Dickensblog

Update on the BBC's 'Dickensian'

It had been a while since we heard anything about the BBC's planned TV series Dickensian. But this week, writer Tony Jordan told the Liverpool Echo that the show will air in 2015, and will consist of 20 half-hour episodes.

Another new 'Tale of Two Cities' play

This one will have its world premiere in Northampton, England, next month. It will star Oliver Dimsdale (whom you may have seen in various period TV dramas, including Downton Abbey) and Abigail McKern (who was in a TV adaptation of Nicholas Nickleby).

More on the unveiling of the Dickens statue

Portsmouth is getting ready for a big turnout on the big day!

Happy anniversary to us!

"Pause you who read this, and think for a moment of the long chain of iron or gold, of thorns or flowers, that would never have bound you, but for the formation of the first link on one memorable day."

Great Expectations, chapter 9

Today, Dickensblog turns five years old.

 

It's been a wonderful five years since the formation of that first link, not least because it's brought people into my life whom I now consider friends. Dickens has a way of bringing his fans together, and I'm so grateful that he's done that for so many of us! Thank you all for reading and contributing to this blog. You've helped to make it what it is today, and I hope we'll all be doing this for many years to come!

Thanks especially to all of you who entered our anniversary giveaway. The drawing has been held and Natalie, Selenia, and Marian are the winners of the miniature book Charles Dickens: The Complete Novels in One Sitting by Joelle Herr. I'll be sending those out shortly. Congratulations!

(Image copyright Sterling Books)

Magwitch gets a new film

When Abel Magwitch starts following you on Twitter, you'd best pay attention. I did, and I was led to this excellent short film about the character! More information on Magwitch is available here.

(Note that there's some sensuality and violence. I'd probably call it PG-13.)

 

Comforted by Copperfield

Britain's former Labour Home Secretary Alan Johnson shared on BBC Radio 3 what David Copperfield meant to him as a child. The Telegraph gives highlights of the interview.

A spiritual journey with Dickens and others

At the Huffington Post, Scott Carter recounts how he came to write his new play "The Gospel According to Thomas Jefferson, Charles Dickens and Count Leo Tolstoy: DISCORD," which opens this week in Los Angeles.

The Drood Inquiry

A new site, promising "an interactive investigation of The Mystery of Edwin Drood," will be launching in April. The Dickensian reports:

"The Drood Inquiry, led by Chief Investigator Pete Orford, will begin in April 2014 when, month by month, digital scans of the original monthly numbers will be released on the site for visitors to follow the case and comment on events as they develop, leading to the opening of the full site in September with newly-commissioned character illustrations and summaries, a full discussion and explanation of all the key questions asked and solutions offered to date, and finally the long overdue opportunity for the public themselves to vote on how they think the Inimitable's unfinished story would truly have ended."

While the site is being prepared, you can visit sister site Cloisterham Tales for a "behind the scenes" look. I've only had time to skim it, but already I've seen a comparison of John Jasper with Wolverine from X-Men, so you know this is going to be interesting!

Dickens statue to be unveiled

At long last, we have a date for the unveiling of the Portsmouth statue! It will take place on Feb. 7, Dickens's 202nd birthday. Thanks to The Buzfuz for the tip.

Dickens the life-changer

Abby Wong writes for The Star Online that Great Expectations changed her life, but adds that she hasn't read any more of Dickens "because the life-changing moment inspired by that tome could never be replicated."

Abby, if you read this, I encourage you to give Dickens another try. The moment may not be replicated . . . but you'll have so many more great moments!