I have always had an aversion toward literature.

At a young age, I was praised for my ability to understand mathematics and science however, it was evident that reading did not come naturally to me. Mathematics and science are often considered more rigid and structured subjects as they consist of formulas, theories, and concepts. Literature, on the other hand, requires and encourages you to utilize your creativity and imagination to explore complex themes and characters that may not be easily quantifiable. And while I was still a very curious, imaginative child, literature failed to captivate me.

I've always felt compelled to make an effort to enjoy books, but whenever I start reading, it feels like I am entering a foreign country with unintelligible characters and languages. While my peers in school passionately analyzed and engaged with the themes and characters in the books, I couldn’t quite grasp and appreciate the beauty of literature. Instead, acting, dance, and art fueled my creativity and created a world of excitement and intrigue that books couldn’t quite replicate.

The problem I have with literature is that it’s difficult to relate to a story when you can’t visualize what is happening. Authors could skilfully paint detailed descriptions of their characters and the settings their stories take place in; however, the images cease to come to life in my mind’s eye. I stopped reading for leisure because I couldn’t connect with the stories I was reading.

So you may be wondering, why on earth I decided to take a class where we are tasked to read Charles Dickens’ classic A Tale of Two Cities and Victor Hugo’s lengthy 1300+ page Les Miserables. When I came across Professor Andrew Chater’s immersive London and Paris Bookpacking experience I was immediately fascinated by the fusion of literature through cultural exploration. I knew this experience would transform my perspective on literature, and I could not wait to dive into the history of London and France during the 19th century and literally walk in the footsteps of these complex, nuanced characters. This visual expedition was the missing element I longed for when I read literature as a child! I knew this exploration would not be easy, but I was up for the exhilarating challenge to grow as a student and a person.

As I vigilantly peered out my window on my drive from Heathrow Airport to 19 Bedford Place, the variety of both new and old architectural styles immediately captured my attention. Alongside many centuries-old buildings stood contemporary masterpieces that loomed overhead. The coexistence of old and new architecture created an unusual cityscape that made me question how one imagines life in the 18th and 19th centuries when things don’t look exactly the same.

As our bookpacking adventures commenced, I kept this question in mind as we walked and stopped at numerous famous landmarks that offered a glimpse into London’s rich culture and history. We stood outside the gates of Buckingham Palace, which has served as the official residence of many British royalty since 1837. Buckingham Palace is a living testament to the fusion of the old and the new. It’s remarkable to ponder how the British monarch still exists in a world that is contemporary and progressive. While the British monarch has adapted to contemporary sensibilities, the palace itself, renowned for its opulence and luxurious decor, is still ridden with this idea of tradition which reflects the history of the various monarchs that preceded it. To my surprise, though, the current king of England, King Charles III, does not in fact live in Buckingham Palace because he claimed that “Buckingham Palace is so huge and impersonal and red, with carpets and curtains. It’s not his style.” Bummer! I really hoped to get a glimpse of his silhouette in the window…

Afterward, we passed by the Parliament and had the opportunity to visit Westminster Abbey which is not only a place of worship but a place dedicated to hosting many coronations, weddings, and resting sites of British monarchs and other noteworthy people in history. I diligently walked through Westminster Abbey and soon came across the infamous poet’s corner where Charles Dickens’ body lies. While his memorial plaque was a simple black stone akin to the other writers that lay beside him, standing where he lay made reading A Tale of Two Cities even more real in the following days as we explored Dickensian London.

Yet, as the days progressed, I noticed it getting tricker to really immerse myself in the story of A Tale of Two Cities when there was such a stark contrast between the new and the old. On the second day of our bookpacking exploration, I was met with frustration when we located Temple Bar. This original landmark, quintessential to A Tale of Two Cities, was not how it was described in the novel, in fact, it had been completely removed brick-by-brick! The reason Temple Bar was removed was because the city needed a bigger entrance for cars to pass through. Now stands a memorial sculpture of a mythological creature, the griffin, symbolic of the city of London. And although Temple Bar still exists today near St Paul’s Cathedral, it was upsetting that this was not preserved in the same spot it originated. The modernization of some parts of London impeded my ability to immerse myself in the novel and the history at the time of the 18th century. As we walked on to locate Tellson’s bank, I really tried stepping into the shoes of Charles Darnay and picturing what London was like without the distraction of tourist crowds and red double-decker buses. However, I struggled to imagine the aroma and sounds Charles Darnay might have experienced at a time when revolutionary fervor was on the rise.

On Friday evening, we had the opportunity to go inside Dennis Severs’ unique house located in Spitalfields, London. This unconventional museum was an immersive experience Severs called “Still Life Drama.” Before entering the home of the imaginary Huguenot family, we were informed not to use our phones to take pictures and to explore the rooms in silence. At first, I was upset that I wouldn’t be able to capture the inside of the house with my phone camera however, I quickly understood Sever’s intentions behind this. Immediately when I walked into the first room, I was overwhelmed by the rich smell of coffee and the sounds of horses galloping in the streets.

I didn’t know where to look first because there was just so much to look at! Every piece of furniture and object was meticulously placed to create the feeling that we have been transformed back in time to 18th-century London. The flickering candles scattered throughout created a sense of comfort in the home as if the Huguenot family still lived there. It was truly an incredible experience that allowed me to absorb the atmosphere and get a better glimpse of the way people lived during the 18th century through the 20th century. What’s unique about the imaginary Huguenot family house is that it leaves room for you to be imaginative and create your own narratives of the people who lived in these time periods. As I walked through the 18th-century section of the house, I envisioned Charles Darnay sipping coffee from a blue and white china teacup while Lucie fixed up her makeup by her vanity. The richness of experiencing the 18th century made it easier to envision how characters like Darnay and Lucie might have lived during this time. I left the Dennis Severs house with a deeper understanding and connection with the characters I was reading about in A Tale of Two Cities.

I could finally visualize the story that formerly failed to come to life in my mind’s eye. And as we begin our bookpacking adventures in Paris, I will take my experience in the Dennis Severs house to build a connection with the characters and places in Les Miserables.