Mr. Dickens and His Carol

FROM SARAH:

I really enjoyed this historical novel, a fictionalized account of Charles Dickens writing A Christmas Carol. A really strong narrator and enjoyable, delicious writing make it an immersive read. Heads-up that this book zeroes in on Dickens’s troubled marriage, and there’s a slightly creepy turn related to Eleanor Lovejoy. It’s not the most upbeat story you could read at Christmas. ;) But if you want a bit of intrigue and a Christmas ghost story for yourself, this might just be the ticket. The audiobook is especially well done.

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Charles Dickens is not feeling the Christmas spirit. His newest book is an utter flop, the critics have turned against him, relatives near and far hound him for money. While his wife plans a lavish holiday party for their ever-expanding family and circle of friends, Dickens has visions of the poor house. But when his publishers try to blackmail him into writing a Christmas book to save them all from financial ruin, he refuses. And a serious bout of writer’s block sets in.

Frazzled and filled with self-doubt, Dickens seeks solace in his great palace of thinking, the city of London itself. On one of his long night walks, in a once-beloved square, he meets the mysterious Eleanor Lovejoy, who might be just the muse he needs. As Dickens’ deadlines close in, Eleanor propels him on a Scrooge-like journey that tests everything he believes about generosity, friendship, ambition, and love. The story he writes will change Christmas forever.