A review by maelead21
Christmas Books: A Christmas Carol, The Chimes, The Cricket on the Hearth, The Battle of Life, The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain by Charles Dickens, Eleanor Farjeon

dark reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I wanted to have a go with Dickens as I have never read any of his novels, but I've seen adaptations of the books. It definitely took some time to get used to reading it, but once I had a couple of chapters in me I got the hang of it. These stories definitely tackled the topics of stagnant economic or social growth in mid to late century England, but they also were about second chances and redemption even if the character didn't deserve it. The Chimes was definitely one of the stories I struggled with but ended up truly enjoying out of my reading.