In this haunting tale by Charles Dickens, readers are transported into the inner turmoil of a man burdened by his past mistakes and regrets. As the protagonist, Professor Redlaw, grapples with the ghosts of his past, readers are taken on a journey through themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.

The story delves into the consequences of holding on to grudges and the transformative power of letting go. Through his encounters with spectral beings, Professor Redlaw is forced to confront the pain and anger he has carried with him for years, ultimately leading to a profound shift in his perspective on life.

Dickens' masterful storytelling weaves together elements of the supernatural and the psychological, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The vivid descriptions of the ghostly apparitions and the desolate landscapes they inhabit add to the eerie atmosphere of the tale, drawing readers further into the haunting world of the Professor.

Overall, Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain is a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of guilt, redemption, and the power of forgiveness. Dickens' timeless tale serves as a reminder of the importance of confronting our past traumas and letting go of the burdens that weigh us down.

Book Description:

The last of Dickens' Christmas novellas (1848), The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain centres around Professor Redlaw, a teacher of chemistry, whose personal life has been marred by sorrow and, he feels, by wrongs done to him in his past. He is haunted by his ghostly twin, who offers him the opportunity to forget completely all 'sorrow, wrong and trouble', claiming that this will make him happier. Redlaw wavers, but finally accepts this offer, discovering too late that there are conditions attached to it which cause him to infect with this unwanted 'gift' nearly everyone with whom he comes in contact.

The story is populated by Dickens' archetypal comic figures - the Swidgers, who are servants of the college, and the hard-working but poor Tetterby family who run a nearby shop.

As tends to be the case with these Christmas books, this one is awash with sentimentality, so suspend your 21st century cynicism for a few hours if you listen. (Introduction by Ruth Golding)