Julie Davis’s Reviews > Little Dorrit > Status Update

Listening gives one room to ruminate on bigger themes ... at least it does for me in this book. I feel as if we'd have structured our welfare system differently if our political leaders in the 1960s had been forced to consider the lessons of Little Dorrit. Human nature hasn't changed since then.

Well, thank goodness for young John Chivery who had the nerve to say to Arthur Clenham, "Don't you know who loves you?" I love that young man and the way we can see his internal progress by the tombstone inscription he pictures for himself when he's in bed at night ... as a summary of his life's accomplishments.

I've now picked up my print copy since the audio version, though I love it, is too slow. Charles Dickens rewarded me by sending my thoughts down one road only to twist the plot suddenly in an unexpected direction (love it when he does that) ... and leave me in a poignant state of mind, reflecting upon the prisons we build for ourselves and how it needs courage to set ourselves free. What a master story teller.

I've now picked up my print copy since the audio version, though I love it, is too slow. Charles Dickens rewarded me by sending my thoughts down one road only to twist the plot suddenly in an unexpected direction (love it when he does that) ... and leave me in a poignant state of mind. What a master story teller.

Again, listening so have no idea of what page count is ... BUT in book 2, chapter 8 ... I just fell officially more in love with Mr. Meagles than ever I was before. GO! VANQUISH Mrs. Gowan! Woohoo!!!

I don't even know what page I'm on ... but I am so very upset at Mrs. General's idiocy (I get that I'm not the only one ... there's a reason all those previous employers were so anxious to send her to her next job), especially in her (mis)understanding of Fanny's and Little Dorrit's personalities. So. Very. Upset. Though I now love LD's uncle more than ever. The angst I'm feeling is just proof of Dicken's genius.

I don't even know what page I'm on because I'm listening to the audio right now ... but I am so very upset at Mrs. General's idiocy (I get that I'm not the only one ... there's a reason all those previous employers were so anxious to send her to her next job) in her understanding of Fanny's and Little Dorrit's personalities. So. Very. Upset. The amount of angst I'm feeling is just proof of Dicken's genius.

I so love Maggy. When in the middle of a fairy tale she inserts questions about her favorite place on earth (which I will not give further details about so I don't ruin it for anyone), it not only makes me love her more but also makes me laugh. Dickens, you story master you! I'm not sure how it is possible, but thus far I like this even better than Bleak House.