Actually, I’m a little late.  His birthday was on February 7th and he would have been 200!  Of course, Charles Dickens has been dead a long time, but his tales live on.

Secrets to Dickens’ literary success

Universality

Well, for one thing, his books talk about universals that transcend time and geography.  In fact, the Minister of Culture presented each Cabinet Minister with a Dickens tale especially purchased for them.  Prime Minister, David Cameron, for instance, got a copy of Hard Times.  Seems particularly appropriate given the economic state of GB and the EU, in general.

Even though his tales of two cities may not apply to Paris and London any more, we certainly see similar stories in the days headlines.  For instance. Egypt currently holds 19 Americans working for non-governmental organizations, NGO’s for short, including Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s son, Sam.

Rich Descriptions

If for no other reason, Dickens shares a view of 19th Century England that history books overlook.  His rich description of the lives of ordinary Londoner from all classes gives us a glimpse into the past — with all its color and blemishes.

Great Writing

Many of today’s novels pale by comparison to the eloquent style evident in Dickens’ books.  The consummate storyteller, Dickens’ characters come to life.  His tales draws us into a world and makes us feel we’re a part of that world.  Once started, it’s hard to put a Dickens book down.

Many of today’s writers are too linear — taking us from the beginning to the end of their tale without making us feel like we know the characters or that we can see their environs.  Their tales proceed from the beginning to the middle to the end without the circular flows we experience in our own lives.  This makes their stories seem too superficial.

Google commemorated Dickens’ birthday, as it

does so many occasions, with a doodle.

But, unlike any previous doodle, this one has a commercial message.  Selecting the search takes you to an offer for a Google ebook.  Interesting that the man who fought so hard for human dignity is commemorated in such a commercial fashion.