Mr. DIckens and His Carol by Samantha Silva is a perfect holiday read for the season. This fictionalized tale of how Charles Dickens came to write his infamous novel, A Christmas Carol, is so delightful. Dickens is a fascinating character who is flawed and enjoyable to read about. While the story is a work of fiction, it is a fun look into the life of an author during the Victorian era.
Author: Samantha Silva
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Genres: Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction
Publication Date: October 31, 2017
Rating:
Laced with humor, rich historical detail from Charles Dickens’ life, and clever winks to his work, Samantha Silva's Mr. Dickens and His Carol is an irresistible new take on a cherished classic.
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.
Review: Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva
There is something about Victorian England that just screams Christmas. The setting of this novel is absolutely perfect for a book about A Christmas Carol. When Dickens heads back to his original rooming house to get his inspiration back, it becomes a bit of a problem for him,. He is quite a celebrity and very recognizable. His old room is somewhat of a museum as well, which makes for some humorous interactions.
❀ Interesting Characters
While Dickens is a wonderfully developed character, who is a bit reminiscent of Scrooge, there are quite a few side characters that are enjoyable to read about as well. Eleanor Lovejoy is so mysterious and interesting. She seems to really understand Dickens and provides him just what he needs to create his Christmas book.
❀ Engaging Tale
One of my favourite aspects of the novel is how the author incorporated A Christmas Carol into her work. As this novel is more fan fiction than factual, it might not be one that true Dickens fans relate to. As for me, I find it to be a really engaging story that has a bit of drama and humour all rolled into a Victorian Christmas tale.
❀ Perfect Holiday Read
Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva is one to check out if you are looking for an enjoyable holiday read. It has an idyllic setting for the season, and the characters are interesting and well-developed. A perfect book to curl up with on Christmas eve.
About Samantha Silva
Samantha Silva is an author and screenwriter based in Idaho. Mr. Dickens and His Carol is her debut novel. Over her career she's sold projects to Paramount, Universal, New Line Cinema, and TNT. A film adaptation of her short story, The Big Burn, won the 1 Potato Short Screenplay Competition at the 2017 Sun Valley Film Festival. Silva will direct, her first time at the helm. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, she's lived in London, Bologna, and Rome, is an avid Italophile and a forever Dickens devotee.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.