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A Christmas Carol |
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“A squeezing, wrenching, grasping, biting, clutching, covetous old sinner” is hardly hero material, but this is exactly what makes A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens such an unforgettable book and its hero, Ebenezer Scrooge such an extraordinarily enduring character. In the book's celebrated opening scene, on the night before Christmas the old miser Ebenezer Scrooge sits in his freezing cold counting house, oblivious to the discomfort of his shivering young assistant Bob Cratchit. Scrooge is unremittingly rude to relatives and visitors alike who drop in to convey their Christmas greetings or ask for a contribution to charity. Scrooge returns to his equally chilly mansion where he has an extraordinary supernatural experience. The spirit of his dead partner, Marley appears recounting tales of eternal suffering that he is condemned to endure because of the mean and uncharitable deeds that Marley did when he was alive. Marley informs Scrooge that three other supernatural visitors will make their appearance over the next three nights. The rest of the book traces the events that happen when these three otherworldly beings visit Scrooge. The book has five chapters, which the writer called “staves” referring to musical notation in which five horizontal lines and four spaces represent musical pitch. Published in 1843, the book went on to receive immense appreciation for its deeply emotional quality, touching scenes, wonderful characterization and Dickens himself felt the book's central ideas of charity, kindness, compassion, love and generosity were what set it apart from contemporary fiction of the time. It also took the theatrical world by storm and three productions went on stage simultaneously in 1844 with Dickens' blessings. Since then it has been extensively adapted for film, radio and television and took on the proportions of a Christmas tradition even during Dickens' lifetime itself. Endless spinoffs in literature, drama and popular literature keep this tale alive even today. Walt Disney's Unca Scrooge is inspired by it and today, the word “Scrooge” has become synonymous with miserliness. A Christmas Carol's enduring appeal lies in its heart rending appeal to help those living in impoverished conditions. The highly sentimental and touching pictures of Christmas celebrated in homes where festivities cannot coexist with grinding poverty, told in typical Dickensian style, make it both a literary masterpiece and a plea for social reform. But all is not gloom and doom —there are brilliant flashes of humor, memorable characterization and a deep understanding of human nature. As with all Dickens' works, this one too is peculiarly suited to being read aloud, especially when the family gathers round a cozy fire on Christmas Eve! |
Links related to this book |
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Wikipedia - A Christmas Carol (dramatic reading) |
Wikipedia - Charles Dickens |
eBook Downloads | |
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Reviews (Rated: 5 Stars - 26 reviews) |
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Reviewer: dg - December 20, 2020 Love it! Great characterizations! |
Reviewer: User - November 27, 2020 Subject: very good Actually a lot easier to understand, and a great book to read at christmastime |
Reviewer: Prabhgun - June 29, 2020 Subject: Narrator and book Such an amazing book, along with the narration. Wonderfully presented. Thanks alot!!! |
Reviewer: Carla Goodman - December 4, 2019 Subject: Christmas Carol I really like read am auto card of this app |
Reviewer: Angel - January 12, 2019 Subject: A Christmas Carol I listen to this story the day before Christmas just haven't had a chance to give it my review. I enjoyed the story and enjoyed the different readers. Closed my eyes and I was there. Thanks. Love Dickens |
Reviewer: Alexander - December 17, 2018 Excellent book, but terrible narration. No expression. |
Reviewer: Angel - December 15, 2018 Subject: A Christmas Carol A literary masterpiece. A extraordinarily enduring story. The readers did a wonderful job of characterization, made the story come to life. |
Reviewer: April - September 27, 2018 Subject: wow... Ok, I have to stop listening now with the voice of Christmas past, it's really terrible and has no feeling at all. I hear the 'fakeness' of it. I just barely got through Jacob Marley's voice. He was more angry in the movie b/c Scrooge was being stubborn and not hearing him. Was no sound of concern in Marley's voice acting. Terrible. (good narrator though) And I was so excited to listen.. |
Reviewer: User - December 10, 2017 thus is such a bad book, readers are ok, sound is not amaing at points, but still appreciate it. |
Reviewer: nastia - April 12, 2016 i am not very into it but it is OK |
Reviewer: a christmas carol - March 10, 2016 Subject: teen/Young adult a christmas carol Hmmmmmm... a good book expataly when your birthday is on Christmas |
Reviewer: User - January 24, 2016 This book uses to many people for narratoring but it's awesome |
Reviewer: Julie - January 14, 2015 Subject: Review Hmmmmm... It's a wonderful story from Charles dickens. The main narrator does a wonder job and so does the Bob Cratchet reader. But the rest are out of this league! Short and sweet. |
Reviewer: pineapple - December 10, 2014 Best book ever! I feel like the ghost of christmas past. |
Reviewer: Rela reader - December 4, 2014 Subject: Loved it I had never gotten an interest in this story though it was on every year at my house I was very upset because I would rather read something more exciting but after reading and discussing and answering questions left and right but as I got more into depth my spark was ignited with this book I found a meaning behind the meaningless images |
Reviewer: CG - December 2, 2014 Subject: pretty good Good book from the middle and end but the first few pages where bad. |
Reviewer: penelope turkey - November 19, 2014 Subject: great book good book. i really liked all the acting except for the ghost of christmas past. The audiobook made it easier to understand. |
Reviewer: Yo Yo - November 11, 2014 Subject: RELA Dude PURE EPICNESS!!! |
Reviewer: Jean - July 28, 2014 Subject: Christmas Carol Excellent! |
Reviewer: ireadbooks - December 13, 2013 Subject: Great Christmas Read! I really loved the voice acting! Except for the Ghost of Christmas Past, all the characters were very convincing. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a heart warming Christmas tale. |
Reviewer: ELA Student - December 8, 2013 Subject: From The Heart I just hated the Ghost of Christmas Past's voice. Otherwise, great book. |
Reviewer: Leslie - August 23, 2013 Subject: Great Wonderful Book! |
Reviewer: Ankur Kumar - February 9, 2013 Subject: Christmas carol Good voice! |
Reviewer: Kearn - December 28, 2012 Subject: A Christmas Carol A quick listen with a cast of readers playing different characters. |
Reviewer: A.K. - December 9, 2012 Subject: A Christmas Carol It was a beautiful book and nicely narrated by Elizabeth Klett. I liked the idea of the theatrical style of the recording. I think that more books should be read like this. They are more enjoyable that way. The only thing I didn't like was the reader M.B. His voice is really irritating, I'm sorry to say. I have heard the particular reader on the book Dracula and didn't like him either. I apologize if I have offended him, because after all, he made a strong effort. I didn't mean to disappoint him but this is my point of view and I had to be honest. Keep up the good job. More books should be free! |
Reviewer: ehlana - November 30, 2012 Subject: A Christmas Carol I think this book will be good and the movie starring Jim Carrie was good so the book has to be better than the movie. |