In the year that marks the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Dickens, it is fitting to celebrate the life of this extraordinary man and remind ourselves of his connections with Suffolk. Dickens had three professional careers: journalist, novelist and public performer and in all three, East Anglia played a significant role. Whilst his domestic life was less than exemplary, there exist first-hand testaments to his being a delightful, good-humoured companion, full of boundless energy. Janet Dann takes a look at the man and his work as she follows his links to our county.