re: #186 The Vicious Babushka

Dickens was actually very progressive. His commentary on the United States (American Notes) not only calls out slavery but also the racism that prevailed throughout the North.

Dickens and his family experienced hardships few of us have had. I’m sure it colored his view of life, religion and humankind.

He’s by far my favorite British author. I think I’ve read all his novels, but not his non-fiction works. And my Christmas tradition is to watch A Christmas Carol at least once — the Alastair Sim version and the Patrick Stewart version.

Also Die Hard, which Dickens did not script.