Dispatches from Home – The Allure of Charles Dickens.

Jason Follett on the Facebook site—Celebrating British & Irish Entertainment—wrote this about one of my favorite authors, Charles Dickens.

“Charles Dickens’ novels were immensely popular across all social classes, including the illiterate poor, during the 19th century. His works, rich in vivid characters and dramatic storytelling, captured the imaginations of many, regardless of their ability to read.

Among the poor, who often lacked formal education, it became common for groups to pool their resources to hire someone who could read aloud. These gatherings allowed even those who could not read to enjoy Dickens’ tales, fostering a communal experience where his stories became a shared cultural touchstone.

The practice of hiring a reader highlighted the strong appeal of Dickens’ novels and the universal themes he explored, such as social injustice, poverty, and the struggles of the downtrodden. The vivid depictions of life in Victorian England resonated deeply with the working class, who saw reflections of their own hardships in Dickens’ characters.

Through these communal readings, Dickens’ stories reached a broad audience, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential and beloved authors of his time.”