‘The Chimes’ was Charles Dickens’s second Christmas Book. Dealing with England’s social ills in the first half of the 19th century through the medium of spirit goblins, in a somewhat similar manner to ‘A Christmas Carol’. This novella is subtitled ‘A Goblin Story of some bells that rang an old year out and a new one in’. I read my Folio Society edition today.
As usual, I will refrain from giving details so I will not reveal the ending which gives some sort of meaning to a story which, to my mind, does not hang together. A rather long-winded description of the kind of storm that we have just experienced introduces the bells and their nature; thereafter the tale limps along to a weak conclusion which, according to Christopher Hibbert’s introduction, brought the writer to ‘burst into tears’, seemingly of relief. Just as ‘A Christmas Carol’ focuses on a life-changing Christmas Eve, ‘The Chimes’ are concerned with a memorable New Year’s Eve.
The characters are unmemorable,
although the illustrator, Charles Keeping, has, as usual, brought them to life.
This evening we reprised yesterday’s dinner of lemon chicken and savoury rice with the addition of omelette topping with which Jackie drank Valle Central reserva privada rosée cuvée 2019 and I drank Trivento reserve Malbec 2019 – a present from Helen and Bill.
Your Malbec sounds much more interesting than the Dickens’ story, but the illustrations are enjoyable in their own right,
Thanks very much, Dolly. I agree
My pleasure, Derrick.
Lo e the illustrations. I never read the Chimes so can’t comment. You’ve aroused my curiosity. Artists don’t always create masterpieces.
Yes. Thanks very much, Sherry
Hmm, sounds like the sort of thing written to pay the bills.
I think so. Thanks very much, Liz
Good point, Liz.
I agree with Kool Kosher Kitchen. ?
Thanks very much, Merril
I’m laughing at Kool Kosher’s comment. 🙂
🙂 Thanks very much, Jill
I am not familiar with that story. Thank you, Derrick! The illustrations are lovely.
And thank you, Lavinia. JoAnna has attached an animated link which tidies it up and makes sense of it.
I’ve bookmarked it. It sounds like a good one to watch this evening after dinner. 🙂
🙂
The illustrations are superb Derrick, probably a lot better than story !!
Indeed, Ivor. Thanks very much.
There’s nothing I like more than a straightforward and honest review. I’ve never associated the words ‘Dickens’ and ‘potboiler’ before, but there we are.
Darn it, I had just reserved this at the library. My 2021 is already off to a rocky start. 🙂
Sorry, Yvonne. If your copy has all five books all will not be lost. 🙂
Thanks very much, Linda.
Dickens seemed to have good intentions. I looked this up on Youtube and found this little stop motion story. Didn’t watch the whole thing, but it seemed you have to go through a lot of sad parts to get to the happy ending. https://youtu.be/GpbmI5MCW2c
Thank you so much for this link, JoAnna. The film makers have taken the essence of this story, reordered it, omitted confusing detail and characters, and made good sense of it.
Good to know! 🙂
🙂
Love the illustrations again and, of course, I love Dickens. Healthy & Happy New Year to you Derrick and your family! ?????
And to you and yours, Cindy. Thanks very much
Mr. Keeping was an amazing illustrator! The faces, expressions, details, the motion… 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
PS…any more leftover lemon chicken? If so, pass it my way! 😉
Chicken all gone, sorry, Carolyn. Thanks a lot. 🙂
So the illustrations are better than the book? There must be quite a few books like that. I’ll start you off with Dante’s Divine Comedy illustrated by Gustav Doré!
I don’t know that one, John, but my Folio Society edition is illustrated by John Flaxman, so I’m sure you are right. Thanks very much.
I’ve always loved Charles Dickens’ books. I’m sorry that it wasn’t very interesting but the illustrations look incredible.
Happy New Year!
You, too, D. Thanks very much
It sounds like you enjoyed the Malbec much more than Chimes. The illustrations are quite brilliant. Hope you’re safe and well Derrick ??
🙂 We are fine, John. Thanks very much
Simply had no idea about The Chimes; this is fascinating. The illustrations have the austere, Dickensian flavour.
Thanks very much, Libre
Happy New Year, Derrick. Lovely to have kept up with your outings in 2020 and look forward to all the ones in 2021.
Many thanks, Helen. You, too.
Thank you, Derrick.