Conversations with Dickens

A Fictional Dialogue Based on Biographical Facts

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Pub Date 12 Nov 2019 | Archive Date 10 Dec 2019
Watkins, Watkins Publishing

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Description

Imagined by one of the world's foremost Dickens scholars, this fictionalised conversation presents the essential biography of Britain's most beloved novelist.

Sheltering from a summer downpour, you encounter the ghost of Charles Dickens. Join him for a chat in the inn beloved by Mr Pickwick and be swept away by his vigour, warmth and humanity. You'll feel as if you've known him all your life.

The great novelist Charles Dickens attracted international adulation on an unprecedented scale. He cultivated a genial intimacy with his readers, and after he died many of his admirers felt that they had lost a personal friend. Sit back and listen to this master conversationalist talk about everything from work in a boot-polish factory to lecture tours in America.

Who could possibly ask for more?
Imagined by one of the world's foremost Dickens scholars, this fictionalised conversation presents the essential biography of Britain's most beloved novelist.

Sheltering from a summer downpour, you...

Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781786782489
PRICE $14.95 (USD)
PAGES 128

Average rating from 12 members


Featured Reviews

Charles Dickens led an interesting life, and his novels feature many seemingly autobiographical details. However, he destroyed many of his letters and personal writings, leaving biographers to make educated guesses about some very important aspects of his life. In this book, after some preliminary biography, Paul Schlicke has imagined what it would be like if Dickens had been interviewed by a genial admirer. It is an interesting exercise, and one that I think that my students will be able to relate to and even imitate in their own assignments.

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the digital ARC!

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I loved this unique and informed exploration of Dickens. This is a book to be enjoyed on its own — or, even better, paired as a reading with a classic example.

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A hearty little introductory book presenting imaginary conversations with the great Charles Dickens! It covers 15 different themes which center more around his writing rather than personal matters.

The beginning of the book provides background for Charles Dickens, so the conversations do not start until 20% (on a Kindle). The first half of the book focuses on his favorite authors, their influence on his writing, and his financial agreements with publishers. It isn’t until after 57% (on a Kindle) when the conversation turns a bit more personal; Dickens then recounts memories of his mother and further goes on to address romantic rumors. The conversation thereafter proceeds to tackle his religious beliefs, moral principles, travels, thoughts on crime and punishment, education, politics, hobbies/activities, and lastly Christmas.

This is a great introduction to Dickens and would be beneficial to students. It is short and would be valuable in comparative literature circles. The premise is fun, and my favorite parts were hearing his voice containing his acclaimed slang and neologisms.

“So, you see, Mrs. Seymour’s claim that her late husband deserved most of the credit for the success of Pickwick is sheer poppycock!”

“…many readers thought that it was intended as a likeness of Nicholas, and not me. As if – ha, ha! – any fictional character could be as a dashing as I was in those days!”

Thanks to Netgalley, Paul Schlicke, and Watkins Publishing for this copy. Opinions are my own.

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