The Bloomsbury Christening (hosted by Judy) - 3rd Summer Read 2021

[Petra]

Tim, Dickens can tell a good tale. This one had me laughing throughout, too. The caricatures are so perfectly done and portrayed.

I'm glad you joined the read. These short Summer reads are a wonderful way of reading more of Dickens' works.

[Omar]

Hi, I greatly enjoyed the short story, but have enjoyed reading your posts far more!

I liked Mr. Nicodemus being consistently contrarian all through the story, no redemption arc for him, to the extent of feeling good about being robbed, I laughed out loud.

Was Dickens trying for us to empathize with Nicodemus by way of Danton's teasing? I warmed up to him specially when Mr. Kitterbell requested Mr. Danton to stop.

I was quite sure that Nicodemus would subvert expectations by delivering a memorable speech, and laughed all the more when the speech ended up being true to everything we already knew about Mr Dumps.

[Judy]

Good to hear you enjoyed it, Tim - I think it's great to see how strong Dickens's humour was so very early in his career. And you have a lot to look forward to as you read more of his works. :)

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

Thank you so much for leading another fantastic read, Judy, and adding so much to it with your background material! It's great to see so many joining in this fun story, and welcome Tim! I'm pleased to see you commenting for our short reads :)

I'll leave this thread here, for a few more days. Even though today we begin A Message from the Sea, there may be more who wish to comment in a while.

[Sara]

A thanks from me as well, Judy. I enjoyed the story and the discussion and appreciate so much the illustrations you provided.

[Judy]

Thank you, Jean and Sara, that's very kind.

[Judy]

Omar, good to hear you enjoyed the story and the discussion. Sorry to be slow in responding but I've been getting Goodreads notifications late!

I do agree it's fun to see Dumps being so consistently contrarian! Interesting that you warmed to him when he was being teased by Danton - I don't think I warmed to Dumps at all, but I do agree that Danton is very annoying too.

[Bridget]

Thanks from me too Judy. I loved the story and all the background information you gave us. Another wonderful read with the Dickensians!

[Sue]

A well done from me too, Judy.

[Petra]

Judy, a big thank you from me, too. This was a delightfully fun story and you added wonderful background information to enhance it.
Thank you!

[Judy]

Thank you, Sue and Petra. I must dip into Sketches by Boz more and reread some more of the stories!

[Sara]

Following this one made me want to do the same, Judy. I read Pickwick Papers so many years ago that it is time I revisited it and Sketches by Boz as well. Everything you read from Dickens makes you want to read more.

[Bionic Jean, "Dickens Duchess"]

I'm enjoying rediscovering all these short stories with everyone, and it's surprising that several have chosen an early sketch, rather than a standalone, to read.

If you do read a few more Judy and Sara, please do bear in mind any you might find fun to lead, some time :)

[Sue]

Sara, I feel the same urge to read Pickwick again. Haven’t read it since college so it’s definitely time.