In "Mr. Dickens and His Carol," author Samantha Silva presents a fictional recreation of the circumstances surrounding Charles Dickens as he struggles with financial difficulties and writer's block. The plot revolves around Dickens being pressured to write a Christmas story to save his career and family from ruin. The book combines elements of historical facts with imaginative storytelling to depict how Dickens finds inspiration and writes the classic Christmas tale, "A Christmas Carol."

The writing style in "Mr. Dickens and His Carol" is described as engaging, heartwarming, and clever. Readers praise the author's ability to blend credible biography with paranormal elements to create a unique twist on the familiar redemption story. The book provides insights into Dickens' life, his struggles, and his transformation, offering a delightful mix of humor, mystery, and seasonal fantasy that captures the essence of the holiday spirit.

Characters:

The characters are richly developed, with Dickens as a flawed yet relatable figure struggling with family pressures, creative blocks, and financial woes.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by its lushness and Victorian authenticity, infused with emotional depth and literary references that engage readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows Charles Dickens as he faces financial pressures and personal challenges while compelled to write a Christmas book, intertwining elements of his life with the creation of A Christmas Carol.

Setting:

The story is set in mid-19th century London, vividly depicting the cultural and personal landscapes relevant to Dickens' life and work.

Pacing:

The pacing ranges from slower, introspective chapters to a faster, more dynamic conclusion as Dickens finds inspiration.

His cravat was loose, top button of his waistcoat undone, study windows flung open as far as they’d go. Chestnut curls bobbed over his dark slate eyes that brightened to each word he wrote: this one, ...

Notes:

The book tells a fictional story of how Charles Dickens wrote 'A Christmas Carol'.

Dickens faced financial trouble after his book 'Martin Chuzzlewit' did not sell well.

His publishers pressured him to write a Christmas book in a short timeframe.

Charles Dickens had to balance the demands of family with his writing obligations.

Samantha Silva highlights the love Dickens had for his family amidst his struggles.

Euan Morton, who narrated the audiobook, was praised for his voice fitting the time period.

The book includes elements reflecting the true meaning of Christmas.

Some events are fictionalized but based on actual moments in Dickens's life.

Charles's interactions with his children illustrate the family's dynamics during stressful times.

The author incorporates literary references, making it enjoyable for Dickens fans.

There's emotional depth in the narrative, affecting readers positively.

The story combines elements of magic realism, romance, and mystery.

Silva aims to celebrate Dickens as both a writer and a human with flaws.

Readers enjoy the lush descriptions of Victorian London found throughout the book.

From The Publisher:

"A charming, comic, and ultimately poignant story about the creation of the most famous Christmas tale ever written. It's as foggy and haunted and redemptive as the original; it's all heart, and I read it in a couple of ebullient, Christmassy gulps." -Anthony Doerr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All The Light We Cannot See

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.

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About the Author:

Samantha Silva is a writer and screenwriter based in Idaho. Mr. Dickens and His Carol is her debut novel.

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Mr. Dickens and His Carol

Samantha Silva