Wow! What a book.

This one was on my TBR for years, but I was intimidated by its size. Well, I’ve done it. I’ve finally completed Dickens’s masterpiece (well, one of them) — the book he famously declared was his favorite. The quintessential coming of age tale, this 750-page novel explores in depth David Copperfield, who narrates in first-person, as well as the various friends and lovers and coworkers he comes to know over the years. It’s a dense, challenging journey, but one so worth taking.

Though I have read and enjoyed other Dickens novels before, this was the first time I truly couldn’t wait to get back to the story. I thought this would take me at least two weeks to finish; I finished in one. I just couldn’t put this brick down!

A masterclass in character development, this long novel is one I am sure I will revisit again and again. David, Little Emily, Peggotty, Agnes, Traddles, and all the rest: you will forever have a place in my heart.

And O there are days in this life, worth life and worth death.

Charles Dickens

June 9, 1865: Charles Dickens was in a train derailment in England, 152 years ago today. He climbed out a window and saved the manuscript of Our Mutual Friend, but didn't leave the scene until he'd brought the victims water from a nearby river, which he ferried in his top hat.

Day 23: A book I've wanted to read but haven't yet 

Soon, though.