A review by kt_rider
Mr. Ives' Christmas by Oscar Hijuelos

5.0

Gorgeous prose that purposely invokes the masterful writing of Dickens. This story, be warned, is not even close to a Christmas story despite the deceiving title. Rather, it is a thoughtful and nostalgic meditation on grief. It is also a stunning, and honest, ode to the often contradictory experience of living in New York City, and specifically Hamilton Heights and Brooklyn. Hijuelos manages to steep this entire novel in sadness, yet the story never feels overwhelmingly depressive. I am already looking forward to rereading this, and to picking up Hijuelos’ other novels.