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

4.0

I braced myself for a very sad book, no parent would wish to outlive their child. Instead, however, the sad event was introduced early and the novel became more of a meditation on sadness. The lives of the characters are quiet but well-considered, I was reminded of Colm Toibin's or Alice McDermott's characters. I appreciated the message of faith and the place it held in Ives' story, but I was even more struck by the idea of being able to bravely move forward in the face of tragedy. Wonderful.