The Chimes Finale

I didn't feel good yesterday so it was the perfect opportunity to finish The Chimes. As I floated in and out of sleep trying to recover, the story felt parallel to A Christmas Carol as the protagonist, Toby, is taken on a ghostly ride.

The novella is divided into four sections (A Christmas Carol was staves), in which Dickens worked on my righteous indigation. Seeing the story through Toby's eyes, I was spitting nails that this man was accepting the status quo of the day that poor people were "born bad".

The wealthy even managed to halt his daughter's wedding that was set up for New Year's Day. I can't tell you how it all turned out, because well, that's what we call a "Spoiler Alert". But I can tell you, it's a tough read as you walk in Toby's shoes and feel the constant pummeling from the wealthy.

Yet, it's worth your time if you want a short story regarding New Year's Day. Dickens was a great writer. He knew how to rip your guts out regarding social injustice between the rich and the poor. Back then in England, there was no in between. You were rich, therefore worthy of life. Or, you were poor and not considered worthy of life.

I like to study the great writers and learn. One year I made a list of ten "greats" and read most of them. Then, I wrote a short summary of what each story was about. Did it help my writing? I don't know but it definitely kept the ember burning to try. If you have some downtime over the holidays, I exhort you to pick a classic to read.

Here are some of my faves:

Pride and Prejudice

A Tale of Two Cities

Oliver Twist

The Scarlet Letter

Moll Flanders (The Fortunes and Misfortunes of the famous Moll Flanders)

Or, just buy a poetry book for yourself for Christmas. I bought a Robert Burns book and a collection book with multiple famous poets. It can boost your writing to be connected to the greats.