My children have discovered Sherlock Holmes and are keen for stories based in Victorian London. They saw “Enola Holmes” in the queue and just had to see both movies. I approve.
I have to admit that I am immensely pleased by this. As a story setting, that time is very interesting and almost alien to this upcoming generation. There’s a mystique to the setting for them, as we talk about horse-drawn carriages and the yellow fog of the Industrial Revolution.
Also, as a Union member and former steward, any moment I can show these kids what it means to fight for your rights as a workforce is one I cherish. The late 1800’s were a time of social upheavals and the precursor to even more, and greater, moments of the same.
Study your histories, readers. Great things were done for us to think of commonplace concepts like equality in the modern era, voting rights, safe working environments, and the right to a fair day’s wage for a fair day’s work, which did not exist all that long ago, in the grand scheme of things.
Of course, once they go to bed, I’m left with wanting to enjoy more of that setting on my own. While I could rewatch the films or take down one of my books set in that time period, I thought I should indulge myself and play a video game.
I know, shocking. I actually let myself be entertained by a game for once.
I’m going to stay up for a while and wander around “Syndicate”. The designers are masters of crafting the scenery, and there’ll be moments I’ll just sit on a bench somewhere in London and watch the crowds.
That may sound boring, and for some it is, but trust me, it’s interesting!
Stay safe out there, readers!
-JB Swift
Swift's Corner 