Jane Smiley's biography of Charles Dickens is amazing. The subject is amazing, and her skill at writing is equally amazing.
Now, I am not a Jane Smiley fan. I've never read any of her other works although I have heard of her, and I know she is quite gifted. I just had not expected that a non-fictional treatment of Charles Dickens could be so beautifully written.
Smiley presents us with Dickens and all of his facets. He is an interesting study in and of himself. Smiley chronicles his life and works. It was interesting to learn about how his works were received at the time he wrote them, how he did write them, and how he became, quite literally, the first literary superstar.
She doesn't hide his foibles. He really isn't all that likable. Nevertheless, one can only be mesmerized by his talent, energy and creativity.
Since Smiley is a novelist herself, she often gives us insight into the creative process and notices things that I had not noticed or thought of previously.
This book is one of the Penguin Lives series. I highly recommend it. If you like Dickens, you'll love this. Even if you don't like Dickens, I think you will still find it fascinating reading.
Until next time, may your reading be pleasurable and profitable!
No comments:
Post a Comment