Re: Edwin Drood

Charles Dickens (cdickens@RMPLC.CO.UK)
Wed, 7 May 1997 18:24:56 -0100 

My dear Mrs Rabe,

  You are too kind, but I find it in my heart to
forgive the excess.
  I am aware of "audio books," and applaud the following
of my example.  Doubtless you know I too entertained
audiences by reading to them from my books.  Nor am
I one to complain at wearers of the buskin profitting
from the books.  It is a profession I have ever esteemed.
  You ask me to tell you about what I intended for "Edwin
Drood."  Alas, I have resolved not to be drawn on this, so
entertaining is the speculation arising from the mystery,
far deeper and less soluble than I intended.  I am willing
to tell you that I intended Jasper to be unmasked, but I
leave you to puzzle over Datchery.


Faithfully yours,


Charles Dickens
________________________________________________________________________________

>My Dear Mr. Dickens,
>
>        I have long been a fan of your books, and I was introduced to
>them in depth by some dear friends in Oconomowoc WI. some years back.
>The husband had more then one beautiful complete set of your books. he
>encouraged me to read them and I am so glad he did. Once I had to serve
>on jury duty and I read "Great Expectations" while waiting the long
>hours. I think I was the only one who wasn't bored! One thing about your
>stories is that one never is in a hurry to finish the book, but enjoy
>and savor each page! It's like living within the story. Thank you again.
>
>        I wondered if you knew that besides movies, there is something
>called "audio books" or books on tape? These are delightful and read by
>good British actors and readers. I have been enjoying those out of our
>public library. Just think, one can go about his or her duties while
>listening to someone read to them!
>
>        I have a question about "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" and it's
>conclusion that you unfortunately were unable to complete. Was John
>Jasper indeed the villain? And who was Dick Datchery? I had 2
>interesting books recently --one was rather "fanciful" and employed many
>famous detectives like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot. They had
>sessions of seminars and each gave their opinion of the case. Another
>author just tried to give his own ending but it didn't seem like your
>style! I wondered if you could discuss the ending and elaborate on it.
>Thank you most kindly.
>
>        I do hope this letter reaches you. I am
>
>                                Sincerely yours,
>
>                                    Dolores J. Rabe
>
>

======================
Charles Dickens
charles_dickens@rmplc.co.uk
Author