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Mr. Dickens Hits Town

by Jan Mark, Regolo Ricci, illus.

Jan Mark’s effervescent text and Regolo Ricci’s jewelled illustrations in Mr. Dickens Hits Town make a striking debut for Tundra’s new line, Storybooks, intended for readers making the transition to novels.

Mark mingles fact and fiction in her amusing account of Charles Dickens’ visit to Montreal. Homeward bound after his American tour, Dickens is invited to observe the amateur theatricals of a British garrison. The cream of Montreal society, rendered impotent in the face of fame, watches helplessly as Dickens dictates the choice of plays, bags the best roles and costumes, and hectors the actors as self-appointed director.

This story of a famous grown-up misbehaving will have natural appeal for children, especially as it’s filtered through the eyes of a little girl. It’s a perfect classroom text, presenting an interesting tidbit of Canadian and literary history in challenging language. Mark uses Dickensian chapter headings, such as, “In which Mr. Dickens borrows a few items of furniture,” but the wonderful ironic humour owes more to Jane Austen. Mark’s careful research shines in the authentic details of Victorian life in general, and Dickens’ personal history in particular.

Ricci’s illustrations contribute to the period feel of the book. His compositions are full and varied, but his human figures
seem moribund, and their proportions are often wonky. The silk and taffeta dresses, instead of shimmering, glisten greasily, like rubbery puddings. The overall effect is of colourful wax effigies placed in beautiful interiors and charming Victorian Christmas card landscapes.

 

Reviewer: Philippa Sheppard

Publisher: Tundra Books

DETAILS

Price: $19.99

Page Count: 64 pp

Format: Cloth

ISBN: 0-88776-468-1

Released: Sept.

Issue Date: 1999-12

Categories: Children and YA Fiction

Age Range: ages 9+