“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
So began one of Dickens’s most famous novels, ‘A Tale of Two Cities.’ It is a story which has stood the test of time, having been consistently ranked as one of the greatest novels of all time. From the contrasting landscapes of London and Paris to the profound questions of justice and sacrifice, it was a story in which Dickens poured his sharp wit, his political frustration, as well as his vivid descriptive power.
Join Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, historian, author and 3x great granddaughter of Charles Dickens for an afternoon of immersion into this remarkable tale. Lucinda will read extracts from the tale as she leads a discussion into the wider themes of the story. How did Dickens’s travels around Europe come to shape the novel? What does the book say about Dickens’s own political hopes and fears? And how was Dickens’s private life influencing the tale?
You’ll have the opportunity to engage with the text on a deeper level, as we delve into the rich tapestry of characters, themes and historical context. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Dickens, or discovering his work for the first time, this event promises to be an enlightening and engaging experience.
Mark your calendars and prepare to step back into the tumultuous era of the French Revolution, guided by Lucinda Hawksley’s expertise and passion for her illustrious ancestor’s work.