Robert Gottlieb: "Great Expectations: The Sons and Daughters of Charles Dickens"
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-12-03/robert-gottlieb-great-expectations-sons-and-daughters-charles-dickens
Charles Dickens is one of the world's greatest and best-loved novelists. He created such indelible child characters as Oliver Twist, Little Nell, Tiny Tim and David Copperfield. Dickens endured a difficult childhood. When he was 11, his father was sent to debtors' prison, and Dickens was put to work in a blackening factory. Beginning in his teens, his talent, energy and drive ensured he would never suffer such disgrace again. Dickens also had great expectations for his 10 children -- seven boys and three girls. Author Robert Gottlieb tells us what became of the sons and daughters of Charles Dickens.
Guests
Robert Gottlieb
former editor-in-chief of Knopf Publishers and The New Yorker.
Read An Excerpt
Excerpted from "Great Expectations: The Sons and Daughters of Charles Dickens" by Robert Gottlieb, published in November 2012 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux, LLC. Copyright ©2012 by Robert Gottlieb. All rights reserved.
Comments
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Dear Diane (and Mr.Gottlieb),
In 2005, Gerald Dickens, great great grandson of Charles, came to Washington and appeared on a walking tour about Charles Dickens*. After the tour, he and I chatted about his famous ancestor, his initial hesitation at joining "the family business" and his current immersion into the world of Dickens. He was a hit with the tour guests and was absolutely charming to the actors. It seemed to me that as difficult as it was for him to follow in CD's footsteps, that it must have been doubly so for Dickens children.
My question for Mr.Gottlieb: When Kate sided with her mother instead of Charles, how did the other Dickens children react? Did they understand or did they attribute it to her temper?
Thank you for this program.
*A Dickens of a Tour: Charles Dickens in Washington (with an outdoor performance of A Christmas Carol on the tour), portion of proceeds to So Others Might Eat.
One of my favorite quotes is a Dickens' quote that helps explain the genuine fondness for children that infuses his work: "I love these little people and it is not a slight thing that they who are so fresh from God love us."
Does the author know anything about Dickens' brother? I am from Amboy, Illinois, and on a recent tour of the history of Amboy, they stated that his brother lived in Amboy and Charles sent money for his support.
Diane,
Is this the same Robert Gottlieb who was recently on as he edited the Johnson Caro books as well as the brilliant article about the same in Vanity Fair.
I find both of your voices so warm and distinguished. I could listen to the two of you all day.
Sincerely,
Seth F.
Dallas, Texas
Two years ago I read a wonderful book GIRL IN A BLUE DRESS which was a fictionalized account of Charles Dickens and his relationship with his wife and children. From this discussion it sounds as though the book was pretty accurate.
Mr. Gottlieb,
It just occurred to me the connection. We unfortunately learned yesterday about the death of Gray Foy.
Weren't you on Diane's show speaking about The Grand Surprise?
Thanks Again,
Seth
What about JK Rowling? Read by all age groups and all over the world. Translated into more languages than Charles Dickens
great show thanks!
mm
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