A Christmas Carol

by Charles Dickens
ages: well, everyone should read it or have it read to them

I read this, for the first time, back in sixth grade. It was sitting on the shelf in the classroom, and I was intrigued by it. But, other than that, I don’t remember much about the book itself. Because, even though we own a copy, I haven’t read it since then. Oh, sure, I’ve seen the movies (we own several, and Hubby makes sure we watch at least two or three versions every year), so I know the story. But my aversion to Dickens has kept me from reading the book all these years.

And you know what: I liked it.

I don’t think I’m in love with the book, like Hubby (who considers it almost scripture). But, I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading it. (Look: a Dickens book I like! Amazing! I won’t go so far as to say there’s hope for his other books, though. I think I liked it mostly because it was short, and I didn’t have enough time to get irritated with Dickens.) Everyone knows the story, so I won’t bother summarizing it. The movies have mostly done a decent job with the book, capturing the feel and message of the book. The only thing that really stood out for me was how much I liked Dickens as a narrator. A couple of quotes that I smiled at:

The curtains of his bed were drawn aside; and Scrooge, starting up into a half-recumbent attitude, found himself face to face with the unearthly visitor who drew them: as close to it as I am now to you, and I am standing in the spirit at your elbow.

If you should happen, by any unlikely chance, to know a man more blest in a laugh than Scrooge’s nephew, all I can say is, I should like to know him too. Introduce him to me, and I’ll cultivate his acquaintance.

He’s a nice guy, this Dickens narrator.

I’d like to say that I’d read it over and over, every year. Because I do think there’s worth in the book: there’s a good message that one needs this time of year, to remember those less fortunate than us, to remember that Christmas is about giving and sharing and family.

But then, I could just watch the movie (one of them anyway, mostly likely The Muppet Christmas Carol, since that’s the one the girls like best) and get the same message. Kind of sad, isn’t it?

So… what’s your favorite Christmas Carol movie adaption?

10 thoughts on “A Christmas Carol”

  1. I am reading this book right now! I also plan to read his other two Christmas books this year because I have never read them before! My favourite Christmas Carol movie is either Muppet’s Christmas Carol or Mickey’s Christmas Carol. Those are the two I watch with any sort of regularity.

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  2. I’m not big on Dickens either, but if I did try to read him again I might start with this. We just watched two film versions in a row as a family; the Muppet one last night and the Mickey Mouse one the night before. My husband and I liked the Muppets best; our daughter’s favorite was Mickey.

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  4. Dickens can be a little long winded at times. Though I did finally make it through “A Tale of Two Cities” and now consider it one of my favorite books.As for “A Christmas Carol” my favorite is probably the George C Scott version. It’s a little scary at times, but you’ll totally want Fred to be your BFF.

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  7. I enjoyed this a lot too. I’ve yet to try another Dickens, though. Well, except David Copperfield when I was much younger, and I’ve forgotten most of it. My favourite adaptation is Scrooged starring Bill Murray. I’ve watched it more times than I can count!

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  9. I LOVE the Muppet Christmas Carol, but my family also enjoys the 1970 musical Scrooge starring Albert Finney. It really keeps the “spooky” feel of the book as well as some great humor. Four words: Thank you very much!

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