Taking My Time

The Joy of Slow Reading: December and Dickens

An open book of ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’ by Charles Dickens

I must confess, lately I have been thoroughly enjoying the luxury of reading at a leisurely pace. There's something incredibly satisfying about reading at a slow pace. It allows me to fully appreciate the language, the nuances, and the depth of the story.

Currently I am reading ‘The Old Curiosity Shop’ by Charles Dickens. And as always I find myself utterly captivated by its rich narrative.

I’ve been deliberately taking my time with this book. Each evening, I curl up in my favourite corner, with a cup of hot coffee by my side and let myself get lost in the pages. I am managing to savour every word, every description, and allowing myself to fully experience the emotions that Dickens brings out through his storytelling.

There are indeed numerous benefits to this slow reading approach. Allow me to first tell you about my experience with slow reading. Let us talk about it, shall we?

For one, I find that I am able to truly immerse myself in the world of the characters. The characters created by the author. Dickens has a way of creating such vivid and memorable characters that it's a pleasure to spend time with them. It is as if I am transported to a different world, living alongside the characters and experiencing their joys and sorrows, and I can connect with these characters on a deeper level.

And then there are these characters themselves. Whether it's the naive and kind-hearted Nell, the cunning and conniving Quilp, or the good-hearted Kit, each character feels like a friend, or perhaps an enemy, that I know intimately. Their struggles and triumphs are more real and I find myself becoming emotionally invested in their journeys.

However, it's not just the story and characters that I'm relishing. Dickens has a way with words that is truly remarkable. His descriptions are so rich and vivid, painting a picture in my mind's eye that feels virtually real, and I find myself completely engrossed in his world.

Additionally, slow reading affords me the opportunity to fully appreciate the language and writing style of the author. It allows me to admire the beautiful prose and the intricate details that make the story come alive, truly respecting the artistry behind the words. I also find that slow reading allows me to fantasize, I can envision the streets, hear the hustle and bustle of the city, and feel the biting cold of the winter air.

Yes, there are indeed numerous benefits to this slow reading approach. and I know I will enjoy this journey as I continue to take my time with 'The Old Curiosity Shop'.

As the month of December rolls on, I find myself getting into the holiday spirit. It seems that there is an inexpressible connection between the month of December and Dickens. Reading Dickens during the festive season has become somewhat of a tradition for me. It adds an extra layer of warmth and nostalgia to the experience. The way he portrays the wintry scenes and the festive atmosphere in his stories just adds an extra layer of magic to this time of year.

‘The Old Curiosity Shop’ by Charles Dickens

For me, the connection between December and Dickens feels almost innate, as if his stories were meant to be read during this time of year, as if his stories were tailor-made for this magical season.

How about you? Have you found a favourite author whose works resonate with you during this particular time of year?