Book Review: A Christmas Carol

By John Rodgers

Some classic stories are just there. As years pass, a story’s characters, scenarios, and morals become so ingrained into the public’s collective consciousness that few bother to seek out and experience the actual source material for themselves. For many, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol falls into this category.

Living in 19th century London with a complete disregard for kindness, elderly miser Ebenezer Scrooge spent Christmas Eve dismissing the company of solicitors, street carolers, and his warmhearted nephew. Scrooge is later visited by a series of motley ghosts who reveal the past events that shaped his outlook, the present victims of his cruelty, and the ghastly future that awaits him: a death not mourned — but celebrated. This isn’t a spoiler. After all, people are exposed to any
number of retellings of this timeless tale each December.

What might shock audiences about the original text is the weight of its message, which is typically watered down in television and film adaptations. This is a dark book. Everyone knows how A Christmas Carol ends; it’s one of the happiest finales ever committed to print. But in order to get there, the reader must first endure pages upon pages of loss, disregard, and regret. The payoff is worth it. Dickens’ rich imagery may be too lengthy for some (especially in chapter three), but it sets an unforgettable atmosphere for each of Scrooge’s travels through time.

With only five chapters, this brisk novella makes for a quick read to be enjoyed before bedtime or in between larger stories. It’s also a ton of fun to read aloud. The uncut version is available from Sequoyah Regional Library System in print or book-on-CD versions as well as abridged copies accessible for younger readers. Audiobook versions can be downloaded by logging into the SRLS e-Library using OverDrive or Libby. Those looking to kick off their holiday season early are encouraged to do so by celebrating one of Dickens’ most masterful works.