Reviews

The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry

teatime_and_reading's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.25

imme_van_gorp's review against another edition

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3.0

First read: August 2022 | ★3.0 stars
Second read: November 2023 | ★3.0 stars

This is a story about love and poverty, and the message behind it is really quite sweet.

Two people, very much in love, want to buy each other a Christmas present, but have no money to spare. To get their lover a gift anyway, they both sell their most prized possession.
However, they eventually find out that neither can use the gift the other bought because they sold their own possessions. This could have been a pretty depressing revelation, but no; they're both still really happy because it was actually the thought and sacrifice that counted. 
They each agree that such beautiful selflessness and such unwavering devotion was something money could never buy. Thus, even though they were both ‘worse’ off in the end, they most definitely did not feel like it.

badseedgirl's review against another edition

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3.0

Traditionally I do not enjoy Authors who write novels with heavy handed moral being hammered into my head with a 50 lbs. mallet, but in O. Henry's case I will make a exception. This story of what one is willing to sacrifice for true love is touching. What can I say I love schmaltz and Heavy handed Christmas tales.

tophat8855's review against another edition

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4.0

Revisited this classic I had read in school. Still a classic.

aydanroger's review against another edition

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sad fast-paced

4.0

redbug_589's review against another edition

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informative reflective relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

nivis's review against another edition

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5.0

Cute.

pilesoflaundry113's review against another edition

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3.0

I'm in one of those going through and adding everything I read as a kid moods.

ajola_ganesan's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

5.0

raisavibes's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved loved loved this story! I was in the mood to read a short story and I stumbled upon this book on Amazon. It was the best decision ever. I suggest not reading the synopsis or reviews, believe me just read it and you won’t regret. It’s only 30-something pages. My mom read this book as a kid and it’s mommy approved too!