The first Dickens’ book I read, at age nine, was an abridged version of Oliver Twist. Oliver’s tragic story was probably my first exposure to tragedy in literature. I cried tears of joy when everything fell into place for little Oliver and all was well in the end. All was not well for my younger brother though; whenever he complained about food I put forth the example of the poor orphan boy who was denied a second helping of an excuse-for-a-soup. My brother never read Oliver Twist.
Reading David Copperfield was easier and a little less emotional although I remember being immensely saddened by his wife Dora’s death. I still remember the illustration of David carrying his feeble wife up the staircase, she being too weak to climb. I was mortified by her death, blamed Agnus for it and didn’t re-read the book till much later.
But it was Great Expectations’ Miss Havisham who fascinated me the most and made me a Dickens’ fan. Estella’s beauty and her mannerisms affected my young mind and I tried to be like her (maybe still am). Both Miss Havisham and Estella were unlike women I had read of in literature (which at nine years old was limited to Enid Blyton and Nancy Drew) or knew of in real life, minus a few exceptions of course. Unlike Oliver and David, I wasn’t rooting for Pip and this feeling for him hasn’t changed still.
Even though Bleak House is the one Dickens’ novel I like best, it was Dombey and Son which almost made me a thief. It was lying on the bottom shelf of a library in Pindi when I first discovered and issued it. A hard cover, un-abridged version with the original illustrations on the most silky smooth paper; it was love at first sight. I read it five times just to check if anyone else besides me got it issued. Oh, if only I had hidden that book under my shawl on that cold December morning! I know, deep down, that if I pay a visit to that library even now, I shall find the book issued only five times. Okay, that sounds a bit filmi but yes, if I go there now, I’ll definitely steal it. Theft detectors and conscious can go to hell!
I plan to re-read all his books this year and maybe, just maybe, I might discover the secret which makes his writing relevant to readers around the globe even now, 200 years on.
Coming soon: Dickens' on the beanbag
my favourite character is 'Mr. Wemmick' from Great Expectations who turns into a nearly wooden robot at work and then becomes sweet and loyal and a dutiful and loving son with his father. he nods his head in delight at his father, encouraging his parent and taking care of him. that touched me deep inside. thanks for reminding me!
ReplyDeleteIndeed ,Dickens is the great writer of all times !!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDickens was and will remain one of my favorite authors of all time.My two favorite characters are David Copperfield and Oliver twist. I still remember reading an abridged version in my primary classes, I think it was in class 3. And as they say it; the rest was history.I was completely hooked by his style and from that day on wards he became an author whose book I just cannot put down. And to add cherry on top Dickens and me share the same birthday that is 7th feb.
ReplyDeleteHappy Dickens Day to everyone!
I think I was raised by Charles Dickens, seriously. One of my favorite classical authors. Great post! I really enjoyed reading this:)
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