Re: Dickens. I also enjoyed what I have read of his however I do find his writing could easily lean into melodramatic. Someone recommended as a good contrast to Dickens; another Victorian novelist, who wrote more realistically, his characters more acutely observed & clear eyed of his times, George Gissing. That recommendation was accurate.
@@charlieuliginosa2494 I’ve got a Gissing on my shelf to read that was recommended so I’m looking forward to that. I guess that’s why I enjoy Dickens as he is quite eccentric and dramatic
Welcome back, you have been missed. Interesting about the course you've completed - something I've been considering for the longest time however with my spelling being so poor, I felt I realistically wouldn't get through it. Now I informally 'help out' at a local volunteering operation for teaching spoken English to asylum seekers, so basic my spelling doesn't figure (usually).
@@charlieuliginosa2494 spelling is always something that can be worked on and it’s great that you already have experience helping teach English in some capacity. The only thing I found challenging was some of the grammar content which I hadn’t touched for over 20 years, but if it’s a goal of yours then keep aiming for it 😊
I read this in December and really loved the book. I took the full month to read it which made for a wonderful reading experience. I plan to read a Dickens every December and make it stretch the full month or a little longer.
@@ariannefowler455 I love the idea of reading Dickens in December. Even though Christmas may not feature in some novels, Dickens style very much lends itself to what I describe as wintery novels 🤣 and I have to agree, spreading my reading over a month definitely made me enjoy the book more
Such a great novel! Loved hearing you discuss it.
Re: Dickens. I also enjoyed what I have read of his however I do find his writing could easily lean into melodramatic. Someone recommended as a good contrast to Dickens; another Victorian novelist, who wrote more realistically, his characters more acutely observed & clear eyed of his times, George Gissing. That recommendation was accurate.
@@charlieuliginosa2494 I’ve got a Gissing on my shelf to read that was recommended so I’m looking forward to that. I guess that’s why I enjoy Dickens as he is quite eccentric and dramatic
This is one Dickens that I never got to so will make sure it moves up the TBR pile! Bleak House and Dombey and Son are excellent.
@@antonypearce8477 I’ve heard some great things about Dombey & Son so I’m inclined to make that my next Dickens read
Welcome back, you have been missed. Interesting about the course you've completed - something I've been considering for the longest time however with my spelling being so poor, I felt I realistically wouldn't get through it. Now I informally 'help out' at a local volunteering operation for teaching spoken English to asylum seekers, so basic my spelling doesn't figure (usually).
@@charlieuliginosa2494 spelling is always something that can be worked on and it’s great that you already have experience helping teach English in some capacity. The only thing I found challenging was some of the grammar content which I hadn’t touched for over 20 years, but if it’s a goal of yours then keep aiming for it 😊
I read this in December and really loved the book. I took the full month to read it which made for a wonderful reading experience. I plan to read a Dickens every December and make it stretch the full month or a little longer.
@@ariannefowler455 I love the idea of reading Dickens in December. Even though Christmas may not feature in some novels, Dickens style very much lends itself to what I describe as wintery novels 🤣 and I have to agree, spreading my reading over a month definitely made me enjoy the book more
@@DanUniAndBooks Yes, it's more that I'm ready to slow down in December and immerse myself in a long book.