Reviews - A Christmas Carol

4.35k reviews for:

I did much better emotionally reading this edition over the one I did twenty 27 years ago. I became so infuriated by the Scrooge character after I got a free ticket to a professional Theatre in Seattle, Act Theatre, that I majored in Drama at the UW also in Seattle and graduated second in my class. This was the second reading of this classic that I did so only because a friend wrote a favorable review after reading it for our mutual book club. Did I mention that I have cheated death at least three times and I am a walking miracle. So Tiny Tim's extended story lives through me. I got four "chuckles" and a blithe spirit visiting from Act Theatre's new casting of a seasoned classic play. Go to Seattle and see this play, you won't be disappointed. Time heals all wounds. And God bless us one and all.

anapgpo's review against another edition

3.5

inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

myoldbuddy05's review against another edition

4.0

Much funnier than I expected, especially toward the beginning.

lrjohnson13's review against another edition

4.0

What a classic! This is one of my must to reads during the holidays even year. It always seems to put everything in perspective (at least for a little while).

rob_c's review against another edition

4.0

I’ve wanted to try Charles Dickens for some time now but have been put off because of the impression that his writings may be dark, depressing and humourless. But, considering Christmas is almost upon us, I finally decided that A Christmas Carol might be the best way to test out the water.

The first problem is an obvious one, you can’t help but already know this story inside and out, thanks to the innumerable adaptations and retellings in all kinds of media there have been over the years. But if you can accept that and simply revel in the fact that this is the original then it’s well worth your time. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book and it even managed to squeeze a tear or two from me toward the end. Despite the initial content being dour, I felt that Dickens’ writing throughout had a hint of levity to it which carried me along with the words and never allowed things to get too dark.

I did find myself struggling with some of the phrasings, but I’m assuming those were colloquialisms of the time and they didn’t get in the way of my enjoyment.

And yes, I will be trying one of Dickens’ more expansive stories in the future, once I’ve built up the courage and decided on which one it will be.