A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (five stars)
(Duke Classics version, similar cover) 2008 review:
‘When men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.’
Having re-read it again after so many years, I’m surprised how pure and simple the story is–very much unlike typical Dickens fare. Not his best writing, perhaps, but probably his greatest contribution to western culture.
“The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune.”
If you haven’t–or haven’t recently–do read the original again. Well worth the effort, especially during December. If your heart isn’t warmed, perhaps it needs sterner therapy . . . such as a trio of nocturnal visitations.
“That which promised happiness when we were one in heart, is fraught with misery now that we are two.”
2022 addendum: A simple tale, simply told, yet most modern adaptations stray from the original. Do read it; all of it.
‘Best and happiest of all, the Time before him was his own, to make amends in!’
As a Matter of Fancy 