Charles Dickens: His Journal
This book takes the form of an imaginary journal by an 18-year-old Charles Dickens, who at a low point in his life in 1830 decides to go on a pilgrimage from London to Canterbury to find himself. The journal comprises extracts from Dickens’ novels, bridged by Torre’s own words and edited so that the extracts form a coherent story.
I have to admit that I would have preferred unadulterated Dickens extracts to the story Torre creates here, as some of the passages from different novels sit uneasily together. Still, Torre’s book makes for an enjoyable read. For Dickensians, there’s the pleasure of recognizing familiar passages and characters and seeing how Torre incorporates them into his narrative; for those new to Dickens, there’s the pleasure of being introduced to his writings. The journal also contains numerous contemporary illustrations, many from Dickens’ novels, which make it a visual treat. On the whole, I would enjoy finding this book under my Christmas tree.