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 Christmas spirit in book form - essential reading! December 24, 2008
I can't believe I haven't read this until now! Such a short and accessible book, but one that frightened me, made me laugh and cry, and positively dripped with Christmas spirit and goodwill.
It was atmospheric yet amusing, telling the familiar story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his physical and emotional journeys alongside the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet-To-Come. The terrible truths and moral messages uncovered on these journeys save Scrooge from a miserly existence doomed to end in loneliness and eternal despair, transforming it into one of happiness and generosity which will save more lives than his own.
I can see why so many people have a tradition of reading it every December - maybe it'll become a tradition of my own now!
 An absolute must-read December 8, 2008
Synopsis from Amazon:
Ebenezer Scrooge, whose name is now synonymous with greed and parsimony, believes Christmas to be 'humbug'. Refusing to donate any of his fortune to the poor, he comforts himself by saying, 'I don't make merry myself at Christmas, and I can't afford to make idle people merry.' But then the ghost of his old partner, Jacob Marley, returns from the grave to haunt him. Dragging a long and heavy chain, representing his mant sins, Marley sends down the three spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Future to warn scrooge against a similar fate...
This is an extremely well known story, and there have been many adaptations of the book, however, I would heartily recommend people read the book. It is a thoroughly enjoyable book, which I loved right from the beginning. Dickens is engaging, and writes in such a descriptive way I felt like I was there with Scrooge on his journey. Dickens looks at family, Christmas, community, poverty, wealth and personality, but in a light-hearted and engaging way. However, a message is conveyed throughout the book - don't be miserable, selfish, rude and tight-fisted towards those in need.
My favourite character was probably Fred, Scrooge's nephew. He was full of life, able to stand up to Scrooge, and embraced him as a family member even though Scrooge did not want to be accepted.
There is so much that can be said of this book, many issues raised, a whole life looked at and of course Dickens as a writer. I think he tactfully looks at poverty vs. the rich, and makes a point that people with money should be sharing, and that life would be better for those in need, and those in ill-health if charity was given. My favourite period in Scrooge's life was probably when he was a young man, an apprentice, full of life and fun. Had he kept on that road, his life would have been full of family, community and happiness. And as for Dickens, he is wonderful writer and I can find no faults with this book, I loved it.
10/10
Greed Versus Humanity: An Ancient Story That's Forever Fresh December 4, 2008
Dickens, it's said, created the British image of Christmas.
It would be a ridiculous but interesting challenge to name the world's most successful or influential work of fiction, but if it were attempted, this novella would be a strong contender. Crafted with all the brilliant wit and imagery of which Dickens was capable, it chronicles the redemption of an aging skinflint, rendered bitter and cruel by his passion for money, to whom life has become a trudge towards the grave.
Joy and love Ebenezer Scrooge has barred from his life, and for this, as his dead partner's ghost warns him, he is doomed to wander the Earth after death, chained by his hoarded loot. Yet he is to be rescued by the spirit - spirits actually: three of them - that burn hot and bright with forgiveness and hope amid the snow and of this darkest, final month.
Dickens wrote this tale as a protest in 1843, against the even then growing obsession with material wealth, and neglect of life's freely given riches; and today its message is as strong and apt as ever. To me, Christmas has not arrived until I've seen it told yet again in one of its many film adaptations, be it the black & white 1951 version starring Alastair Sim, or one of the later versions in which George C. Scott, Albert Finney, Patrick Stewart and many others have portrayed the old miser. This rich and unashamed snatch at our heartstrings never fails to pluck mine.
Graham Worthington, author, Wake of the Raven
A Christmas Carol January 2, 2008
It seems that lots of Christmas traditions were born in the UK between 15th and 19th century. Charles Dickens cleverly used the background of the Victorian houses and societies and produced a splendid Christmas story.
The highlight of this classic is that Mr Scrooge gradually becomes aware of his selfishness and indifference whilst being hooked on earning a lot of money for himself, while his former colleague, Marley takes him to the world where an awful number of people are suffering from the poverty. Marley who died seven years ago feels extremely guilty for ever not helping the poor when he was alive. Having become a ghost, he begs Mr Scrooge to provide goodwill to the miserable people. Moreover, he is taken to various places, in line with Christmas in his past, present, and future.
A series of dramatic dreams shows him the moral of Christianity and conveys the true spirit of Christmas, i.e. peace and goodwill to all. Consequently, he changes his mind, presents a cheerful manner, and offers generous support to people, to the astonishment of his employee, Bob Cratchit who is told by his boss that his salary will be raised.
The classic Victorian Christmas story December 15, 2007
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
A Christmas Carol is the classic Victorian Christmas story. Even though we know it well it continues to be a joy to read. Dickens creates some wonderful pictures of the bustling life in 19th century London. Some of the dialogue remains so fresh and still raises a smile in the reader no matter how many times you have read the book before. "You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose" says Scrooge to his clerk on Christmas Eve. And the conversation between Scrooge and the two gentlemen who are asking him for donations to help the poor and destitute at Christmas is as funny (and poignant) as anything in any Dickens novel.
Although it is sometimes described as a children's book I do feel parents need to make an assessment as to how their children may react to some of the ghost scenes. Some adults I know say they had nightmares as a result of the appearance of Marley's ghost and the rattling chains!
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