Perfect Writing

Every once in a while (every year, actually) I purchase a copy of my favorite novel by my favorite writer and make a gift of an awe inspiring tale to a friend.  I'm speaking of Charles Dickens, of course.  I know, his characters may be somewhat predictable and his villains tended to be highly exaggerated  but his themes and cadence have always spoken to me.  It's truly beautiful writing and if you've not revisited his works since middle school, I highly encourage you to do so.


Dickens was one the writers that made me want to pick up every book in my youth, hoping that within those covers would be a work of equal worth.  Sadly few have met that high expectation. (Larry McMurtry is quite brilliant, as is Stephen King, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell and Shelby Foote.) As you may have surmised, I do enjoy a diverse genre.


But Dickens? Who can resist the words so perfect they might well never the like be seen again. It has every element of what we strive for in each of ourselves. Self discovery, romance, redemption, selfless love and sacrifice. Carton who is known as "The Jackal" and by everyone's estimation has led a wasted life. Yet in his waning hours, faced with his own mortality, ensures the happiness of the one he cares for, knowing he can never share in the joy. What scifi fan does not recognize his final thoughts of "it's a far, far better thing I do...".


Carton left him there; but lingered at a little distance and turned back to the gate again when it was shut, and touched it.  He had heard of her going to the prison every day. "She came out here," he said, looking about him, "turned this way, must have trod on these stones often.  Let me follow in her steps." - Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities.


The beauty of pure, unrequited love sparked merely by another's lingering presence. I wish authors today strived for such excellence. Instead we're treated to the same banality served under different scintillating titles. Gore versus horror, techno-babble in place of genius science fiction borne from imagination. A work should be more than just a thirty second advertisement; it should grab you, shake you to your core and leave you with thoughts of the characters for days, even years afterwards.


A wonderful fact to reflect upon, that every human creature is constituted to be that profound secret and mystery to every other. - Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities.


My thoughts for this evening.  Thank you for taking the time to read.