Eight stars
At this time of year, many will partake in some form of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas tale. However, the story behind its creation is equally as intriguing, as I came to learn through Samantha Silva and her story, Mr. Dickens and His Carol. While fictitious, Silva recounts a vivid story that offers up a number of wonderful treats about how a popular author rose to a publisher's challenge and penned a story that has touched the lives of millions every Christmas. Recommended to those with a love of the holiday season, as well as the reader who may want to chase the Scrooge out of their heart.
Charles Dickens had proven himself countless times in the literary world. Many of his books were household names, with characters people could recognise in their own lives. However, every author has their bumps in the road and Dickens was not immune. A poorly received novel had many wondering if he might be on his way out.
Reluctantly, Dickens accepts a challenge to write a Christmas story in a short time period, as his publisher wants something to sell to the masses at the height of the holiday season. It would have to be unique and yet something relatable, leaving Dickens to wonder how he could come up with something so swiftly. If that were not enough to weigh on his mind, Dickens had six children of his own and a father who always seems to have his hand out for money.
Choosing to go incognito, Dickens checks himself into a boarding house and begins writing, infusing ideas from his own life and peppering the story with talk of ghosts. Things seem to flow and he receives a little outside influence, but Dickens cannot be sure if this is a winner. When he finishes the last of it, Dickens lays himself down for a rest, with hopes that it will meet the expectations of those who will read it.
When he wakes, Dickens is shocked to see the manuscript is missing. After pleas for assistance, Dickens is forced to realise that his story is gone and he will have to begin again. This time, however, things flow with ease and the story builds through each stave. Characters come to life and the theme resonates with each page of the manuscript. He finishes it quickly and is ready to deliver it for publication, but first would like a special boy to hear it, if only to give his nod of approval.
It was only last Christmas season that I finally sat to read A Christmas Carol for the first time. I have seen the movie and know the premise, but the story itself takes on new meaning when one is able to hear the prose Dickens used. Samantha Silva connects with those sentiments as she pens this wonderful book that is the perfect accompaniment of a classic story.
Charles Dickens is surely the protagonist of the piece, but it is more the outside influences that he encounters that make the story. Silva creates a masterful character in Dickens and provides stellar development throughout the piece, while also effectively showing where the ideas arose for his holiday story. While Dickens does have some Scrooge in him at times, it is his own epiphany in the story that is sure to enamour readers to him.
Samantha Silva shows that she is not only able to write, but capture the time period effectively. Reading this immediately after the Dickens story, I was able to contrast the sentiments and felt as though I was actually in Victorian England, from the lilt of the character interactions to the language used and even the description of the surroundings. This adds depth and excitement to an already energetic piece. The reader is transported to the cobbled streets through short and succinct chapters that are full of narrative gems. The story came to life and never faded for me, keeping me wondering how things would progress. Silva's research is apparent throughout this piece and I cannot wait to see what else she's explored in her writing.
Kudos, Madam Silva, for a story almost as exciting as Dickens' own work. I think I may have found another book to add to my annual Christmas list.
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