Quarantine Book Club: "David Copperfield"

"David Copperfield" was Charles Dickens's own favorite of his novels, and it's packed with golden goodness.

It's the kind of absorbing, big-hearted novel we all need right now, full of memorable characters and surprising twists. Herman Melville read it aloud to his wife every night as he wrote "Moby-Dick." Virginia Woolf called it "the most perfect of all the Dickens novels." And J.D. Salinger refers to it on the first page of "The Catcher in the Rye."

"David Copperfield" draws more closely on Dickens's own life than any of his other works. So as we read it together over four months, enjoying one of the most iconic casts of characters in English literature, we'll also be discussing the iconic real-life character of Charles Dickens himself.

We'll read about 50 pages a week and gather on Monday nights on Zoom as we go. Weekly lectures full of stories about the author's own life will reveal surprising connections and insights, whether you're re-reading this 19th-century masterpiece or only now picking it up for the first time.

Each week's lecture will be followed by open discussion. Participation in discussions is entirely optional, but the conversations in these book clubs are so good, so funny, and so free-wheeling, you may be tempted to join in.

And if you miss any sessions, no problem: A recording of each session will be sent to all ticketholders automatically.

RECOMMENDED EDITION

We recommend you get the Modern Library paperback edition of David Copperfield from our bookstore partner Phinney Books, so that you have the same page numbers as everyone else during discussions.

HOW TO PAY IN INSTALLMENTS

You may also pay in installments if that's easier for you. Here's where you can buy a ticket to Part One. Here's where you can buy a ticket to Part Two. Here's where you can buy a ticket to Part Three.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Sponsorship funds are available to help make this experience possible if price is a barrier; please apply here.

DONATIONS ENCOURAGED

If you choose to pay more than the lowest amount, you are automatically making a donation to the financial assistance fund. Thank you for making this book club accessible to more people.

ART

Illustration by Kathryn Rathke