The most cheerful ghost story ever written, and the unforgettable tale of Ebenezer Scrooge's moral regeneration. Written in just a few weeks, A Christmas Carol famously recounts the plight of Bob Cratchit, whose family finds joy even in poverty, and the transformation of his miserly boss Scrooge and he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. From Scrooge's "Bah Humbug!" to Tiny Tim's "God bless us every one!" A Christmas Carol shines with warmth, decency, kindness humility, and the value of the holidays.
Loved
- Scrooge. Despite his being a cranky curmudgeon, Scrooge is actually quite a likable character because his grumpiness and dissatisfaction are so outrageous. While listening to the audiobook, I laughed out loud multiple times at Scrooge's facetious observations and mutterings. Scrooge's layer of ice turns out to be quite thin- it only takes a few seconds into the past before Scrooge is beside himself with excitement about the books he used to read, his classmates, and old friends. It's surprising how quickly Scrooge becomes humbled and tells the Ghost he knows whatever is shown him will be to his benefit. I found it very hard to not love this grumpy miser, even at the beginning of the story ;)
- Dickens' writing. Ever since reading Great Expectations as a sophomore in high school, I tend to brace myself a little for Dickens' writing since that one was a little hard to swallow as a 15-year-old. However, I'm always shocked at how I devour Dickens' writing - his witty commentary, descriptive imagery, hilariously relatable characters, and his astute insight into human nature. I decided while listening to this that Dickens has, quite without my knowledge, become one of my most treasured authors because of his ability to charm and move his readers.
- The message. Obviously, the character development in this story is beautifully done and very much the purpose of the novella. As Scrooge is shown his life and examines his priorities, we as readers naturally do the same. We, like Scrooge, realize that money, possessions, and comfort matter very little compared to the relationships, kindness, and love we nourish throughout our lives. Through Scrooge, we can be reminded not only of the true meaning of Christmas, but how to find true joy in our lives all year round.
- The audiobook. When I saw that Jim Dale narrates this story, I requested it immediately from the library- way back in September. Listening to the audiobook was a completely different experience, and I recommend that everyone listen to it. Jim Dale is, of course, phenomenal in his inflections, voices, and storytelling. This was such a delight to listen to while going about Christmas errands and, since it is only three hours long, will become a new Christmas tradition for me from now on.
Didn't Love
- I wouldn't change anything about this treasure of a story :)
Content
Content
- Language:
- Not present.
- Sexual content:
- Some flirting described, one or two sweet kisses.
- Violence:
- No violence.
- Other themes:
- Talk of death as Scrooge sees his future after he has died.
- He also sees his body under a sheet, but does not know at the time it is his own dead body.
- Talk of robbing and looting his body after he has died.
- Not present.
- Some flirting described, one or two sweet kisses.
- No violence.
- Talk of death as Scrooge sees his future after he has died.
- He also sees his body under a sheet, but does not know at the time it is his own dead body.
- Talk of robbing and looting his body after he has died.
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