I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva Published by Flatiron Books on October 31st 2017
Genres: Fiction, Historical, Family Life, Biographical, Holidays
Pages: 288
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
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“A charming, comic, and ultimately poignant story about the creation of the most famous Christmas tale ever written. It’s as foggy and haunted and redemptive as the original; it’s all heart, and I read it in a couple of ebullient, Christmassy gulps.†—Anthony Doerr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All The Light We Cannot See
Laced with humor, rich historical detail from Charles Dickens’ life, and clever winks to his work, Samantha Silva's Mr. Dickens and His Carol is an irresistible new take on a cherished classic.
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.
Mr. Dickens And His Carol by Samantha Silva is just the ticket when you’ve finished listening to Tim Curry narrate A Christmas Carol, have already watched The Muppet Christmas Carol 10 times in December and just need something different. This book does not retell A Christmas Carol. Instead, it imagines the writing of the famous book and just what lead to it. It takes on Charles Dickens and really brings the author back to life.
Samantha Silva’s Mr. Dickens And His Carol opens up with Charles Dickens and his wife about to give birth. Dickens’ publishers show up with bad news. His latest installment series isn’t selling too well. They are about to call in his debts. That is, unless he will agree to write a Christmas story within thirty days. Inspiration does not immediately strike. In fact, Dickens is kind of at a loss. Some drama ends up going down and his wife and kids head to Scotland because he’s not really holding up his bargain. It is at this point that he does find inspiration in a young woman named Eleanor Lovejoy and her son, Timothy.
Honestly, this book is a pretty decent Christmas/winter book. It has that classic sort of feel to it. Plus, I am going to put out there that I was totally shocked by the twist. I would bet that if you are a more observant person you will see it coming. The writing flows really well. If anything, Silva does a great job hooking you and then keeping you there. This happens via transported –Â Mr. Dickens And His Carol does setting very well. The writing has this feeling of time and place to it. I loved it.
On A Scale Of One To Buddy The Elf, How Much Christmas Spirit Does This Book Have?
Well, if we are thinking Victorian Buddy The Elf, this book is HERE FOR IT. Like, Dickens’ family is all about Christmas. They get gifts and love the toy store. There is a big party they put on every year. Plus there’s a lesson to be learned in the book. And with the story being centered around one of the biggest Christmas traditions (A Christmas Carol in all its iterations), this book is BURSTING AT THE SEAMS WITH SPIRIT, even if it takes Dickens awhile to find his.
Other reviews of Mr. Dickens And His Carol by Samantha Silva:
- Reading The Past – “a heartwarming tale of friendship and renewal“
- Coffee And Ink – “breathes new life into an adored classic“
- 20 Something Reads – “will enlighten and entertain all“
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