Title: George Silverman’s Explanation

Author: Charles Dickens

Genre: Classic Literature

Publisher: Alma Book Ltd

Format: Paperback

Pages: 150

Rating: 3/5 stars

Synopsis (Goodreads):

After a traumatic early childhood spent living in poverty in a Preston cellar, the suddenly orphaned George Silverman grows up convinced that he is at fault for all the misfortunes in his life. Hoodwinked by hypocritical clergymen and exploited by his employer, he finds himself forsaking love and facing professional ruin.

One of Dickens’s very last writings, ‘George Silverman’s Explanation’ is a dark and psychologically insightful investigation of failure and guilt. This volume also includes two other lesser-known pieces of fiction: the novella for children ‘Holiday Romance’ and the detective story ‘Hunted Down’.

Review:

This book contains 3 short stories by Dickens, and I have to say, I wasn’t wowed by the stories. Which made me sad because I love Dickens.

The first story was about a boy who had a tough go in life, but then had a benefactor that helped him out and he got an education. George Silverman is a typical Dickens character, which I enjoyed.

The second story is called Hunted Down, and is a mystery involving a life insurance broker who meets a stranger and gets caught up in this mystery. The story was good, but it felt like it was lacking something, and I think maybe it was too short to really connect with the characters?

The third is called Holiday Romance, and it was weird. It is apparently supposed to be for children, and written in the point of view of children? Not really sure, but to me it was jibberish and I couldn’t connect with it.

So overall, a disappointing jaunt with Dickens, but I encourage Dickens fans to read it themselves and form their own opinion!

Happy reading!