Book Review of
Mr. Dickens and His Carol
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.
Lynn's Review
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva is a well written and creative book. But I have mixed feelings about. I read this book because I was curious. I wanted to see what the author would do with the story. They story is great. It is sweet, interesting, and well written. My issue is that it changes Charles Dickens. There are just too many liberties with history taken, and I couldn’t get beyond that. It distracted me from the story. However, I know a lot of people enjoy this one. If you are a hardcore Charles Dickens fan, like my daughter is, than you should probably stay away from this one. If you don’t have strong feelings about Charles Dickens and his writings, you will probably enjoy this for a holiday type of read.