A Christmas Carol is a classic book, so not my typical review. But I’ll try. I’ve always had trouble with Dickens – I’ve never finished reading one of his books. I just couldn’t stand the wordiness and there were too many references that I didn’t understand. But, since I’ve never read this one, and it’s only about 100 pages long, I decided to give it a go.I enjoyed the book. Of course, knowing the story going in helped a lot. The descriptions were, for the most part, understandable. I really liked the description of Scrooge at the beginning where he is first introduced. It left a vivid picture of him in my mind.
There were several literary allusions that I didn’t understand. I needed to be in a high school English class where the teacher would either explain it, or make us look it up. Since I wasn’t being “graded” I didn’t bother, and I don’t feel I missed too much.
The book has a great message, and here’s a quote that I think sums it up pretty well:
“It is required of every man,” the Ghost returned, “that the spirit within him should walk abroad among his fellowmen, and travel far and wide; and if that spirit goes not forth in this life, it is condemned to do so after death. It is doomed to wander through the world-oh, woe is me!-and witness what it cannot share, but might have shared on earth, and turned to happiness!”
So, I think this is a worthwhile read, especially if you are in the mood for something “Christmasy.” I hope the holiday season finds you and your families in good health and good cheer. I hope you all find this time of year restful and fulfilling. Even if you don’t celebrate the Christian holiday, have a Happy New Year and enjoy some time off!
I read A Christmas Carol on my Kindle. This book was free through Amazon.
I am not big on the classics either. I have been trying to read Wuthering Heights for the past year. I think I am on the second chapter. I doubt I will get any further either. Not sure if I could read this book, the only Christmas Carol I ever saw was Mickey Mouse's Christmas Carol as a kid and ever since it basically ruined all other versions. I am 22 now and still think of the story by seeing Disney Characters. haha. Oh well. Good review though.
ReplyDeleteI try to read the classics but they tend to not be my cup of tea. I have never read this book but flirted with the idea of doing so several times in recent years...maybe next year?haha.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I LOVE my Kindle <3