In this episode of The Author Files, we take an in-depth look at the life, work, and legacy of Charles Dickens, one of the most influential authors in English literature and the defining novelist of the Victorian era.

Born into poverty in 1812, Dickens experienced hardship at a young age when his father was imprisoned for debt and Charles was forced to work in a factory. These early experiences left a permanent mark on him — shaping the themes of social injustice, childhood suffering, class division, and morality that would come to define his novels. From Oliver Twist and David Copperfield to Bleak House, Great Expectations, and A Christmas Carol, Dickens used storytelling as a weapon against cruelty, corruption, and inequality in 19th-century Britain.

We explore how Dickens rose from obscurity to become a literary celebrity, famous not only for his novels but also for his dramatic public readings and larger-than-life personality.

Was Charles Dickens a compassionate social reformer, a genius storyteller, or a deeply flawed man driven by his past? I

Whether you’re a student, a literature lover, or someone curious about the real people behind famous books, this episode of The Author Files offers a compelling deep dive into the life of Charles Dickens, his novels, and his enduring impact on literature and culture.