Christopher Schildt

Christopher Schildt retells the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens.

Set in Boston in 1843, the book opens in a small coastal fishing town, where Edward Marley meets his fate when he slips off the dock and drowns in the murky waters. Henry Rutherford, Marley’s so-called friend and business partner, is the only mourner at Marley’s funeral. Seven years after Marley’s death, Rutherford lives alone in an old mansion. His only living relative is his young niece, Julia. It’s Christmas Eve and Rutherford refuses to donate to the poor and declines an invitation to join his niece for dinner. He reluctantly agrees to allow his hardworking and underpaid clerk, William Cratchit, one day off on Christmas Day. That night, Rutherford is visited by a phantom of his late business partner, Marley. Marley explains to Rutherford that three ghostly spirits will haunt him, to help him escape the same bleak path that he travelled. Rutherford is first visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past, where Rutherford is forced to look back on his lonely childhood, and the love he lost. The Ghost of Christmas Present takes Rutherford to the cobbled streets where he witnesses great acts of kindness in the poorest districts of Boston. He goes to the home of his clerk, Cratchit, and learns that his son, Tiny Tim, is severely ill. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come takes Rutherford to the future, where he learns what could be of his own fate, and discovers that there is still time for him to change.

An American Christmas Carol by Christopher Schildt is a heart-warming tale, based on the much-loved Christmas classic by Charles Dickens. Schildt perfectly captures the essence of Dickens, while adding his own unique flair. Much like the original Scrooge character, Rutherford is known for his greed and distain for the less fortunate. The cobblestone streets of Boston replace the smoggy London backdrop, but the book has the same feeling, warmth and memorable moments as the original. Though the plot is familiar, the setting and unique touches, make the story feel fresh and exciting.

Star rating: 5 Stars 

Summary: Schildt transports the reader to the cobbled streets of 1840’s Boston, in this interesting and heart-warming retelling of a much-loved Christmas classic.