The Book Report #52

Episode #51

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The Book

The ebook that I read contains three novellas by Charles Dickens: A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, and The Cricket on the Hearth. I will concentrate on A Christmas Carol, as that is what I wanted to read.

A Christmas Carol was first published by a London company called Chapman and Hall on December 19, 1843. It was originally 66 pages long.

This story has kept people scared and amused for over one hundred and eighty years and continues to be enjoyed in all forms of media.

What Did I Think

The person who created this ebook was helpful in adding notes that give details of the language from the time.

This is the story of a man named Scrooge who everyone believes is a bad, harsh man. A miser who doesn’t help anybody in need. Christmas Eve, the ghost of his past partner returns, to give a warning of what could happen if he continues along his present path. He sends three spirits to help and convince him to change his ways.

The story is written in the style of a narrator telling a story to someone or many someones, as was the case with Mr Dickens, as he had speaking engagements with many audiences.

Over the years I have seen more than enough adaptations from TV shows and movies. I felt it was time to read the book.

The Real Man?

In my view, Scrooge is just a man who had an idea of how he should live his life, even though he was told otherwise, he didn’t deviate. But over time, he withdrew from society as much as he was allowed. He could have had love, but his way of life and tunnel vision wouldn’t let him have that dream.

His life was that of someone used to being alone and feeling he didn’t need to do anything about it. I can understand that and even being a grumpy old man has a lot of appeal.

Scrooge was never bad, spiteful or evil otherwise he wouldn’t let Bob Cratchit spend time with his family over Christmas. He is simply a man trying to make money and doesn’t see the point of giving it away. Yes, he is a skinflint but that doesn’t make him a bad person, just a tad annoying.

Fair enough, his empathy could do with some work. And I know it is good for the story. But Jacob Marley, I think, exaggerated his case.

He never had a real reason to change or improve himself. And because of his friend dying, he withdrew even more and he saw no help coming his way.

The three spirits, although hurtful. Gave him the kick up the arse he needed to be put in good stead for his future. But even this in reality will take time for him to adjust permanently. And according to the story he did well.

It turns out Tiny Tim was the boost he needed. And maybe the impending death helped a little.

Listen to the Audiobook

Or Watch the Movie

There are loads here is a random one.

Would I Recommend

Yes, I believe this is a book that everyone should know. As I grow older I am learning many different aspects of people that give me a different view from when I was a kid. I have more sympathy for Scrooge.

So, please, give this Christmas tradition a try. And may it continue for many, many years to come.

Would you like to purchase your very own copy?

You could try these online stores: Amazon UK/USA. Waterstones. AbeBooks UK/ USA, Barnes and Noble and eBay UK/ USA.

Alternatively, you could try your local bookshop or even your local library.