Ten Boys from Dickens   By: Kate Dickinson Sweetser (-1939)

Ten Boys from Dickens by Kate Dickinson Sweetser offers a delightful insight into the lives and adventures of some of Charles Dickens' most beloved characters. Through vivid storytelling, Sweetser manages to capture the essence of each individual and bring them to life within the pages of this book.

From the charming Oliver Twist to the mischievous Artful Dodger, the author takes readers on a journey through the streets of Victorian London, immersing them in the struggles and triumphs of these young boys. The book beautifully highlights the stark inequality and hardships they face, creating a heartfelt connection between the characters and the readers.

What stands out in Ten Boys from Dickens is the author's ability to depict each character's unique personality and circumstances. Whether it be the courageous David Copperfield or the compassionate Tiny Tim, Sweetser brings depth and complexity to their stories, making it easy to empathize with their joys and sorrows.

Furthermore, the book provides a valuable opportunity to revisit classic Dickensian tales in a concise and engaging way. It serves as a fantastic introduction for younger readers who have yet to delve into the works of Charles Dickens, offering a glimpse into the rich storytelling and unforgettable characters that have made him a literary legend.

The writing style employed by Sweetser is accessible and easy to follow, making it suitable for readers of all ages. Each chapter flows seamlessly, drawing readers in and transporting them into the vibrant and diverse world of Dickens' creations. The inclusion of illustrations adds an extra layer of visual engagement, further enhancing the overall reading experience.

One minor drawback of this book is that it focuses primarily on male characters, leaving little room to explore the equally compelling female characters in Dickens' works. While understandable given the title and scope of the book, it would have been enriching to see a more balanced representation of both genders.

In conclusion, Ten Boys from Dickens by Kate Dickinson Sweetser is a delightful and accessible tribute to the memorable characters of Charles Dickens' novels. Through expert storytelling and vivid description, Sweetser successfully captures the essence of these beloved figures, taking readers on an immersive journey into Victorian-era London. With its concise yet engaging chapters, this book is an excellent choice for both young readers and those seeking to rediscover the magic of Dickens' timeless tales.

First Page:

Charles Dickens was a loyal champion of all boys, and underlying his pen pictures of them was an earnest desire to remedy evils which he had found existing in London and its suburbs. Poor Jo, who was always being "moved on," David Copperfield, whose early life was a picture of Dickens' own childhood, workhouse reared Oliver, and the miserable wretches at Dotheboy Hall were no mere creations of an author's vivid imagination. They were descriptions of living boys, the victims of tyranny and oppression which Dickens felt he must in some way alleviate. And so he wrote his novels with the histories in them which affected the London public far more deeply, of course, than they affect us, and awakened a storm of indignation and protest... Continue reading book >>