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Andrea Madrigal's avatar

In fiction, I would recommend Jane Austen's work, as well as Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield" and "A Tale of Two Cities." So far, I have only read through those two of his novels, having started to delve into his work recently, but he is *good*.

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David's avatar

If you like CHARLES DICKENS, you might like to read Peter Ackroyd's, Dickens - the history of the man. I have read a number of Peter Ackroyd's books, always informative and easy to read and many of his subject revolve around England and its history.

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Andrea Madrigal's avatar

Thank you for the recommendation!

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David's avatar

I am glad to be of assistance. Have you read Dicken's - Great Expectations. ? Another one of his classic novels about human nature and moral dilemmas.

This is a link to a Free Version of Dickens.

Dickens by Ackroyd, Peter, 1949- https://archive.org/details/dickens0000ackr/page/n5/mode/2up

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Andrea Madrigal's avatar

I just picked up a copy of "Great Expectations" from the library today. I have been on a Dickens binge lately and am looking forward to this other novel of his. Thank you for the link to the book!

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David's avatar

You may not know why his books are rather extended. This is because he originally wrote weekly episodes which were eventually collected and made into books.

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Andrea Madrigal's avatar

I had read about that from the notes in the books. I think it's interesting how stories were released like that back in the day. It must have been quite exciting for the readers. I almost wish we still had that today -- but then if we did, most of it wouldn't be worth reading, anyway, considering the state modern literature is in.

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Kaleb Hammond's avatar

May I ask if you've read "A Christmas Carol?" That's my favorite story of his and I think one of the best ever written.

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Andrea Madrigal's avatar

I started reading it last year, but didn't finish it for some reason -- I really can't remember why. (I had never read any Dickens before, so maybe I wasn't used to him?) I'll have to take it out of the library again. This time I'll make sure to get to the end!

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Kaleb Hammond's avatar

The recent movie, "The Man Who Invented Christmas," is also an excellent accompaniment/backstory to "A Christmas Carol," about how Dickens wrote it and what inspired him.

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Andrea Madrigal's avatar

I had never heard of that film. Thank you for the recommendation!

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