39 reviews for:

The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories: From Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter

Jessica Harrison

3.27 AVERAGE

willajules's review against another edition

2.0

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There are some great stories bundled in this book but honestly, this was not really my cup of tea. Many short stories, most of which did not really captivate me and ended abruptly and strangely. Fortunately, there were some nicely written stories in between, so I can still give 2 stars.

rrrebekahmay's review against another edition

3.0

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Like all short story collections, this was a mixed bag. See my status updates for my brief thoughts and ratings of each story. Generally this was good fun. Most of them was ok, some really good and fun ones, some terrible ones. Only one I couldn't finish! This was a nice read but, do be warned, there is a fair amount of sad stories so it's not all candy canes and happy endings.

studybibimedi's review against another edition

4.0

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better late than never

goslingandplumb's review against another edition

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It's short stories - I'll read the rest next Christmas. 

blueisthenewpink's review against another edition

4.75

medium-paced

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

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Excellent collection, high quality literature on every page. The ones that somehow stood out from the rest for me were:
Saki: Reginald's Christmas Revel (a joyful surprise)
Dorothy L. Sayers: The Necklace of Pearls (I love a detective story without a murder)
Truman Capote: A Christmas Memory (an unusual friendship but what really got me was the end)
Italo Calvino: Santa's Children (oh, he's so good, even when writing about something like how commercialised Christmas has become)
Lucia Berlin: Noël. Texas. 1956 (very Lucia Berlin)

It's been a great way to get into some kind of Christmas spirit, highly recommended.

katieellenf's review against another edition

2.0

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

danpeachey's review against another edition

3.0

lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

chispy130's review against another edition

4.5

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

sbloxham's review against another edition

3.75

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: N/A

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: N/A

Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

emerion's review against another edition

1.0

sad