Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I enjoyed getting to read this book, it brought Charles Dickens to life for the reader. It had that research element that I was looking for and thought the feel worked overall. Stephen Browning and Simon Thomas wrote this perfectly and was glad I got to read this.

NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is an enjoyable romp through Dickens’s life and works. Not too challenging or academic but very straightforward, enjoyable and thorough. His life is woven throughout as each work is discussed in chronological order. These chapters can be read as stand- alone if desired. I checked out Bleak House first as I have recently re-read it.

We also learn what happened to each of his several children and grandchildren in the case of Monica Dickens the successful novelist and short story writer.

I also liked the detailed Dickens’s walking routes round London, with bus suggestions too.. I shall get Google Maps ready! Accompanied by photos.

This is a lovely book for the Dickens completist, of which I am one.

NetGalley, Chris Chanona

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I thought I'd enjoy this book but I ended up loving it!

If you're a classics fan or you enjoy reading about Victorian history, this book is for you!

The book takes you through Dickens' life from birth to death. The biography is split into chapters by 'life phase'. As you read about that particular time in his life, you're introduced to his relationships and connections as well as the general setting and contexts influencing his writing.

Throughout the text, you also get sections dedicated to each of his major works where you can learn more about it, read an in-depth literary analysis of it, draw connections with Dickens' own life as well as learn about its critical reception. I love that they are split out so you can choose to read them as you come across them or you could read them on their own at a later time, for example, after reading the novel.

I appreciated that the book offers a balanced view of his life and actions. I've read many books that put the figure on a pedestal, but what we get here is a much more comprehensive report of Charles Dickens. The real him with all of his virtues and vices. A man with great talents and strong social justice principles as well as a questionable husband.

While I loved the whole book and how organized and comprehensive it is, the cherry on top is the 'Walk with Charles Dickens' chapter at the end. It provides several recommended plans for literary walking tours of London. You can walk the same streets and even visit some of the establishments Charles Dickens and other classic writers frequented. And the book provides you with facts and information for each stop. I adore that!!

Overall, this was such a wonderful read. I am very grateful for the ARC and highly recommend the book!

NetGalley, Mona M

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Most readers and certainly anyone who enjoys any of Dickens work will find The Real Charles Dickens an indispensable companion volume. I’m blown away by the content, well set out and much is new to me. The authors give you a real feel for this rather enigmatic man. He was full of contradiction and seemed to have a number of ‘faces’ he presented to the world. He carefully curated information about him whilst he was alive, showing excellence in PR and also the extent to which he was prepared to manipulate his public image.

The Real Charles Dickens is well set out with detailed insight into his early life and background, his wife and children, his affairs and much more. There’s a real sense of his financial struggles and rise to fame of fortune and how this affected him. His inspiration was drawn from life and real places and I found the literary walks section of this book fascinating. It allows the reader to sense the places and people. The final section includes numerous photos of places relevant to his texts. It brings so many of his stories to life and shoukd interest anyone who wants to know more about one of the most famous authors in the world. There’s an extensive bibliography and comprehensive index for easy reference to a particular title, character, subject or place. I’ve enjoyed the electronic version, and my thanks to Pen and Swird and the authors for an early review copy. But the real beauty of this book is a place in hard copy on a bookshelf, there for reference and rereading. Absolutely packed with information which will add to the pleasure of reading any Dickens title. This is a real cracker and one to treasure.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas