Irreverent

I know it's childish of me, but I refuse to sit through the Queen's Speech. I've been a Republican (in the European sense of the word) all my adult life.

But I before I walked off to load the dishwasher I thought I'd wake my mother out of her doze and draw her attention to the screen- because I don't mind other people being loyal.

"It's the Queen," I said, pointing.

"What?"

"The Queen's Christmas message,"

"So what do you want me to do," she growled, "Salute?"

Barnaby Rudge

I'm continuing with the Dickens marathon- and after The Old Curiosity Shop (which is a masterpiece) comes Barnaby Rudge (which isn't).

Dickens is attempting to do something in the manner of his friend Harrison Ainsworth, the historical romancer. It's a gallant effort but it goes against his natural gifts. There are some lively comic characters, some stagey villains- and a couple of aristocratic lovers (on whom the plot turns) who are so colourless that even their creator doesn't care to spend much time in their company. Somewhere down the line the Gordon riots are going to take place- and that could be fun...

It's the only major Dickens I'd never read before- and while I'm happy to be completing the set- I think I was wise to avoid it until now...