Mr Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
(Format used for this read: Audiobook)
A book review written on Christmas Eve is JUST so appropriate for this read!
Yall… this book was just a yuletide DELIGHT.
It completely added to my feelings of Christmas cheer the past few days as I listened.
I finished it up this morning and I just LOVED IT.
I mentioned in a previous Christmas book review how much I adore “A Christmas Carol: retellings (“A Muppet Christmas Carol” still reigns supreme to me BTW….with “Scrooged” in second place as my fave grown up version retelling) so when I saw THIS book— a retelling of how A Christmas Carol was MADE—
Well, it was a no brainer that I just HAD to add this to my holiday season enjoyment immediately.
I completed it in two days.
Here is the official summary:
“Charles Dickens is not feeling the Christmas spirit. His newest book is an utter flop, the critics have turned against him, relatives near and far hound him for money. While his wife plans a lavish holiday party for their ever-expanding family and circle of friends, Dickens has visions of the poor house. But when his publishers try to blackmail him into writing a Christmas book to save them all from financial ruin, he refuses. And a serious bout of writer’s block sets in.
Frazzled and filled with self-doubt, Dickens seeks solace in his great palace of thinking, the city of London itself. On one of his long night walks, in a once-beloved square, he meets the mysterious Eleanor Lovejoy, who might be just the muse he needs. As Dickens’ deadlines close in, Eleanor propels him on a Scrooge-like journey that tests everything he believes about generosity, friendship, ambition, and love. The story he writes will change Christmas forever.”
I know Christmas Day is literally TOMORROW…but if you want a last minute book to snuggle up by the fire with this evening or tomorrow after all the gifts are unwrapped, you need to download it to your Kindle or your phone or whatever NOW…..this would be a WONDERFUL choice to round out your holiday with that spark of joyous redemption and hope for humanity that your heart is longing for.
Just like the original story.
Since this book is a work of fiction based on real life events, the author did her research on Charles Dickens’ life and the true origins of how his Christmas Carol came to be.
Yall know how I do with Google after I read books…..I *had* to go compare what I read in this book with what really happened.
(I do wish the author herself would have put an afterword or something with this information….which she may HAVE actually in the print version….let me know if she does!)
Many of the things in this book about Charles Dickens ARE factual. Things like why he wrote A Christmas Carol , his family make up and childhood history, his friends and colleagues names…the author even includes interesting personal tidbits as well…..like how he used to take twenty mile walks around London in late evenings to get inspiration for his writings.
But many of the things in the book are completely fictional and totally enjoyable “additions”. It is a comical, haunting and magical book to read.
The author stays true to writing about Victorian London exactly as Dickens did…the language used and settings described felt just like they do when you read his various works.
The progression of your emotional feelings while reading this story is very similar to what happens when you read or listen to the original “A Christmas Carol”….all those Christmas spirit feelings will just bubble up as you go and leave you feeling hopeful and full of holiday vibes.
Perfect for turning your own “Bah Humbug” into “Merry Christmas”.
If you don’t check it out this season, definitely put it on your list for next year.
Have a wonderful holiday if you celebrate Christmas, yall….
And….
God bless us, everyone!