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Dear Mr. Dickens
2021 National Jewish Book Award Winner - Children's Picture Book2022 Sydney Taylor Book Award Honor for Picture BooksChicago Public Library Best Informational Books for Younger Readers 2021The Best Jewish Children's Books of 2021, Tablet MagazineA Junior Library Guild Selection March 2022The Best Children's Books of the Year 2022, Bank Street College2022 First Place—Children's Book Nonfiction, Press Women of Texas2022 First Place—Children's Book Nonfiction, National Federation of Press Women
Eliza Davis believed in speaking up for what was right. Even if it meant telling Charles Dickens he was wrong.In Eliza Davis's day, Charles Dickens was the most celebrated living writer in England. But some of his books reflected a prejudice that was all too common at the prejudice against Jewish people. Eliza was Jewish, and her heart hurt to see a Jewish character in Oliver Twist portrayed as ugly and selfish. She wanted to speak out about how unfair that was, even if it meant speaking out against the great man himself. So she wrote a letter to Charles Dickens. What happened next is history.
Eliza Davis believed in speaking up for what was right. Even if it meant telling Charles Dickens he was wrong.In Eliza Davis's day, Charles Dickens was the most celebrated living writer in England. But some of his books reflected a prejudice that was all too common at the prejudice against Jewish people. Eliza was Jewish, and her heart hurt to see a Jewish character in Oliver Twist portrayed as ugly and selfish. She wanted to speak out about how unfair that was, even if it meant speaking out against the great man himself. So she wrote a letter to Charles Dickens. What happened next is history.
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First published October 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
July 12, 2022
I love biographies of "ordinary" people who do something special that has long been overlooked. Meet Eliza Davis, who helped open Charles Dickens' eyes to use his literary influence in a way that didn't malign the Jewish people.
Charles Dickens was "a hero in Eliza’s eyes is that he used the power of his pen to help others. When he wrote about children forced to labor in workhouses, people demanded change. When his readers were moved to tears by tales of families struggling in desperate, dirty conditions, they gave what they could to charity. As did Eliza."
England was a difficult place for Jewish people in the 1860s. Many jobs were closed to them, they did not have the right to vote or attend university.
Eliza loved Dickens' works, except that she never saw a Jewish person in a favorable light within its pages. In fact, one of his vilest villains, Fagin, was so often referred to as "the Jew" reiterating the negative associations. “If people thought all Jews were like Fagin, would Jewish people ever be treated fairly?”
"Eliza wasn’t famous or powerful. But she had the same three things that Charles Dickens had: a pen, paper, and something to say. She sat down and wrote a letter."
Dickens replied and said he also had antagonists who were non-Jewish, but Eliza felt compelled to point out he didn’t have any good Jews in his books. She wrote to convince him further.
One day, Dickens replied to Eliza, “I have received your letter with great pleasure, and hope to be (as I have always been in my heart) the best of friends with the Jewish people.”
When Mr. Dickens published a new book, Our Mutual Friend, Eliza was relieved and elated to see that it contained a wonderful Jewish character, Mr Riah, and a character in the book even says that she believes there cannot be a kinder people than the Jews. Also, Dickens changed “The Jew” to “Fagin” in future editions of Oliver Twist.
This is an enjoyable, engaging and touching book, suitable even for the younger picture book crowd, with pleasant illustrations that are accessible but feel authentic to the era. It's never too heavy, but acknowledges important subjects, not the least of which is that we all have a voice which we can use for the good.
Back matter contains: Source Notes and Acknowledgements from scholars. Extensive Author’s note. Photograph of Mrs. Eliza Davis.
Charles Dickens was "a hero in Eliza’s eyes is that he used the power of his pen to help others. When he wrote about children forced to labor in workhouses, people demanded change. When his readers were moved to tears by tales of families struggling in desperate, dirty conditions, they gave what they could to charity. As did Eliza."
England was a difficult place for Jewish people in the 1860s. Many jobs were closed to them, they did not have the right to vote or attend university.
Eliza loved Dickens' works, except that she never saw a Jewish person in a favorable light within its pages. In fact, one of his vilest villains, Fagin, was so often referred to as "the Jew" reiterating the negative associations. “If people thought all Jews were like Fagin, would Jewish people ever be treated fairly?”
"Eliza wasn’t famous or powerful. But she had the same three things that Charles Dickens had: a pen, paper, and something to say. She sat down and wrote a letter."
Dickens replied and said he also had antagonists who were non-Jewish, but Eliza felt compelled to point out he didn’t have any good Jews in his books. She wrote to convince him further.
One day, Dickens replied to Eliza, “I have received your letter with great pleasure, and hope to be (as I have always been in my heart) the best of friends with the Jewish people.”
When Mr. Dickens published a new book, Our Mutual Friend, Eliza was relieved and elated to see that it contained a wonderful Jewish character, Mr Riah, and a character in the book even says that she believes there cannot be a kinder people than the Jews. Also, Dickens changed “The Jew” to “Fagin” in future editions of Oliver Twist.
This is an enjoyable, engaging and touching book, suitable even for the younger picture book crowd, with pleasant illustrations that are accessible but feel authentic to the era. It's never too heavy, but acknowledges important subjects, not the least of which is that we all have a voice which we can use for the good.
Back matter contains: Source Notes and Acknowledgements from scholars. Extensive Author’s note. Photograph of Mrs. Eliza Davis.
March 15, 2022
Dear Mr. Dickens is a very special non-fiction picture book. Rarely do I see a confluence of illustration, writing, and history that shows so much respect to all concerned and truly invites the reader into a memorable story. Bethany Stancliffe's illustrations are something to write home about, and Churnin didn't skimp on quoting the letters, including words like "vile" and "atone" that may have to be explained to younger readers, but are worth the explanation.
Dear Mr. Dickens, an honor recipient of the Sydney Taylor Book Award in the picture book category, tells the true story of Eliza Davis, who corresponded with Charles Dickens regarding his portrayal of Jewish people in the character Fagin. Early copies of Oliver Twist referred to the man as "the Jew" repeatedly, and Dickens was at first defensive of this, telling Eliza that she was not "'sensible,' 'just,' or 'good-tempered.'"* Eliza responded by reminding Dickens of Sir Walter Scott's noble Jewish characters in Ivanhoe, of contemporary Jewish people whose entire identity was discrete from Fagin, and that future readers would judge him for his portrayal of the dastardly character as a representative of everyone Jewish. In subsequent editions, "the Jew" was replaced with "Fagin," and Mr. Riah in Our Mutual Friend, after which Eliza and Dickens reconnected on amiable terms.
As much as I love this bit of history, I love Churnin's message in Dear Mr. Dickens. She summarizes Dickens's final letter to Eliza: "He was glad she'd spoken up to make things right, he told her. [Eliza] was glad she'd spoken up too." I've often heard other readers dismiss my complaints about racism in vintage literature by saying "it wasn't seen as bad in their day" and "we shouldn't judge older books by modern standards." (Because antiracism is a "modern standard," evidently!) As Churnin effectively shows, such ideas are untrue. They fail to consider those who were being wronged by harmful portrayals in their contemporary cultures. Did no Asian viewers watch Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961? In 1929, did no Black eyes in see one of Theodore Geisel's awful cartoons? In the 1930s, did no Jewish people read Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers? Let us not forget these real people, indulging the irresponsible desire of enjoying media without analysis.
Eliza Davis was a contemporary reader of Dickens, and she was Jewish, and Dickens's portrayal of the Jewish Fagin "hurt like a hammer on Eliza's heart." Having a record of her gracious resistance is an immense blessing. She kept reading Dickens's books, sought reconciliation with him, and gave him a Hebrew-English Bible because he had shown "'the noblest quality a man can possess,' the ability to atone, or make amends for a wrong.'" Not everyone gets the atonement and closure she experienced, but Dickens's example, as well as Eliza's, is important to us.
My humblest apologies for turning this review into a sermon. As you can tell, this topic is very close to my heart, WASPy as it is. Dear Mr. Dickens very sweet and the illustrations really are lovely. I hope to add a copy to my library someday. I would especially recommend Dear Mr. Dickens to any young reader who has been troubled by something in a book (especially one by a living author). In this book, Eliza is an adult, but her actions can inspire young readers today to contact their favorite authors, whether with positive or negative impressions. I would also recommend it to children who are struggling to atone for small wrongs they have done. Building the habit of making amends early on grows good humans.
*Page numbers are not included.
Dear Mr. Dickens, an honor recipient of the Sydney Taylor Book Award in the picture book category, tells the true story of Eliza Davis, who corresponded with Charles Dickens regarding his portrayal of Jewish people in the character Fagin. Early copies of Oliver Twist referred to the man as "the Jew" repeatedly, and Dickens was at first defensive of this, telling Eliza that she was not "'sensible,' 'just,' or 'good-tempered.'"* Eliza responded by reminding Dickens of Sir Walter Scott's noble Jewish characters in Ivanhoe, of contemporary Jewish people whose entire identity was discrete from Fagin, and that future readers would judge him for his portrayal of the dastardly character as a representative of everyone Jewish. In subsequent editions, "the Jew" was replaced with "Fagin," and Mr. Riah in Our Mutual Friend, after which Eliza and Dickens reconnected on amiable terms.
As much as I love this bit of history, I love Churnin's message in Dear Mr. Dickens. She summarizes Dickens's final letter to Eliza: "He was glad she'd spoken up to make things right, he told her. [Eliza] was glad she'd spoken up too." I've often heard other readers dismiss my complaints about racism in vintage literature by saying "it wasn't seen as bad in their day" and "we shouldn't judge older books by modern standards." (Because antiracism is a "modern standard," evidently!) As Churnin effectively shows, such ideas are untrue. They fail to consider those who were being wronged by harmful portrayals in their contemporary cultures. Did no Asian viewers watch Breakfast at Tiffany's in 1961? In 1929, did no Black eyes in see one of Theodore Geisel's awful cartoons? In the 1930s, did no Jewish people read Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers? Let us not forget these real people, indulging the irresponsible desire of enjoying media without analysis.
Eliza Davis was a contemporary reader of Dickens, and she was Jewish, and Dickens's portrayal of the Jewish Fagin "hurt like a hammer on Eliza's heart." Having a record of her gracious resistance is an immense blessing. She kept reading Dickens's books, sought reconciliation with him, and gave him a Hebrew-English Bible because he had shown "'the noblest quality a man can possess,' the ability to atone, or make amends for a wrong.'" Not everyone gets the atonement and closure she experienced, but Dickens's example, as well as Eliza's, is important to us.
My humblest apologies for turning this review into a sermon. As you can tell, this topic is very close to my heart, WASPy as it is. Dear Mr. Dickens very sweet and the illustrations really are lovely. I hope to add a copy to my library someday. I would especially recommend Dear Mr. Dickens to any young reader who has been troubled by something in a book (especially one by a living author). In this book, Eliza is an adult, but her actions can inspire young readers today to contact their favorite authors, whether with positive or negative impressions. I would also recommend it to children who are struggling to atone for small wrongs they have done. Building the habit of making amends early on grows good humans.
*Page numbers are not included.
December 6, 2021
I sincerely love picture books that give you little bits of fascinating history and introduce you to people you never knew about.
Eliza Davis is an avid fan of Charles Dickens and his books. She also belongs to the Jewish faith, so she is saddened when she reads about a Jewish criminal who is always referred to as “The Jew” in Charles Dickens’ book Oliver Twist. She gathers up her courage and writes a letter to the famous Dickens, imploring him to reconsider how he portrays Jews in his writing. At first, Dickens seems unmoved, but Eliza is undaunted. She writes a second letter to Dickens, telling him that his books do not present Jewish people “as they really are.” And when he writes his next novel, Dickens (just like his beloved character Scrooge) changes.
I loved this book. I think it illustrates Dickens’ goodness and the dauntless spirit of Eliza very well. I think it also makes a great point that speaking out does not need to be loud, brash, or forceful. Eliza was not rude or demanding when she wrote to Dickens. Instead, she told him what she thought in a respectful way. I think this is a lesson many of us could learn today while we advocate for change.
Eliza Davis is an avid fan of Charles Dickens and his books. She also belongs to the Jewish faith, so she is saddened when she reads about a Jewish criminal who is always referred to as “The Jew” in Charles Dickens’ book Oliver Twist. She gathers up her courage and writes a letter to the famous Dickens, imploring him to reconsider how he portrays Jews in his writing. At first, Dickens seems unmoved, but Eliza is undaunted. She writes a second letter to Dickens, telling him that his books do not present Jewish people “as they really are.” And when he writes his next novel, Dickens (just like his beloved character Scrooge) changes.
I loved this book. I think it illustrates Dickens’ goodness and the dauntless spirit of Eliza very well. I think it also makes a great point that speaking out does not need to be loud, brash, or forceful. Eliza was not rude or demanding when she wrote to Dickens. Instead, she told him what she thought in a respectful way. I think this is a lesson many of us could learn today while we advocate for change.
October 26, 2021
This is a great picture book about Eliza Davis, who fought back against the hurtful representation of Jewish people in Charles Dickens' books through letters to Dickens himself, causing change in the reprinting of Oliver Twist as well as the creation of a Jewish character (good representation) in Our Mutual Friend.
November 12, 2021
Beautifully illustrated, and does a good job of telling the story of Eliza and how her letters led Dickens to make changes to how he wrote Oliver Twist when it was reprinted. Don't forget to read the history notes in the back.
December 29, 2022
Simple yet informative. I liked learning about a person that I hadn't previously known anything about. Illustration is beautiful.
September 30, 2021
I want to be Eliza when I grow up. What a beautifully told story about Eliza Davis and her speaking up and speaking out via letters to Charles Dickens about his representation of Jewish people in his novels. So many lessons to be learned, namely to wisely use the power of your words and say something.
August 12, 2021
Even without the full effect (as happy as I was to be granted access to a digital ARC, that really isn't the best format for experiencing the pleasures of reading a picture book), I loved this book. I am lucky enough to be in a critique group with the author, so I'm already well-acquainted with her narrative gifts. But this is story is not merely terrifically told—it is truly so timely and conveys such important messages about speaking up and speaking out. I hope that it reaches a wide, wide audience.
August 30, 2022
Dear Mr. Dickens teaches children the power of the word and standing up for what they believe. We loved the illustrations and learning about this unknown heroine.
April 23, 2022
First sentence: Think of someone famous you admire. What would you do if that person said or wrote something unfair? Would you speak up? Would you risk getting that person angry? Eliza Davis did.
Premise/plot: Dear Mr. Dickens is a nonfiction picture book for older readers telling the (little known) story of Eliza Davis' letters to Charles Dickens. She was upset (and rightly so) at the depiction of Jews in Dickens' fiction. Particularly in his novel, Oliver Twist, in his depiction of Fagin. While (all) the "bad guys" in Dickens fiction weren't always Jewish, there weren't any good representation of Jews in his novels. She did hear from Mr. Dickens in reply to her letter(s), and thus began a correspondence of sorts that lasted several years. Eliza Davis was VERY pleased when Mr. Riah in Dickens' novel Our Mutual Friend.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I do think it is probably more of a picture book for older readers. I'm not sure that younger readers would have a context for understanding and appreciating this one. On the one hand, yes, it's a tale of 'social justice' if you will. Someone speaking up for what is right and fair; someone who is trying to make a difference--even if it is just persuading one person. But on the other hand, an understanding of Victorian society, of Victorian literature, of Dickens' place within both, a familiarity with Oliver Twist would be of great benefit for appreciating this one. I'm not sure this is the best introduction to Charles Dickens. The details that make this one of great interest to older readers might get lost for younger readers. Perhaps.
Personally, I'm a big believer that you never outgrow picture books.
To clarify, when I say older readers, I'm not saying high school. I mean this one isn't necessarily for preschoolers and pre-K.
Premise/plot: Dear Mr. Dickens is a nonfiction picture book for older readers telling the (little known) story of Eliza Davis' letters to Charles Dickens. She was upset (and rightly so) at the depiction of Jews in Dickens' fiction. Particularly in his novel, Oliver Twist, in his depiction of Fagin. While (all) the "bad guys" in Dickens fiction weren't always Jewish, there weren't any good representation of Jews in his novels. She did hear from Mr. Dickens in reply to her letter(s), and thus began a correspondence of sorts that lasted several years. Eliza Davis was VERY pleased when Mr. Riah in Dickens' novel Our Mutual Friend.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I do think it is probably more of a picture book for older readers. I'm not sure that younger readers would have a context for understanding and appreciating this one. On the one hand, yes, it's a tale of 'social justice' if you will. Someone speaking up for what is right and fair; someone who is trying to make a difference--even if it is just persuading one person. But on the other hand, an understanding of Victorian society, of Victorian literature, of Dickens' place within both, a familiarity with Oliver Twist would be of great benefit for appreciating this one. I'm not sure this is the best introduction to Charles Dickens. The details that make this one of great interest to older readers might get lost for younger readers. Perhaps.
Personally, I'm a big believer that you never outgrow picture books.
To clarify, when I say older readers, I'm not saying high school. I mean this one isn't necessarily for preschoolers and pre-K.
February 4, 2022
Eliza Davis loved, as so many did, reading Charles Dickens' stories. Charles Dickens was at the height of his career and one of the most celebrated names in literature during his lifetime.
Mrs. Davis has a problem though. Dickens' newest book, Oliver Twist, has upset her. He repeatedly remarks the character of Fagin in the derogatory word of Jew. Davis herself is Jewish. Davis feels that this paints a negative connotation on Jewish people everywhere. This isn't the first time that Jewish people have been depicted negatively in literature. What can Davis do or say to address the famous Charles Dickens?
She writes a letter to Mr. Dickens and addresses her concerns. What will happen? Read and find out.
WOW! Go Eliza Davis!
I had no idea this TRUE story existed. I am so glad that the letters (yes, plural) of correspondence between Davis and Dickens exist and author Nancy Churnin found them and additionally offers a glimpse into the imperfect man that was Charles Dickens, English and world views on Jewish immigrants and refugees at the time, and on feminist activism through Davis. I also appreciate the "animated feature cartoon realism" look by illustrator Bethany Stancliffe.
This TRUE story is so cool that this should honestly be a (soon in the future) Oscar-winning Best Picture. Give Eliza Davis her voice and I hope that History uncovers many more stories like Eliza Davis and her letter to Charles Dickens.
Mrs. Davis has a problem though. Dickens' newest book, Oliver Twist, has upset her. He repeatedly remarks the character of Fagin in the derogatory word of Jew. Davis herself is Jewish. Davis feels that this paints a negative connotation on Jewish people everywhere. This isn't the first time that Jewish people have been depicted negatively in literature. What can Davis do or say to address the famous Charles Dickens?
She writes a letter to Mr. Dickens and addresses her concerns. What will happen? Read and find out.
WOW! Go Eliza Davis!
I had no idea this TRUE story existed. I am so glad that the letters (yes, plural) of correspondence between Davis and Dickens exist and author Nancy Churnin found them and additionally offers a glimpse into the imperfect man that was Charles Dickens, English and world views on Jewish immigrants and refugees at the time, and on feminist activism through Davis. I also appreciate the "animated feature cartoon realism" look by illustrator Bethany Stancliffe.
This TRUE story is so cool that this should honestly be a (soon in the future) Oscar-winning Best Picture. Give Eliza Davis her voice and I hope that History uncovers many more stories like Eliza Davis and her letter to Charles Dickens.
April 21, 2022
I love it when a children's book teaches me something I didn't know about a famous person, in this case Charles Dickens. Eliza Davis is a Jewish woman living in England during Dickens' time. Upset by the negative portrayal of a Jewish man, Fagin, in Oliver Twist, she writes to Dickens to try to convince him to have a better view of the Jewish people. In the end, he writes more favorable Jewish characters in subsequent novels and even has his publisher replace the word 'Jew' with 'Fagin' in newer printings of the book. This is a wonderful example of how literature can help teach children how to stand up for what is right, no matter how difficult that may be.
November 1, 2021
While most children won't recognize the name of Charles Dickens, that doesn't mean they can't appreciate the courage of Eliza Davis in writing to someone who was a celebrity in her time with her concerns about his writing. After reading a number of his books and discovering that the Jews in his books were generally portrayed as criminals. As Jews in Mrs. Davis's day were treated poorly already, she was concerned that Dicken's portrayals would encourage the already existing prejudice against her people. She expressed these concerns to the famous author in several letters. At first Dickens dismissed her concerns, but eventually her determination impressed him enough to make changes to his writing. This story presents young readers/listeners with the example of an ordinary person who did something extraordinary and changed her corner of the world. The illustrations are attractive and eye-catching very much add to the appeal of the book.
June 11, 2022
Tells how a Jewish woman wrote Dickens calling him to task for his making Fagin a Jew and then constantly referring to him as "the Jew." When Dickens response was not what she wanted, she wrote again talking about great Jewish characters in Dickens favorite book from childhood, how the only Jewish characters he had written about were criminals. Then suggested future generations would judge him by how he judged others including Jews. The result was a generous and loyal Mr. Riah in Dicken's next book. Future reprintings of Oliver Twist took out "the Jew" references and wrote an essays against prejudices including one addressing the wrongs by Christian communities against the Jewish people.
December 8, 2021
5 stars for the subject matter. I hadn't ever heard this story before..The notes at the back make me suspect that Eliza was a bit older than the illustrations suggest, but I understand that, based on the audience, it's more impactful if Eliza is younger. And the illustrations are lovely. And I love the point that she makes: there are ways to change things, ways to help people see the way you see, while still respecting their talents and value as a person.
December 19, 2021
Love the illustrations and the story
March 14, 2022
What a fantastic story!
May 3, 2022
Wonderful picture book about trusting yourself and speaking up for yourself and the others around you.
January 16, 2024
Such an interesting story!
August 31, 2022
I wish this book was published when I was teaching Dickens. Eliza Davis has a correspondence with Charles Dickens about his portrayal of Fagin as "the Jew," and explained how hurtful it was to Jews like her. They wrote back and forth, and like Scrooge, Dickens found a way to redeem his portrayals.
What courage that took!
What courage that took!
February 10, 2022
What a delightful book! The story of Eliza Davis who didn't like the way that Dickens portrayed Jewish people in Oliver Twist and the letters she wrote to him to let him know and to encourage him to do better.
November 23, 2021
Readable and relatable, little known story about the correspondence between Dickens and a young Jewish mother about Charles Dickens' treatment of jews in his work. I love discovering these unknown aspects of history. Delightful.
October 8, 2021
Charles Dickens was known for bringing attention to society's problems through his writing. But when Eliza read the negative portrayal of the Jewish character, and by extension all Jews, in Oliver Twist, she knew she had to do something. This book will show children that one person speaking up can make a difference
August 4, 2021
Dear Mr Dicken’s written by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Bethany Stancliffe
Is an incredibly powerful picture book about speaking up for ones beliefs and doing what is right no matter what the outcome.
This important life lesson is told through the inspirational tale of the actions of a young Victorian Jewish woman living in London. At a time when Charles Dickens was the most celebrated writer in England, and following the success of his book Oliver, Eliza Davis, found herself troubled by the anti-Semitic tones, particularly shown through the character of Fagin. Wishing to stand up for her people and ensure the view of the world changed towards Jewish people, she took it upon herself write to the esteemed author and share her views and ask that he correct his work.
Without giving away the ending, what takes place is both heartening and enthralling and an absolute testament to the power of the pen!
Despite having studied Dickens at university and being a huge fan of his work, this fascinating piece of history was not known to me. Not only did I find the book captivating but also uplifting.
This story is unique and beautifully written. For the storyline alone, it is worth reading. In addition to the accomplished writing, the illustrations are striking. They are bold, colourful and the burgundy palette put you right in the Victorian era. Through the details of the settings and costumes the story was easy to place in history. Eliza’s expressive and determined face is hard to resist too - I instantly wanted to become friends with her as well as Dickens!
Is an incredibly powerful picture book about speaking up for ones beliefs and doing what is right no matter what the outcome.
This important life lesson is told through the inspirational tale of the actions of a young Victorian Jewish woman living in London. At a time when Charles Dickens was the most celebrated writer in England, and following the success of his book Oliver, Eliza Davis, found herself troubled by the anti-Semitic tones, particularly shown through the character of Fagin. Wishing to stand up for her people and ensure the view of the world changed towards Jewish people, she took it upon herself write to the esteemed author and share her views and ask that he correct his work.
Without giving away the ending, what takes place is both heartening and enthralling and an absolute testament to the power of the pen!
Despite having studied Dickens at university and being a huge fan of his work, this fascinating piece of history was not known to me. Not only did I find the book captivating but also uplifting.
This story is unique and beautifully written. For the storyline alone, it is worth reading. In addition to the accomplished writing, the illustrations are striking. They are bold, colourful and the burgundy palette put you right in the Victorian era. Through the details of the settings and costumes the story was easy to place in history. Eliza’s expressive and determined face is hard to resist too - I instantly wanted to become friends with her as well as Dickens!
July 15, 2023
Found this book at the Charles Dickens Museum whilst there with Nicole. Really loved the art style of the illustrations and found this to be a very quick read. I enjoy anything that highlights women in history that don't necessarily get the exposure they deserve, and Eliza Davis fits that! I enjoyed learning about her story and how she was able to get Charles Dickens to right the mistakes he had made in his writing. With antisemitism on the rise, this book is an even more important read. This book is aimed at younger audiences, but older readers (such as myself) will find it to be a worthwhile read as well, and a story that has been crafted with reverence and a great attention to detail.
May 11, 2022
Wow! I didn’t know anything about Eliza Davis’ influence on Dickens’ portrayal of Jewish characters. I appreciate her gracious perseverance and Dickens eventual changed perspective. I plan on having my kids read this after Oliver Twist. Also adding Our Mutual Friend to my TBR pile.
Similar in theme to Thank You, Sarah (Josepha Hale).
Similar in theme to Thank You, Sarah (Josepha Hale).
January 30, 2022
Loved this! A story that I didn’t know about, how a woman wrote to Charles Dickens about how his depiction of Jewish people was problematic, and an ordinary woman who spoke up made a change.
November 1, 2023
DEAR MR. DICKENS is a picture book about having the courage to confront someone who is wrong. It's not so much a biography as it is the story of an important interaction involving one of England's most famous novelists with the woman who called him out on his wrongdoing.
Though Charles Dickens' name is in the title, the protagonist of the story is Eliza Davis, a Jewish woman who lived during the Victorian period. The book relates the story of how Eliza wrote to Charles Dickens multiple times to discuss the anti-Semitisim of OLIVER TWIST. Initially, Dickens denied that there there was anything anti-Semitic about his depiction of Fagin. But Ms. Davis kept writing, and he eventually listened. Ultimately, her letters had two effects: Dickens made revisions to the text of OLIVER TWIST to try to reduce the anti-Semitism, and he created a Jewish character in his final novel who was kind and generous, in an attempt to balance his earlier depictions of Jewish criminals.
There isn't a perfect happy ending to this story. If you've read OLIVER TWIST, you may have noticed that even the revised version is still quite problematic in its depiction of Jewish characters. (And some of Dickens' other works continue to diplay racism and misogyny.) Still, Dickens may deserve some credit for his willingness to listen, to admit that he had been wrong, and to atone for his wrongdoing by making changes in his writing. That is more than many people would do! It's more than many writers do even today when they are called out on harmful representation.
But the real credit should go to Eliza Davis, who was brave enough to rebuke one of the major literary celebrities of her day, and who persisted despite his initial rebuttal. My only regret about this book is that I wish it had more biographical information about Eliza in the backmatter. There are too few biographies of religious or ethnic minorities in Victorian England, and this picture book can help fill that hole. Fortunately, the book does refer readers to sources where they can learn more about Eliza and her family!
Speaking as both a Victorian Studies professor and a lover of children's literature, I think this is an excellent picture book. The issue of how to deal with problematic literature is not going to go away. Introducing that challenge to young readers may help prepare them for doing their own critical readings of media, pop culture, and literature. Eliza's example of patiently confronting harmful depictions may be useful in our own time, as may Dickens' example of willness to reflect, change, and make amends.
Though Charles Dickens' name is in the title, the protagonist of the story is Eliza Davis, a Jewish woman who lived during the Victorian period. The book relates the story of how Eliza wrote to Charles Dickens multiple times to discuss the anti-Semitisim of OLIVER TWIST. Initially, Dickens denied that there there was anything anti-Semitic about his depiction of Fagin. But Ms. Davis kept writing, and he eventually listened. Ultimately, her letters had two effects: Dickens made revisions to the text of OLIVER TWIST to try to reduce the anti-Semitism, and he created a Jewish character in his final novel who was kind and generous, in an attempt to balance his earlier depictions of Jewish criminals.
There isn't a perfect happy ending to this story. If you've read OLIVER TWIST, you may have noticed that even the revised version is still quite problematic in its depiction of Jewish characters. (And some of Dickens' other works continue to diplay racism and misogyny.) Still, Dickens may deserve some credit for his willingness to listen, to admit that he had been wrong, and to atone for his wrongdoing by making changes in his writing. That is more than many people would do! It's more than many writers do even today when they are called out on harmful representation.
But the real credit should go to Eliza Davis, who was brave enough to rebuke one of the major literary celebrities of her day, and who persisted despite his initial rebuttal. My only regret about this book is that I wish it had more biographical information about Eliza in the backmatter. There are too few biographies of religious or ethnic minorities in Victorian England, and this picture book can help fill that hole. Fortunately, the book does refer readers to sources where they can learn more about Eliza and her family!
Speaking as both a Victorian Studies professor and a lover of children's literature, I think this is an excellent picture book. The issue of how to deal with problematic literature is not going to go away. Introducing that challenge to young readers may help prepare them for doing their own critical readings of media, pop culture, and literature. Eliza's example of patiently confronting harmful depictions may be useful in our own time, as may Dickens' example of willness to reflect, change, and make amends.
November 30, 2021
The year was 1863 when Eliza Davis decided to write to Charles Dickens. She was a Jewish reader, who like many of her fellow Englishmen, paid two pence for his weekly magazine, All the Year Round.
Eliza admired Mr. Dickens stories because they were filled with compassion.
.... he used the power of his pen to help others. When he wrote about children forced to labor in workhouses, people demanded change. When his readers were moved to tears by tales of families struggling in desperate, dirty conditions, they gave what they could to charities. As did Eliza.
Eliza loved his stories until she read Oliver Twist and read about Fagin, the "old shriveled Jew," who taught Oliver to steal. Each time Eliza read Dickens' reference to the Jew, "the word heart hurt like a hammer" on her heart.
Eliza feared her letter would make things worse. In spite of her fears, she wrote that his portrayal encouraged a "vial prejudice" and that he needed to "atone for a great wrong."
What would the great Mr. Dickens think?
He was not pleased and let Eliza know it! He wrote, "Any Jewish people who thought him unfair or unkind--and that included Eliza!--were not "sensible" or "just."
Eliza wrote back to him. In her second letter she wrote about his past, present, and future.
Months passed and Eliza didn't receive a response. Was Mr. Dickens angry?
Finally, chapters of his new novel, Our Mutual Friend, began to appear at newsstands. Eliza "thumbed through the pages, shaking when she realized he had indeed created another Jewish character. Had her fears come true?"
In fact, it was the opposite. Mr. Dickens created a Jewish character and named him Mr. Riah, after the Hebrew word, re'a which meant generous and loyal.
Eliza read the part where Lizzie Hexam, a young woman Mr. Riah helps, says of the Jews:
"I think there cannot be kinder people in the world."
Eliza's eyes filled with tears.
She sat down at her writing table and thanked Mr. Dickens for his great compliment to her and her people.
Eliza's letters had a profound impact on Charles Dickens. He published essays protesting prejudice and during Oliver Twist's reprinting he told his printer to substitute "Fagin" where he had written "the Jew"
In their last correspondence, Eliza sent him an English-Hebrew Bible and praised him for making amends. Dickens wrote back that he was glad she'd spoken up to make things right.
"Eliza was glad she'd spoken up too."
The Author's Note includes extensive background about the history of anti-semitism in England as well as more information about Dickens and Eliza.
Eliza admired Mr. Dickens stories because they were filled with compassion.
.... he used the power of his pen to help others. When he wrote about children forced to labor in workhouses, people demanded change. When his readers were moved to tears by tales of families struggling in desperate, dirty conditions, they gave what they could to charities. As did Eliza.
Eliza loved his stories until she read Oliver Twist and read about Fagin, the "old shriveled Jew," who taught Oliver to steal. Each time Eliza read Dickens' reference to the Jew, "the word heart hurt like a hammer" on her heart.
Eliza feared her letter would make things worse. In spite of her fears, she wrote that his portrayal encouraged a "vial prejudice" and that he needed to "atone for a great wrong."
What would the great Mr. Dickens think?
He was not pleased and let Eliza know it! He wrote, "Any Jewish people who thought him unfair or unkind--and that included Eliza!--were not "sensible" or "just."
Eliza wrote back to him. In her second letter she wrote about his past, present, and future.
Months passed and Eliza didn't receive a response. Was Mr. Dickens angry?
Finally, chapters of his new novel, Our Mutual Friend, began to appear at newsstands. Eliza "thumbed through the pages, shaking when she realized he had indeed created another Jewish character. Had her fears come true?"
In fact, it was the opposite. Mr. Dickens created a Jewish character and named him Mr. Riah, after the Hebrew word, re'a which meant generous and loyal.
Eliza read the part where Lizzie Hexam, a young woman Mr. Riah helps, says of the Jews:
"I think there cannot be kinder people in the world."
Eliza's eyes filled with tears.
She sat down at her writing table and thanked Mr. Dickens for his great compliment to her and her people.
Eliza's letters had a profound impact on Charles Dickens. He published essays protesting prejudice and during Oliver Twist's reprinting he told his printer to substitute "Fagin" where he had written "the Jew"
In their last correspondence, Eliza sent him an English-Hebrew Bible and praised him for making amends. Dickens wrote back that he was glad she'd spoken up to make things right.
"Eliza was glad she'd spoken up too."
The Author's Note includes extensive background about the history of anti-semitism in England as well as more information about Dickens and Eliza.
October 8, 2021
I love, love, loved this true story! I love learning about little unknown facts about important people in history. It was so interesting to discover that the famous author Charles Dickens was as human as you and me, capable of making a mistake and rectifying a wrong.
In DEAR MR. DICKENS we learn about a clever, caring Jewish woman Eliza Davis who upon reading Mr. Dickens book OLIVER TWIST, calls him out for his portrayal of the character Fagin as a Jewish criminal: dishonest, selfish, and cruel. Eliza knows the prejudices of the current times toward Jewish people (not being treated fairly and equitably) and is worried that the Jewish character Fagin from Mr. Dickens book will lead to even more prejudice toward Jews in the world. Not all Jewish people are criminals she writes Mr. Dickens and asks him to consider to “atone for a great wrong.” Eliza speaks up for what she believes is wrong. At first, Mr. Dickens doesn’t agree with Eliza when he writes her back. But over time and with Eliza Davis’ continued persistent correspondence, Mr. Dickens does acknowledge the power his pen has in the world in shaping biases. In his next novel OUR MUTUAL FRIEND, Dickens creates the character Mr. Riah and portrays this Jewish person as loyal, generous, and kind.
I love that children are going to uncover this story and learn about Eliza Davis’ passion and perseverance to stand up and speak up when you know something happening is wrong. That you, like Eliza Davis, do have the power to make things right when you use your voice. In a world where children often see and hear stories of people turning a blind eye to injustice, we have a story to celebrate the complete opposite of that in DEAR MR. DICKENS and how we all have the power to change and do better.
In DEAR MR. DICKENS we learn about a clever, caring Jewish woman Eliza Davis who upon reading Mr. Dickens book OLIVER TWIST, calls him out for his portrayal of the character Fagin as a Jewish criminal: dishonest, selfish, and cruel. Eliza knows the prejudices of the current times toward Jewish people (not being treated fairly and equitably) and is worried that the Jewish character Fagin from Mr. Dickens book will lead to even more prejudice toward Jews in the world. Not all Jewish people are criminals she writes Mr. Dickens and asks him to consider to “atone for a great wrong.” Eliza speaks up for what she believes is wrong. At first, Mr. Dickens doesn’t agree with Eliza when he writes her back. But over time and with Eliza Davis’ continued persistent correspondence, Mr. Dickens does acknowledge the power his pen has in the world in shaping biases. In his next novel OUR MUTUAL FRIEND, Dickens creates the character Mr. Riah and portrays this Jewish person as loyal, generous, and kind.
I love that children are going to uncover this story and learn about Eliza Davis’ passion and perseverance to stand up and speak up when you know something happening is wrong. That you, like Eliza Davis, do have the power to make things right when you use your voice. In a world where children often see and hear stories of people turning a blind eye to injustice, we have a story to celebrate the complete opposite of that in DEAR MR. DICKENS and how we all have the power to change and do better.
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