Book Quote by Charles Dickens
““I do not find it easy to get sufficiently far away from this Book, in the first sensations of having finished it, to refer to it with the composure which this formal heading would seem to require. My interest in it, is so recent and strong; and my mind is so divided between pleasure and regret—pleasure in the achievement of a long design, regret in the separation from many companions—that I am in danger of wearying the reader whom I love, with personal confidences, and private emotions.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Private correspondence, 1860
The author confesses lingering attachment to a book, torn between joy of completion and sorrow of parting, fearing to burden the reader with personal feelings.
In simple terms: Love for a book creates mixed emotions after finishing it.
Key Takeaway
Balance sharing passion with respecting the reader.
Themes
literature
attachment
emotional conflict
author‑reader relationship
Mood
nostalgic
thoughtful
Type
literary
reflective
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- literary essays
- personal journaling
Key Concepts
romanticism
nostalgia
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide what personal insight to share publicly?
- Can you channel regret into future creative work?
A Different Perspective
Readers may not share the same intensity, risking alienation.
