The Old Curiosity Shop: Discussing the Book as a Whole

[Peter]

David wrote: "I'm just going to throw my views on TOCS in here, because I read it outside the group only recently.

I'm definitely biased because this was my first Dickens book, but I thought it was wonderful. I..."

Hi David

TOCS is a very good read, and I agree with you that in terms of plotting it is not as “tight” as D&S. One of the marks of Dickens to me is how one can trace his development of an author so clearly as we move through his novels in order.

Dickens gives us wonderful characters in TOCS. You made me smile when you mentioned Little Nell. As we read through Dickens you will constantly see - and hopefully enjoy and join in - the ongoing ribbing that occurs between Tristram and Kim and myself. Kim and I love “poor Little Nell” and Tristram, well, let’s say he finds Nell somewhat lacking as a character creation. It’s all in fun. Join in.

[Mary Lou]

David wrote: "I'm just going to throw my views on TOCS in here, because I read it outside the group only recently...."

Don't feel bad about having a nice relationship with little Nell, David. She evokes strong feelings in some, but she was the glue that held the story together. And she was, after all, a hormonal teenage girl. Tears come easily at that age, even when you aren't dragged across the country on foot by a selfish, old coot!

I'd have to think about it, but it seems to me that if a character has no name, it's usually not worth fretting about. The exceptions would be those that repeatedly pop up (in this case "the single gentleman") and who usually have some identifying characteristic or mystery about them that will clue you in that it's someone who might be important as the story goes on. I had to literally draw out a family tree when I first read Martin Chuzzlewit! So many family members, most of whom weren't that important in the scheme of things, but having that visual representation did help me keep things straight.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, and I do hope you'll jump ahead a few books so that you can join us "in real-time" for David Copperfield!

[Tristram]

Hmmm, did somebody just say "Little Nell"? :-)

[Kim]

Poor, poor, poor Little Nell. Grump.

[Tristram]

As you see, David, the game has begun :-)