y in Hard Times is interesting
I really don't understand why most people dislike ''David Copperfield''. David Copperfield was one of the best of Charles Dickens novels I have ever read. It was just so eccentric , Full of adventure and was just amazing! I am also obsessed with Charles Dickens and I have almost every one of his novels. I totally agree with you about his characters , His characters are just so peculiar in every way and are different to other characters in novels. Which I adore! I am glad that someone finally agrees with me...
I love David Copperfield too! I didn't realise it was so often disliked though? I know a lot of people who also love it - it's such a great book.
Dear Katie, I was recently given a book entitled, 'The Detective and Mr. Dickens', The preface attributes it to Wilke Collins with William J. Palmer as editor, published by St. Martin's Press. Now, I am Dickensian in to fullest degree and having read (listened) to all of his novels, I've devoured and thoughtfully processed every biography I can get my hands on. So, I was just curious if you've heard about or read this book. I value your comments.
I haven't read or heard of it, no. It sounds like an interesting one!
It's a shame that I never paid a visit to the Dickens museum when I lived in London. I hadn't read Dickens yet at that time. but one day, after leaving London almost 2years later. I occasionally pickup a tale of two cities, and totally shocked with it's beautiful language and height of the thoughts. from that time I just read Dickens one by another till today I finnished all Dickens novel. just as one recommend says: the only thing you can do after reading a dickens book is picking up another one and read it
He's a wonderful writer!
@@katiejlumsden absolutely first class in the literature pantheon. you know when i reading the chapter 1 of a tale of two cities, I found that i am not just reading but seeing. his narrative give me an unintermittent full long shot view of that era. I believe that even today's film directors must be inspired by C.D
Thann you
I really enjoyed this video! I would love to see more Dickens videos! I have never read any Dickens though I have been thinking of trying him. Where would you suggest starting?
Found your channel today and it's made me smile so much :') I'm an undergrad literature student and I'm trying to plough through my uni reading while reading stuff on the side (currently Little Dorrit) but it's really hard to find the time, so I was wondering if you had any recommendations for film or TV adaptations of classics that you would recommend? x
Thanks Meg! (Gosh, this is a very old video). If you're looking for Dickens videos/recommendations, I have a whole series of Dickens videos where I mention any good adaptations: czcams.com/video/Tb_eEnGVhAY/video.html The BBC miniseries of Little Dorrit is good, as are most BBC miniseries, but the majority of them are quite different to the books.
Books and Things haha yeah I got a bit lost in the depths of CZcams :') ooh that's fantastic, thank you! None of my friends are really into Victorian literature so it's really nice to hear someone else's perspectives on it :') x
I have read only Great Expectations and A Christmas Carol by Dickens Documents and I am planning to read Our Mutual Friends this summer. What order of his books would you recommend me to read?:)
I recommend David Copperfield as another good early one to read, but to be honest if you enjoyed Great Expectations, feel free to go anywhere from there!
Ohh I have finished reading our mutual friend and oh my God it is so amazing and so good. I love it so much. But now, I have David copperfid and I have little Dorrit, which one should I read first ?
I'm so glad you loved it! I love both David Copperfield and Little Dorrit, but probably Little Dorrit more, and I'd say in form it's closer to Our Mutual Friend. Enjoy!
Any recommendations on which audiobooks of Dickens are worth checking out?
I'd certainly recommend the Richard Armitage audiobook of David Copperfield.
I own several Dickens novels but so far the only one i've read (that is one of my favorite classics) is Nicholas Nickleby. I love A Christmas Carol but still haven't managed to read it (hopefully this Christmas). in 2016, I want to start Dickens in chronological order but there are a few of his books i am hesitanf about and would love your advice. Unfortunately I know I will skip Great Expectatons because no matter how many adaptations I see I never like the story :( I tried reading David Copperfield but got 50 pages in and found it very difficult, which was a shame because i love the film. Should I give it another go? Also some that I am questioning are Dombey and Son(s?), Oliver Twist, Martin Chuzzlwit, Our Mutual Friend, and Hard Times. If I have issues with villainous main characters or plots that are all misery and no joy, would I have issues with these? Great video!
Also, I forgot to list Barnaby Rudge in the ones that I am debating.
+BBCgirl520 Ooo okay, let me have a proper think. If you like books with a more positive outlook, I wouldn't go for Hard Times. Most of Dickens books have a delicious balance of sorrow and joy, but the bleakest are probably Hard Times, Great Expectations and Tale of Two Cities.
But I wouldn't let the fact you haven't enjoyed about adaptations of Great Expectations stop you picking up the novel. I love Great Expectations but I don't really like any of the adaptations - they often put a very different spin on the story which isn't quite right and doesn't reflect what it's actually like.
I love David Copperfield, and often think it's quite a good place to start - so it might be worth trying to read that one again. It maybe depends on how long ago you tried to read it?
So, my favourite Dickens novels are Our Mutual Friend and Dombey and Son, and in that way I strongly recommend both of them. However, Nicholas Nickleby isn't my favourite, so you may have slightly different Dickensian taste to me. I'd say the most similar to Nicholas Nickleby in tone are Oliver Twist, Martin Chuzzlewit and The Old Curiosity Shop, which has a similar travelling round England meeting interesting people plotline :) I think if you like Nicholas Nickleby I'd probably recommend those first, especially the Old Curiosity Shop.
Also, Little Dorrit is a brilliant :)
(Sorry for the slight essay. Hope that helps!)
+Books and Things Thank you so much! Sorry my first comment was an essay as well lol. My dislike of GE is mostly to do with the characters, are they written differently than the adaptations portray them? My hesitation with Oliver Twist is the anti semitism with Fagan and the fact that I have seen so many adaptations that I am worried I might find the book boring I suppose. I love Little Dorrit! I watched the mini series last year and completely fell in love with the characters and the story! What about Barnaby Rudge? Do you recommend it?
+BBCgirl520 Pip in adaptations tends to be a bit like Pip in the book, but the thing that really annoys me about most adaptations of Great Expectations is that they get Estella completely wrong.
Oliver Twist is another one where the adaptations are very, very, different from the book, so I don't think you'll find it boring. However, the antisemitism in Oliver Twist is one of the less nice things about Dickens / the Victorian period at large. Interestingly Dickens got a complaint half way through the serialisation of Oliver Twist about just that and so the second half of the book lays a lot less emphasis on the fact that Fagin is Jewish. But yes, it's still a bit nasty. It's probably my least favourite Dickens.
Barnaby Rudge is probably the Dickens I know least - I've only read it once and I long time ago. I've just started rereading it actually, but I'm not sure I know it well enough to recommend it or not. I do like it, but I just don't know it as well.
But yes, Little Dorrit is so wonderful :)
+Books and Things In that case, I probably will try it again. As for Oliver Twist, I think I'll decide when I get to that part of his bibliography. I'll look up the synopsis for Barnaby Rudge again and see what I think. Thank you so much for being my Dickens advisor :)
Hello katie could you please suggest me from where i start to read charles Dickens??? Someone told me about "The great expectations" and "David Copperfield"
Could you please suggest me which book i should read frist??? Please givd me sequence wise if possible..
I started with david copperfield I think its the best book to start with
@@princessnottoosure6413 ohh thanks a lot dear for reply. Could you please tell how was your experience with that?
@@Nileshpandey0907 well David copperfield has become my most favourite book its a wonderful story its written in the first person so you hear the whole story from davids perspective this makes it easier to follow compared to dickens other books as they can be a lot more complicated with a lot more characters. it does have dickens unique writing style and his way with words so id highly recommend starting with this book.
@@princessnottoosure6413 thanks again for instant reply, now I am going order this book now on amazon.
Actually my english is not good i do lots of grammatical mistakes & i wanted to improve my fluency thate why i started reading some english books. After completing some self help books.
somewhere i read about Charles Dickens novels. So i wanted to read his novel that's why aksed here where to start read.
And i m glad that you helped me to find out where to start :)
@@Nileshpandey0907 Charles dickens books are old they were written in the 1800s so the english is more old english then modern english
The grotesqueness is why I love Dickens. Tale of Two Cities is probably my least favourite because it doesn't have much grotesqueness. I love The Old Curiosity Shop, and I agree, I don't care about the central plot at all. I just care about the grotesque characters. The plot, for me, just sets the stage for the unforgettable characters to do weird things on.
Would you mind making a proper pot of tea. The ones you pour are too watery, Jim
Sometimes it's camomile not breakfast tea!
@@katiejlumsden Hello, I'm honoured that you took the time to respond. I was only being lighthearted. I've recently started Barnaby Rudge because it is set in the lifetime of my favourite Irish poet, Eoghan Ruadh Ó Súilleabháin (1748 - 1784). On your recommendation I'll try Our Mutual Friend next. God bless, Jim
Hi! Interesting video 🙂
Which book do you recommend to someone who hasn’t read anything yet of Dickens?
Thanks in advance!
Great Expectations and David Copperfield are in my opinion the best places to start :)
@@katiejlumsden Thanks 🙏
Suzanne iper is great, my type of woman
Nipper
this is about the 5th time I've watched this but this time I just had to comment to say I am reading 2 Hardys back to back over the next 4 days lol.
I hope you enjoy them :D
About Fagin, I would argue that Dickens portrayed him that way not because of any antipathy towards Jewish people, but because he was the secondary antagonist in the story. He was holding the audience's hand and saying, "look, this person is not a nice man". Same thing in Curiosity Shop. I mean, look at Uriah Heep. He's pretty much bashing us over the head there lol
Love Dickens, just WISH he would have been nicer to his wife.
I think she likes Charles Dickens! I haven't had the chance to read any of Charles Dickens work but, if he's as good as you make him sound, I'm better!!😇
+Ricardo Ralph How on earth did you guess I like Charles Dickens?! :) Well, if you do pick up anything by him, I hope you enjoy it. I recommend David Copperfield as a good place to start.
I know you meant to write "I'd" instead of "I'm" but your comment is funnier if it means you believe you're better than Dickens.
Hello, I really like your series but...
but... you have an inability to complete thoughts?
Hem, Hem.. Mr Weg in OMF is a disabled character but does seem very shady in his actions/personality..
So in the end Dickens did not fully amend his prejudice against this trope.
Little Tim is prob the precursor of Jenny Wren and the kind, disabled child trope.
Jenny Wren is a much more complex character than Tiny Tim though, no? Tiny Tim is only really a victim and Jenny is not exactly that, and something more. Although I take the point about Mr Wegg. I keep on thinking that and being angry with Dickens as I reread.
he is, cool, happy and gay xD
Found your channel today and it's made me smile so much :') I'm an undergrad literature student and I'm trying to plough through my uni reading while reading stuff on the side (currently Little Dorrit) but it's really hard to find the time, so I was wondering if you had any recommendations for film or TV adaptations of classics that you would recommend? x
TV adaptations can be very Long, concerning Dickens, and are not necessarily the better for it. I realize this is the 21st Century, but if you are willing to give black and white movies a try, DO see the 1930s movie A Tale of Two Cities. Ronald Colman gives one of the best performances of any actor as Sydney Carton, not to mention being drop-dead good looking Especially in this role. The actress who plays Madame Defarge does not match Dickens' description of her appearance, but you will Never forget her performance! If you are adventurous, you might try director David Lean's B&W versions of Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. When I got married, John did not like black and white films, or so he thought. I put on a VHS tape of Captains Courageous with Spencer Tracy. After it ended, I said, " John, you have tears in your eyes!" He said "No I don't. The motor home is leaking." :) !?!