My history hero: Joan Armatrading chooses Charles Dickens (1812–70)
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Joan Armatrading chooses Charles Dickens as a history hero
In profile
Charles Dickens is widely regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. He wrote a string of bestselling books and short stories including The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby and Great Expectations, creating some of literature’s best-known characters in the process. His books are still in print, and many have been adapted for stage and screen. He is buried at London’s Westminster Abbey.
When did you first hear about Dickens?
In my childhood. I went to the local library all the time while I was growing up, reading books by Dickens, Shakespeare and Enid Blyton – the ‘classics’. I particularly loved Dickens’ use of words – it’s poetry, really – and the language that he used is the language we use today.
What kind of man was he?
These days we talk about people who are humanitarian, entrepreneurial or philanthropic, and Dickens was all of those. Being from a poor family, he had a sense of where he came from, which made him conscious of the plights and poverty of others, and he wrote about such people in his novels.
I think he was also a very thoughtful man, even if he behaved selfishly at times. But that’s human nature: each of us has two sides.
What made him a hero?
Above all, his artistry – the words and the phrasing – and the incredible stories he dreamed up that have engaged so many people over the years. I write songs and music and, while I don’t find it a struggle, it’s not an easy thing to do – unless you’re a born storyteller, as he clearly was.
Moreover, his stories have lasted; they’re as powerful today as the day he wrote them. I subconsciously lean on Dickens because, though I’d never call myself a poet, I try to use words that have meaning and flow. I also admire him for all he did to help those less fortunate than himself.
What was Dickens’ finest hour?
I particularly like Hard Times, because [scenes with school board superintendent] Mr Gradgrind make me think of myself. He tells his class not to daydream – but my whole existence is about daydreaming, as was Dickens’.
It’s how you create: you have to imagine something before you can make it tangible. So many characters in Dickens’ work, like Little Dorrit, have real substance and strength, too.
Is there anything that you don’t admire about him?
The way he treated his wife, Catherine – but people have emotions and can’t always control them, as I wrote in my song ‘The Weakness in Me’. Overall, though, I think he was a good person.
- On the podcast | The dark side of Dickens
Can you see any parallels between his life and your own?
Only in terms of the writing, having that creative streak and making our own way in life.
If you could meet Dickens, what would you ask him?
I’d like to know to what extent the story of Little Dorrit was autobiographical.
Joan Armatrading CBE is an Ivor Novello Award-winning singer-songwriter and guitarist. Her new album is How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean
This article was first published in the March 2025 issue of BBC History Magazine
Authors
York Membery is a regular contributor to BBC History Magazine, the Daily Mail and Sunday Times among other publications. York, who lives in London, worked on the Mirror, Express and Times before turning freelance. He studied history at Cardiff University and the Institute of Historical Research, and has a History PhD from Maastricht University.