Dickens and December
Finally, I did manage to decide on a book to end this year.
Finally, I did manage to decide on a book to end this year.Â
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.Â
Don't you think, Dickens and December are connected in some way? I do. And at least for me, they are. Not only because of the novel A Christmas Carol written by Dickens, which perhaps is connected to the revival of Christmas in the 19th century (which is a different story altogether) But, in some kind of strange sense, I have always felt the urge to read Dickens during this festive season. Do you too? Well, I do have a handful of reasons for it though.
Charles Dickens, in fact, is my favourite author of all time. I make it a point to read a little something every year. Early this year, I was enveloped immensely in the fog, and rather the complicated life of Esther Summerson in the novel Bleak House. Esther, I believe, is the first Dickens female narrator and protagonist in this novel, or rather, the only one that I have come across, yet. The element that most impressed me about Bleak House is the setting. It is the delightful Victorian descriptions of the streets and the buildings in which the entire story is pivoted. However, it is invariably these enthralling descriptions that never fail to impress me, kindling in me a love for reading Dickens.Â
There sure is a mystical harmony when it comes to Charles Dickens’ writing and to December. It is either his masterly wordplay describing a picturesque scene or the elaborate array of Dickensian characters with an identity of their own. Yet, skilfully knit, ever so fresh and distinct as the snow that falls characterising the cold season, granting individuality. In a way, I feel, these descriptions of the environs and surroundings in his books connect to the decorated streets and alleys of cold winters.Â
Also, it is not hard to relate when there is some kind of connection from the past. The first ever Dickens I read was way back when I was studying and apparently this took place during the winter break. Which, maybe for me, is another reason that connects Dickens to December. I was blown away by the narrative then, and that is when Charles Dickens implanted a seed in me into the literary world.Â
That's just a little about Dickens and December.Â
In the comments below…
Which book/books by Charles dickens have you read?
I'm reading Great Expectations right now. I must say, it's pretty hard keeping track of what's going on. I haven't been sure if I'll come back to Dickens again after this