Bookpacking Takeaways

A glimpse at what my camera roll looks like!

As I sit in my childhood bedroom and scroll through the thousands of pictures from my camera roll, I am overwhelmed with so much joy and appreciation for the countless memories I made throughout this bookpacking experience. I find myself lost in a reverie of reminiscence as each photo transports me back to a myriad of emotions that have colored my life in London and Paris. However, a single picture cannot encapsulate the personal growth and transformation I have endured this past month.

Before coming into this Julymester, I knew I would be embarking on a fascinating but challenging journey. English and literature have never been my forte so the idea of reading a 1,300-page novel was extremely daunting. I remember picking up Les Misérables for the first time and thinking to myself how am I going to get through this? There were times when I wanted to yell at Victor Hugo for going on his long tangents, but also times when he left me in complete awe at the beautiful messages hidden among the pages. It was undoubtedly difficult at times to read Les Miserables over the course of two months. The biggest challenge I faced while reading this novel was visualizing the story and the time period in which it takes place. However, going to Paris and seeking out the locations of Les Misérables completely transformed my appreciation for this lengthy novel and my relationship with literature in general. Being in the same location where the characters in the novel once stood truly made the book come to life and helped me connect with the characters on a deeper level.

I was able to connect with the friends of the ABC as we walked through the Latin Quarter and tried getting a fix on the approximate location of the Café Musain, the main meeting spot of the Les Amis de l’ABC. Walking these streets as opposed to reading this section at home I could imagine this area full of determined, fervent individuals in a time of social and political unrest. Going to the Luxembourg Gardens and peeking through the gates helped me connect with Cosette and Marius as that was where they locked eyes for the first time. I could imagine myself falling in love in those same beautiful gardens just like Cosette and Marius did. Going down underground to the Sewers Museum, I was able to connect with Jean Valjean and his treacherous journey from darkness to light. Getting to navigate through these dark, complex, and smelly sewers I was able to empathize with Jean Valjean and connect with Hugo’s deeper themes of redemption and transformation. With bookpacking, I have gained a completely new perspective on Les Misérables because I was able to experience a part of the story for myself. This entire experience has profoundly impacted my attitude towards literature, and when I pick up a book in the future I hope to incorporate some of my own bookpacking experiences to engage more deeply with the characters and themes in the text.

Cafe de Flore with Lili and Charlotte

Aside from learning to appreciate literature through a bookpacking lens, I have learned so much about the ways in which I want to live. Living in Paris for 3-weeks and immersing myself in the Parisian culture, I have noticed they do things differently compared to New York City and Los Angeles. On my walk and train ride to lecture every morning, I channeled my inner flâneur. Parisian culture has enabled me to be an observer and enjoy being in my own silence. I have learned that I don’t constantly need to be walking hand-in-hand with my phone or listening to my music as I stroll. Additionally, I have learned to enjoy eating long meals. I have loved sitting out at different French café’s with my friends and not rushing through the meal. In college, I am so used to grabbing a quick bite before my class or eating while doing a HW assignment. I have realized the importance of taking a break from my day to have time to relax and actually enjoy the food I am eating. As I get back to the fast-paced nature of New York City and Los Angeles I want to implement aspects of this lifestyle into my own life and change many of my antiquated ways.

I am so grateful for this incredible bookpacking experience and the many memories I have made in both London and Paris. I have met some of my best friends on this trip and have been honored to be taught by an amazing professor! And I can’t wait to take the countless lessons I have learned with me in the future.

The Belly of The Monster

Paris is a city adorned with grand architectural marvels and opulence. The city's dazzling charm is enhanced by the romantic ambiance of cobblestone streets, scenic bridges, and enchanting neighborhoods. As you saunter through the Parisian streets, you breathe in the delightful, tantalizing scent of fresh pastries permeating the air and you think to yourself, “Wow, isn’t Paris lovely.”

You obviously can’t go to Paris without visiting the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe (just to name a few). I have loved being a tourist in this marvelous city but being a bookpacker has unlocked an entirely different experience of Paris in my eyes.

We have been mapping our way through Paris, walking in the footsteps of the characters in Les Misérables and unpacking their complex narratives. But today we would not be venturing above ground and instead descending below the surface to the Musée des Égouts de Paris: The Paris Museum of Sewers.

The sewers serve as a powerful backdrop for the climax of Les Misérables when Jean Valjean heroically rescues wounded Marius from the barricades and enters the sewers in order to flee from the authorities. The sewers contrast sharply with the city's more prominent and opulent areas and serve to represent the stark realities of poverty and inequality. Hugo metaphorically utilizes the sewers as a space for characters like Jean Valjean to undergo this personal journey of transformation and emerge from darkness to light.

But before continuing to describe Jean Valjean’s valiant story, Hugo goes on a tangent (like he always does) diving into the history of the Paris sewer system. In about 20 pages, Hugo provides details of the construction and layout of the Paris sewers, and how they have evolved over the years. Reading this fascinating chapter provided me a rough understanding of the treacherous journey Jean Valjean had to take, but going down and walking through the various tunnels and channels helped me empathize with Jean Valjean and recognize his true determination and resilience.

As all 16 of us plunged down into the sewers to trace Jean Valjean’s expedition, I tried activating my five senses to fully immerse myself in the experience. When you first walk into the Musée des Égouts de Paris, you are presented with a captivating timelapse of the evolution of the Paris sewers. Watching the sewers advance over time combined with the history Hugo provides in the novel helped me discern how utterly fascinating and complex these sewers really are.

The further I ventured through the sewers the stronger the smell got: it was truly nauseating. There were a couple of times where I gagged and had to hold my jacket over my nose to mask the pungent smell.

But then I thought back to Jean Valjean.

He not only had to navigate these odorous smells, but had to walk waist-deep through these filthy waters while carrying a heavy body over his shoulders. In complete darkness, he ventured into the sewers knowing there was a possibility of drowning or getting trapped in the “belly of the monster” (1147).

I could envision Jean Valjean dripping with sweat, trudging along in his boots with his clothes sopping wet. I tried stepping inside the mind of Jean Valjean and contemplating what I would do if I were him. My mind would be racing with anxious thoughts, and I would feel so lost and hopeless in the dark, cold sewers. However, I think the power of love would drive me to do everything I can to save a person I deeply care about, just like Jean Valjean did.

Jean Valjean’s love for Cosette enables him to navigate the complex sewer system and find a way out of the darkness to save Cosette’s husband Marius. While reading Les Misérables, I knew Jean Valjean loved Cosette greatly, however being down in the sewers to witness first-hand how challenging and extreme the conditions were showed me the extent of his love and determination. My admiration for Jean Valjean’s selflessness and resilience grew tremendously after this experience.

Seeing the Paris sewers was one of the most memorable and unique moments during my bookpacking journey. What I have loved about bookpacking is that it has allowed me to be at the forefront of the story and understand what my characters are seeing, hearing, smelling, feeling and tasting. Physically being down in the sewers to experience a small chunk of what Jean Valjean experienced allowed me to empathize with him more deeply. There is something so incredible about immersing oneself in the place a character inhibits compared to just reading about their experience!

Louvre Interconnections

My family and I have done our fair share of art museums, so when I found out we were visiting the Louvre I could not wait to see one of the most impressive art collections in the world! I knew before visiting the Louvre that it is practically impossible to see everything in one day but I wanted to test myself and see how much I could do. However, with over 400 rooms and 35,000 artworks I overestimated my ability to take on this immense, breathtaking palace…

I started off my exploration on the first floor and nearly spent a good 3 hours walking through the Galerie D’Apollon, the apartments of Napoleon III, and the Denon wing full of European and a few American paintings scattered throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed roaming about each of the rooms, admiring every intricate detail but I especially loved our exercise where we were tasked to find the characters in A Tale of Two Cities and Les Misérables portrayed in the paintings.

Walking through the Denon wing, I found numerous paintings that resembled the characteristics of Lucie, Charles Darnay, and Sydney Carton from A Tale of Two Cities and the characteristics of Jean Valjean, Javert, Cosette, and Marius from Les Misérables. And to my surprise, I discovered the paintings overflowing with themes of sacrifice, judgment, redemption, and love.

Suzanne au Bain by Théodore Chassériau

In a painting by Théodore Chassériau entitled Suzanne au Bain, I saw Lucie reflected in the angelic, sensual woman who is seen bathing in a river. Chassériau contrasts light and dark in his artwork to highlight the celestial woman and portray her as this divine, pure figure. The woman in the painting embodies Lucie, a compassionate and virtuous woman who is described as “a golden-haired doll” in A Tale of Two Cities (96). As soon as I was about to leave and take a look at the painting beside it, I noticed two men in the shadows covertly spying on the woman in the top right corner of the painting! Immediately I thought these two men resembled Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton – Lucie’s two lovers. Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton both fall in love with Lucie Manette in the novel, however Darnay ends up courting her while Carton continues living his life in despair. In the painting, the man on the right stares at the woman with admiration just like Charles Darnay would have, while the man on the left weeps by the tree similar to how Sydney Carton would feel. As I inspect the painting further, I notice the woman grasping a white cloth in one hand and a gold cloth in the other. Could this be the “golden thread” that metaphorically weaves together the characters in the novel by providing them hope in a time of political turmoil? I know this might be a stretch but I could not believe the ironic similarities between the painting and the novel!

Marat Assassiné by Jacques-Louis David

Then, I came across a painting by Jacques-Louis David entitled Marat Assassiné or “Death of a Marat.” The man in the painting is seen hunched to the side with a paper in hand and a stab wound on his chest. Upon further research, I found out the man depicted in the painting is Jean-Paul Marat, a prominent figure in the French Revolution who fought against the French aristocracy. Jacques-Louis David viewed Marat’s passing as an opportunity for political activism. In his artwork he attempted to convey the idea of making sacrifices for the greater good by portraying Marat as a martyr. This painting reminded me of Sydney Carton who sacrifices his life for Lucie and her family. Through this heroic act of selflessness, Sydney Carton finds redemption in his life which was once characterized by hopelessness and despair.

Le Sommeil d’Endymion by Anne Louis Girodet

Directly to the left of this painting, I came across Anne Louis Girodet’s painting entitled The Sleep of Endymion (Le Sommeil d’Endymion) which was overflowing with this theme of redemption! In the painting, Girodet perfectly contrasts light and dark to illuminate the man who is supposedly plunged into eternal sleep. Girdoet creates this dreamlike scene by using dark hues for the forest and allowing light to only pass through a small opening in the leaves. The light reflects off the man and produces this angelic mist that surrounds his body. The painting is symbolic of Sydney Carton’s spiritual resurrection where he finds redemption and fulfillment in sacrificing his life. In the novel, Sydney Carton embodies the Christian values of how humans can be recalled to life through sacrifice. Carton wants to be redeemed in the eyes of God and himself. This is exactly what I imagine Carton to look like after his death. In this painting, it almost feels as if the angel is thanking him for his selfless sacrifice and the angelic mist is representative of his spirit leaving his body, drifting up toward heaven.

St. Paul the Hermit by Jusepe de Ribera

For the characters in Les Misérables, I found Jean Valjean to be depicted in numerous paintings. In this first painting entitled St. Paul The Hermit by Artist Jusepe de Ribera the gaunt man is seen looking up to the sky with his hands clasped together holding rosary beads. The skull on the left is emblematic of death that awaits right around the corner. In the beginning of Les Misérables we are introduced to Jean Valjean who served a 19-year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. The man in this painting reminds me of Jean Valjean who was left to rot in prison for committing a petty crime. He prays to God hoping someone can break the shackles that tie him down. After Jean Valjean’s release from prison, he adopts a new identity in order to leave his past behind. But as we know, “the past is never dead. It’s not even past” (William Faulkner, Requiem for a Nun). Jean Valjean finds it challenging to reintegrate himself into society due to his status as an ex-convict.

La Robe Ensanglantée de Joseph Apportée à Jacob by François Joseph Heim

In another painting by François Joseph Heim entitled La Robe Ensanglantée de Joseph Apportée à Jacob, themes of judgment and rejection are illustrated. The man is seen kneeling before a group of people, while the people turn their backs and gesture to him to back off. This is synonymous with Jean Valjean and how society would turn him away from work and a place to stay. His past comes to haunt him as everyone refuses to trust a man with a criminal past.

Another painting that reminded me of the characters in Les Misérables was a painting entitled Daphnis et Chloé by Artist François Gérard. Two lovers are pictured sitting in the middle of the forest, entranced by one another’s presence. The love that pervades the painting reminds me of Marius and Cosette’s relationship. And the forest is exactly like the Luxembourg Gardens where Marius and Cosette first exchanged glances. Actually bookpacking to the Luxembourg Garden and peeking through the gates (because the gardens were closed due to dangerous winds) brought their love story to life! I could visualize Cosette and Jean Valjean sitting on a stone bench taking in the beautiful greenery and enjoying the sounds of the birds chirping in the trees. Even though gray clouds permeated the sky when we visited, I could picture the sun shining down on the grass and Cosette’s heart shining even brighter when she saw Marius for the first time.

“She said to Jean Valjean, ‘How delightful this Luxembourg Garden is!’ Marius and Cosette appeared to each other as if in the dark. They did not speak to each other, they did not greet each other, they did not know each other. And like the stars of heaven, millions of miles apart, they existed by gazing at each other” (Hugo, 808).

Seeing this painting in the Louvre as well as visiting the Luxembourg Gardens visually solidified what their romance looked like in my mind.

Portrait d’un Gentilhomme Génois by Antoon van Dyck

And finally, I found Javert portrayed in Antoon van Dyck's painting of Portrait d’un Gentilhomme Génois. The stern nobleman is depicted clutching his sword, almost staring into your soul. This reminded me of Javert, who represents the embodiment of absolute law and order. Dyck utilizes dark colors in this painting to create a sense of foreboding. While reading Les Misérables, I felt this sense of fearful apprehension as I sat on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if Javert would ever capture Jean Valjean and throw him back in prison. Additionally, the black color used in this painting is essentially the absence of light. The absence of light is symbolic of Javert's lack of mercy for Jean Valjean even after he witnesses instances of Valjean’s compassion and kindness. As the novel progresses, Javert’s primary conundrum is whether to uphold the letter of the law as it is or see Jean Valjean’s acts as having the potential for redemption and mercy. Unable to resolve this internal struggle, Javert jumps into the Seine river and plummets to his death. Being able to bookpack and trace the route of Javert’s final riverside walk, supplemented my understanding of Les Misérables. Walking down the Seine river I tried putting myself in Javert’s head, imagining the moral dilemma that he faced. The torrential rain and loud thunder that rumbled in the distance truly set the scene for this tragic moment. While seeing the play back in London definitely helped me visualize what this moment looked like, walking in Javert’s footsteps allowed me to be fully immersed in his experience.

Tracing the route of Javert’s final riverside walk

Looking back at my first blog, I talked a lot about my struggles with reading Les Misérables and visualizing the story while bookpacking. After week three, I can confidently say that the combination of bookpacking, museums, art galleries and more has made the stories of A Tale of Two Cities and Les Misérables come to life in a way I never could have imagined.

The Art of The Flâneur

21,000 steps a day.

Of those 21,000 steps, I spend about 13,000 bookpacking through Paris. Sixteen of us go off into the Parisian streets tracing the trajectories of A Tale of Two Cities and Les Misérables while submerging ourselves in the history of the 18th and 19th centuries. Of the remaining 8,000 steps, I find myself sauntering around this beautiful city, not only admiring the elaborate and decorative architecture but the relaxed and chic nature of the Paris locals.

However, it took me a while to master the art of being a flâneur when I first arrived in Paris.

Charlotte and Lili enjoying their meal after a very long wait…

After a long day of travel on the Eurostar from London, I could not wait to get settled into my charming apartment and devour a quick Parisian meal before preparing for the 3-week journey that awaited. My roommates and I searched for restaurants near us and found the closest one to be 15 minutes away! Annoyed by its inconvenience, we rushed out of our apartment and down the residential streets of the 16th district. It was only 7:00 pm but everything appeared to be so quiet and serene. The only noise you could hear was the sound of the trees gracefully swaying in the wind. Where was everybody? We filled the silence with our American laughter but remembered not to be too loud so we wouldn’t draw attention toward ourselves. Upon approaching the restaurant, I was shocked to see how bright and lively it was inside. The restaurant radiated a vibrant but comforting atmosphere that welcomed its customers inside. This is where the action was! We were greeted by the host and swiftly seated to our table, but after ten minutes passed, and then fifteen, I quickly realized that this was not going to be a fast meal. As my impatience intensified I began to pass the time by trying to discern the French words on the menu without help from my roommates Lili and Charlotte. And while my Dad taught me a few words before this trip, I still struggled to comprehend the French language. The language, the routine, and the culture were all so foreign to me.

Growing up in New York City I am accustomed to the fast-paced lifestyle. The buzzing traffic, the hustle and bustle of the people, and the 24-hour routine are what keeps me going. New York City makes me feel alive as it hums with relentless energy from dawn to dusk. The city pulsates with productivity, urging its occupants to go go go. I’ve never not been doing something. And there has never been a moment where I am not trying to maximize my time. So as I was sitting in this restaurant I became restless because suddenly things have taken a pause. In New York City, there is no time to pause. Here in Paris, I had been instantaneously knocked off my fast-paced rhythm that I grew so comfortable to know. As we were sitting and waiting for our pasta, I thought about my strong-willed Nana who was born and raised in New York City. She would have walked straight out of that restaurant after ten minutes because it’s not customary for us New Yorkers to wait.

And that’s the beauty of Paris. Waiting and slowing down to savor life’s simple pleasures. The dichotomy between Paris’ serene, leisurely rhythm and New York City’s fast-paced rhythm was intimidating at first, but I knew I needed to adapt if I wanted to have the best Parisian experience for the next 3 weeks.

Every morning on my commute to Accent Study Center, I put my flâneuring skills to the test. I have to remind myself to saunter, not stride. There is no need to rush in the mornings because my roommates and I leave ample time before lecture starts. Every time I find myself speeding up in pace, I try slowing myself down and taking a deep breath. I attempt to walk down the streets guided by my senses. What can I hear, feel, see, taste, touch? My morning walks allow me to expand my capacity for wonder and discover new pleasures I might have missed if I focused solely on getting to my destination.

The black Scottish terrier that I pass on my morning commute

I pass a petite old lady, around the age of 70 or so, wearing a long black coat and high heels every day. She holds her head low as she walks her black Scottish terrier to the park that is located right behind our apartment building. I wonder what her life was like. What she was like when she was a little kid. If she has ever been loved or in love. I conjure up different narratives of who this woman is and was. If not for a city that encourages a mindful appreciation for life’s moments, I would not have noticed this lady or frankly cared about her.

What's different about Paris from New York City is that Parisian culture enables you to bask in the beauty of your surroundings and appreciate the little things. Paris has opened my eyes to the joy of the present moment rather than pondering over the past and anxiously awaiting the future. And while I will never be able to change the hustle, bustle nature of New York City, I want to implement Parisian leisurely rhythm into my life to find my own balance. A balance that allows me to recharge and indulge in the art of being a flâneur.

“A calm and modest life brings more happiness than the pursuit of success combined with constant restlessness.”

— Albert Einstein

Transformation of Perspective

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.