I read this every year at Christmas, and I always will do. Simply because of the atmosphere it evokes. This story is Christmas as far as IÂ’m concerned. It wouldnÂ’t be the same without it. It is perfectly festive and is also appropriately didactic. It is an allegory for what happens to those that are unnecessarily bitter and twisted, refusing to take part in a joyful occasion. It is a glimpse at what could happen to someone who rejects their family upon trivial grounds, and letÂ’s themselves be set apart. It is also a suggestion that one shouldnÂ’t be so concerned with money. Money isnÂ’t everything; it certainly didnÂ’t buy olÂ’ Scrooge happiness. But, Christmas did and will do so again.



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__________________________________4-star-reads classics901 s6 comments Ruby GrangerAuthor 2 books49.3k

One of my favourite books of all time. It's a beautiful reminder of the spirit of Christmas, what the holiday represents and how we can be more kind and mindful of our actions.convenience906 s Bill KerwinAuthor 3 books83.3k


It has been a decade since I last read this classic, so I decided to look at it again, taking note of what I have forgotten or imperfectly remembered and also garnering any new insights my older (and I hope wiser) self could now find within it.

But first, I decided to do a little research, and discovered the great irony underlying the bookÂ’s creation: how this tale that warns against miserliness was born because of Dickens' acute need for money, and how its publication resulted in a dispute about the distribution of profits.

Dickens was already famous in 1843, but the sales of the recent installments of Martin Chuzzlewit were less than half of what he had received for the individual numbers of his previous novels. His publishers Chapman and Hall were so alarmed that they invoked a clause in Dickens' contract which demanded that they be reimbursed for the printing cost of the Chuzzlewit installments. Dickens was alarmed too, but also hurt, offended...and worried. A large mortgage payment would soon be due, and his wife had just given birth to their fifth child. Still, he was convinced that his idea for a yuletide novella would yield an ample return and make up for the Chuzzlewit deficit.

He financed the sumptuous edition of A Christmas Carol himself—colored plates, colored title page, gilt embossed front cover, gilt-edged pages, etc.—and insisted that the price not exceed the sum of 5 shillings (still expensive: one third of Cratchit’s weekly salary). Dickens waited eagerly for the money to roll in, but, although the sales were indeed phenomenal, Dickens gained little money from them. Although the cost of producing the elegant volume must have cut deeply into the profits, Dickens was convinced Chapman and Hall were cheating him and he refused to do business with them for the next fifteen years.

But enough of money matters, for now! What follows are a few random observations on this, the latest of my many readings.

1) How thoroughly MarleyÂ’s Ghost is surrounded by iron objects: doorknocker (large Victorian doorknockers were typically iron), iron door nails, iron coffin nails, iron chain and iron metal strong box. Helps us see what hard, unrelenting old sinners Marley and his partner really are.

2) In addition to being hard of heart, Scrooge is a man with a deliberate philosophy of self-exoneration. It consists of two principles: 1) taxpayers fund the poor houses and prisons, thereby discharging in full their obligation to all of their fellow human beings, and 2) death by starvation, although it may seem regrettable, is actually a positive good as proven by science (because Malthus!), and relieves the rest of us of the burden of a surplus population. This philosophy is the shield that protects Scrooge from feeling the pains of sympathy and compassion.

3) The first emotion produced in Scrooge by the Ghost of Christmas Past is sadness at this own boyhood loneliness, but the second emotion is his joy in the books that consoled him and helped him empathize with others: The Arabian Nights, the old romances (Valentine and Orson), and realistic fiction (Robinson Crusoe). In EbenezerÂ’s coming transformation, the sadness and its memory are of course necessary, but no more necessary than this joy.

4) At Fezziwig’s Christmas party, the guest list is inclusive: the family and the clerks of course, but also the housemaid, the baker, the cook, the milkman, and a boy and a girl from down the street whom the Fezziwigs fear are mistreated by their masters and mistresses. Scrooge’s defense of his employer Fezziwig's little party which may only have cost “a few pounds” is even more eloquent than I remembered: He has the power to render us happy or unhappy; to make our service light or burdensome; a pleasure or a toil. Say that his power lies in words and looks; in things so slight and insignificant that it is impossible to add and count them up: what then? The happiness he gives, is quite as great as if it cost a fortune." If I were dictator, I would compel our 21st century employers to listen to the above words at least four times a year. (Exception: employers who, in order to increase the volume of key strokes, forbid all family photographs and personal items in their data entry cubicles. No, those guys should have to listen to the above passage on a loop, eight hours a day, for the rest of their lives.)

5) In my favorite movie version, the Alastair Sim Scrooge (1951), Ebenezer sees his former fiance as an old woman (still beautiful of course) nursing the sick and dying in the shadowy corners of the poorhouse. It is moving, certainly, but how much more effective—and crueler—is the Dicken’s original! There, Scrooge sees his former love happy in the recent past, a contented wife and mother surrounded by a whirlwind of children.

6) In the past I have viewed the temporal structure of the tale (ghost past, ghost present, ghost future) as an effective but obvious device. But the more I think about it, the more profound it seems, psychologically and spiritually. This, after all, is the pattern of every true conversion, the manner in which we grow in sympathy toward our fellow human beings: we reflect upon the emotionally charged sense impressions of the past, observe their consequences for good or ill manifested in the present, and then—on the basis of these observations—we make a decision to act in a new way, a way which draws us closer to love. Certainly St. Augustine would have understood, for it was how he envisioned the Trinity, as a model of love in action: memory, understanding, and will.

Oh, speaking of how painful memories can inspire a person to action, I forgot to tell you the rest of the story about A Christmas Carol and money. Another factor that reduced Dickens' yuletide revenue stream was a cut-rate bit of plagiarism issued two weeks after Carol by ParleyÂ’s Illustrated Library called A Christmas Ghost Story. Parley's claimed they owed Dickens nothing because what they had published was not a piracy, but an "analytical condensation" of the tale, and, in addition, they had improved upon the original. (For example, in their version, Tiny Tim sings a song about a little child freezing in the snow.) Dickens sued and won, but ParleyÂ’s went bankrupt, and instead of gaining any money from his legal ordeal, Dickens was forced to pay 700 pounds in court costs.

Now, here comes the good news: This painful experience so disillusioned Dickens with English civil law that he used it as his inspiration ten years later for what is arguably his finest, most mature creation, the masterpiece Bleak House. So I guess Dickens gained something from the experience after all.

On that high note, I will leave you. And God bless us, everyone!585 s5 comments Federico DN744 2,042

Bah! Humbug!

Ebenezer Scrooge is a bitter old man, working day after day in his office, mistreating everyone around him, caring only about making riches and little else. Christmas Eve is no exception, as he dismisses it as utter humbug. But that might change when a fatidic night, he is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future; and shown the error in his ways.

I must admit I found this a very complicated reading, to the point I dragged this book for more than a month when it can be finished in a couple of days, or even hours. I could never grasp Dickens style of writing; excessively flowery, and overly convoluted. I skimmed quite a lot, and had difficulty understanding whatever else remained. Gave me quite a slump, for which in a way IÂ’m grateful since it allowed me to review many past readings. Sadly I already knew much of the plot because I watched 'Scrooged' several decades ago. Maybe it also didnÂ’t help that IÂ’m kind of a Grinch regarding Christmas.

Still, an immortal Christmas classic that requires no introduction. Recommendable, for the right audience.

ItÂ’s public domain, you can find it HERE.

*** A Christmas Carol (1984). Definitely the most faithful movie by far. Several quotations can be found through the whole film, which deviates little from the original script. George C. Scott plays a highly convincing Ebenezer. And also notable Warner, Rees and Tiny Tim. Aged well all things considered. Most recommendable for adults who want to enjoy a serious faithful adaptation.

*** A Christmas Carol (2009). An animated film made by Disney. A reasonably faithful adaptation, with many direct quotations and stars Carrey, Oldman and Firth performing voice acting. Remarkable special effects and action scenes that not necessarily go well with the book. Recommendable mostly for children, and adults with a child at heart that donÂ’t mind going a bit off script.

*** Scrooged (1988). A comedy retelling and the most unfaithful adaptation by far, and still my personal favorite! Bill Murray is magnificently hilarious from start to finish. Karen Allen also plays a completely adorable Claire (a crush for a time). Exceedingly easy to watch, funny, romantic, and very uplifting. Powerfully transmits that sickly sweet Christmas feeling, even to a Grinch me. Highly recommendable for any audience.

And as Tiny Tim would say


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PERSONAL NOTE :
[1843] [104p] [Classics] [Conditional Recommendable]
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¡Bah! ¡Paparruchas!

Ebenezer Scrooge es un viejo amargado, trabajando día tras día en su oficina, maltratando a todos a su alrededor, importándole sólo ganar riquezas y nada más. La Navidad no es una excepción, a la que descarta como completas paparruchas. Pero eso podría cambiar cuando una fatídica noche es visitado por los Fantasmas de la Navidad Pasada, Presente y Futura; y comprender el error de sus maneras.

Debo admitir que hallé esto una lectura bastante complicada, hasta el punto de que arrastré este libro por más de un mes cuando puede terminarse en un par de días, o incluso horas. Nunca pude ajustarme al estilo de escritura de Dickens; excesivamente florido, y demasiado enrevesado. Salteé algo bastante, y tuve dificultad para entender lo que sea que quedaba. Me dio un bloqueo importante, por el que estoy agradecido en cierta forma porque me dio la oportunidad de reseñar muchas lecturas pasadas. Lamentablemente ya sabía bastante de la trama porque vi 'Scrooged' varias décadas atrás. Tal vez tampoco ayudó que soy medio Grinch con respecto a la Navidad.

Aun así, un clásico inmortal de Navidad que no requiere introducción. Recomendable, para la audiencia correcta.

Es dominio público, lo pueden encontrar ACA.

*** Canción de Navidad (1984). Definitivamente la película más fiel por lejos. Varias citas pueden ser encontradas a lo largo de todo el film, que se desvía poco del guion original. George C. Scott hace un muy convincente Ebenezer. También notables Warner, Rees y el pequeño Tim. Añeja bien considerando todo. Más recomendable para adultos que disfrutan una seria y fiel adaptación.

*** Canción de Navidad (2009). Un lindo film animado hecho por Disney. Una razonablemente fiel adaptación, con varias citas directas y estrellas como Carrey, Oldman y Firth actuando las voces. Destacan efectos especiales y escenas de acción que no necesariamente van bien con el libro. Recomendable mayormente para pequeños, y adultos con corazón de niño que no resientan desviarse un poco del texto.

*** Scrooged (1988). Una versión comedia y la adaptación menos fiel por lejos, y aun así ¡mi favorita personal! Murray es magníficamente hilarante de principio a fin. Karen Allen también actúa una completamente adorable Claire (un flechazo por un tiempo). Excesivamente fácil de ver, graciosa, romántica, y muy inspiradora. Poderosamente transmite ese asquerosamente dulce sentimiento de Navidad, incluso para un Grinch como yo. Altamente recomendable para cualquier audiencia.



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NOTA PERSONAL :
[1843] [104p] [Clásico] [Recomendable Condicional]
-----------------------------------------------adapted classics free-domain450 s2 comments Lisa of Troy634 5,752

How many of you know an Ebenezer Scrooge? How many of you are Ebenezer Scrooge?

Written in 1843, A Christmas Carol is a novella that has stood the test of time.

This year, we didn’t put up a Christmas tree, and I haven’t been feeling the “Christmas spirit.” But this book squarely right sided the situation.

A Christmas Carol hits on some important societal issues, and it has iconic, unforgettable characters. It also has some laugh-out-loud moments.

Here is one of my favorite quotes:

“What shall I put you down for?”

“Nothing!” Scrooge replied.

“You wish to be anonymous?”

“I wish to be left alone,” said Scrooge.

As Scrooge explores what each of the ghosts has to show him, I loved how the ghosts use ScroogeÂ’s own words against him.

This year, A Christmas Carol hit very differently. Over the past few years, I lost my ability to control my left leg due to a genetic defect.

Tiny Tim talks about going to church and says, “it might be pleasant to them to remember upon Christmas Day, who made lame beggars walk, and blind men see.”

This passage really got to me, and I started to cry. In February, I started an experimental treatment, and I was able to walk again. When I go to church, there are usually no seats left except in the front. As part of my genetic defect, my body canÂ’t process protein. There are extremely high levels of protein in my blood including my brain, and it makes me unbearably tired.

What do people see when they see me sleeping in the third row of church? Do people see me as someone who gave what little energy they had to God? Or do they see someone lazy and disrespectful? Or should I not care and just be happy that I made it to church and that I can walk again?

A Christmas Carol is a great reminder to bring Christmas cheer. When talking about Scrooge, so many people choose to go positive and wish him a Merry Christmas. Who can we show kindness to this holiday season?

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Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta381 s1 comment Dr. Appu Sasidharan (Dasfill)1,358 3,275

What is the best way to celebrate Christmas?

There are many ways we can answer the above question.. But my first answer always will be - To reread A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.


My favorite three lines from this book.
"No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused"

"It is a fair, even-handed, noble adjustment of things, that while there is infection in disease and sorrow, there is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor."

"Really, for a man who had been out of practice for so many years, it was a splendid laugh!"


This is a book about love, family, empathy, and celebration. It will teach you how to prioritize things in your life correctly, love others, and laugh properly. It also will make you understand the importance of family in our lives.

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A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

It's a very heartwarming story and will remind one to have a giving and loving spirit. Loved this story. The tale is as delightful as its messages are. Found the messages so touching. I have gotten so much empathy toward the characters that'll be hard to describe. It'll break your heart, uplift your soul, and make you believe in the power of humanity and the human spirit.
For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas
A timeless classic.325 s Candi655 4,976

Update on December 24, 2020:

I listened to this on audio this time around; something a bit different for me. I enjoyed the narration quite a lot, but there's nothing that beats reading Dickens in print. This story never fails to cheer, inspire, and give me pause to reflect on those things that I hold most dear in my life. Here's to a 2021 that will hopefully shine much brighter than 2020!

Original review (2016):

When I think of Christmas and all those things that make Christmas so special, A Christmas Carol immediately comes to mind right along with family, friends, beautiful Christmas trees, Mom’s anise cut-out cookies, brilliant holiday light displays, gently falling snow, festive instrumental and choral concerts, quiet, reflective moments, and angel trees. A Christmas Carol truly is a timeless classic and a beloved tradition, whether you see the movie or read the book. The blessing of this treasure is that you don’t have to celebrate Christmas to enjoy and appreciate this novella. The message is there for anyone that celebrates life and family and giving to others, those who want to examine their life and make the most of it and share it with others. Furthermore, it’s a winner all the way around – aside from the powerful message, we are also rewarded with a wonderfully written and atmospheric story. So, if you have a morsel of time you can spare in the next couple of days, treat yourself to a well-deserved break and grab a copy of this book. As you journey into those Christmases of Past, Present, and Future with Ebenezer Scrooge, your heart will feel lighter and your spirit revived as you hopefully gear up for not simply the chaos of the holidays but also the gifts of love, fellowship and gratitude.

I wish for joy and peace for each and every one of you this holiday season and the coming year.

"I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future."charles-dickens christmas-holiday classics-shelf ...more310 s Carolyn Marie Castagna309 7,403

Yet another re-read:
As amazing as ever! One of DickensÂ’ very best, I think! ??

Re-read:
Still my favorite Christmas story! Charles Dickens never ceases to make me smile and feel a multitude of emotions!

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