SeniorLearn

The Last Dickens

by: Matthew Pearl

Category: FICTION
Guide Created By: JoanP
Discussion Leader(s): JoanP & Andy
Read our discussion of this book

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Book Description Matthew Pearl's historical literary fiction picks up where Dickens left off in "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." Tragically, Dickens' mystery is destined never to be truly solved, as Dickens died before he could finish this novel. All that he left are the clues that can be found in the completed chapters. Pearl sends a partner of Dickens' American publisher, James Osgood, to the Dickens' estate in England where we meet the "fugitives" from the characters of Dickens' novel. Is Edwin Drood dead or alive? Was he killed by his uncle, John Jasper? Or did he somehow escape that fate, possibly to return later? We are anticipating more intrigue as Pearl's fictional characters search for answers in the author's well-researched fiction.

Relevant Links

SeniorLearn Q&A with Author Matthew Pearl

19th c. publishing houses, including Fields and Osgood

Questions for Consideration

Chapters 1-10, June, 1870

1. Were you surprised that the story opens in India, not London, and in the same month Dickens died? What is a dacoit? What do you know of opium or landanum use in the 19th century?

2. What makes the dark stranger stalking the boy stand out on the Boston dock? From his description, would he stand out anywhere? Do you see any connection between him and the theft in the opening chapter?

3. "Who could have told whether he had known ambition or disappointment?" Do you recognize this line Sylvanus Bendal reads in the bundle of paper he takes from the dying boy? Did he know what it was? Why would he take it?

4. Do you recognize any of the publishing houses in 19th c. New York and Boston? How can Fields, Osgood and Co. hope to compete with the powerful NY publishers at this time? How might the deaths of Daniel Sand and Charles Dickens affect the Boston publishers?

5. What does Daniel Sand's sister's situation reveal about the position of women in the late 19th century? Do you think conditions were the same in US and England? Why did Rebecca choose seek a job in publishing?

6. "What good is a mystery novel without the ending?" Do you agree that an ending must be found before publishing the unfinished novel? How do Osgood and Fields differ as to how Dickens intended to end his story?

7. How did it happen that Osgood, not Fields, would go to England to learn the intended end to Dickens' mystery as originally planned? Do you expect that Osgood will solve Dickens' mystery - or create one of his own?

8. Mysteries within mysteries. What do you see as the "mysteries" presented in these opening chapters? Do you think they are somehow related?

9. Why has Osgood been targeted by the diabolical figure? Is he "over the top"?

10. In this first Installment we have met a number of characters. Which do you suspect to hear more from in future chapters?

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