Dicken's Christmas Carol angst

[Melissa H. in GA]

Both my son and myself dislike this book and couldn't get through it as a read aloud.  Are we alone in our dislike?  Why is this book on so many reading lists?

 

 

Melissa

[Wildiris]

It isn't so bad. I think it is the style of writing that one finds so off-putting. The sentence structure and style are clearly from another time.

[Cleopatra]

I think it touches on a number of themes that echo throughout humanity.  Many of us can identity with Scrooge at various times of our lives ..... we've all pushed people away, lost sight of what is valuable in life and perhaps have sealed ourselves off from others, either physically or through our behaviour.  We can identify with the Cratchitts, people who try to get through life and through their troubles with a positive outlook, an admirable dignity, and still care for those around them.  We perhaps can identity with the sickness of Tiny Tim.  But mostly, I think, the aspect of redemption that runs throughout the story is what resonates most.  We ALL can have a second chance, no matter how battered we've been by life and no matter how bleak our outlook.  And not only can we have that second chance, we can believe that there will be people there to receive us when we make that step ....... not to mention the wonderful effect we can have on others when we truly chose to look beyond ourselves.  I find the story quite uplifting and lovely.

 

I've just finished Dickens' The Chimes, and while it was not my favourite Christmas book by any means, it was interesting comparing it to A Christmas Carol.  Again Dickens uses spirits to speak through the past.  I'm wondering if he is choosing to do this to show how inexorably linked are the past, present and future, and how our actions in each one, help to form the others.  It really expresses how important each human soul is in life.  

 

I hope your son and you can give it another try one day.  Often with classics, they are not so easy the first time.  It takes a diet of them before you can go, "oh, now I understand what's going on here!"

 

All the best and have a wonderful Christmas season!

 

~  Cleo ~

[73349]

I love Dickens' sense of humor, but the writing style is not easy for young readers and listeners.

 

Try watching the Muppet version and then reading the book for comparison?

[Carol in Cal.]

I love that story.  The popularized versions of it are pretty boring, but the writing in the original really shines.

[Garga]

What do you dislike about it?  I like it.  Yes, it's a tricky read with the long sentences and references to things that don't exist anymore, but I like it for a piece of work from that time period.  I like the humor in it and the pathos.

[Haiku]

We read this version. It's condensed and has nice information about the historical time period. I agree that the original version is a slog.

[texasmama]

Most of Dickens' works are very long, and A Christmas Carol is a relatively short read so it is often listed as a good Dickens work to read first. 

 

The vocabulary makes it difficult for younger readers. I read it aloud last year to my kids, ages (at the time) 13,10 and 8.  I did quite of lot of defining vocabulary as we read.

[SebastianCat]

My DH loves the George C. Scott movie version of A Christmas Carol, so I had seen the movie multiple times prior to ever reading the book.   I was surprised at how closely that movie stuck to the original text, which made the book a much easier read.

[hornblower]

We have this CBC recording with various people doing sections  - Michael Enright etc & carols interspersed.

It's heavily abridged & it is great. It's a slog to read but it is very good listening  when it's a dramatic reading. I think this original recording is OOP but if you can find it, it's well worth it & I see some affiliate stores selling it at very low prices.

There are some wonderful, touching bits (the cooking & the serving of their meal) & hilariously funny bits (the blind man's bluff game). 

[Melissa H. in GA]

Thanks for the alternative suggestions.  We'll check them out.  We both got lost when the second spirit and Scrooge were flying across the sea and then suddenly Scrooge heard his nephew laugh.  It just shifted gears so fast.  My 8th grade son was barely listening anyway as it just wasn't clicking with him.  I mean we got to page 91, so we're about 2/3 of the way through.  Maybe we'll try to pick it up again tomorrow.  If it had a dog in it, my son would like it more  :-)  

 

This is funny.  Most of you who responded (thank you) to this post liked this book.  I've read on these forums  about The Wind in the Willows and most people said that they didn't like it; well, both my son and myself adored that book.  I guess you never know. 

 

Melissa

 

P.S. Thanks for the info Texasmama about why it is on reading lists.  I would quote your post, but I don't know how.

[KrissiK]

I read it aloud every Christmas. I can't say the kids love it, but they are able to work through the language, and we all enjoy it. And we watch both the muppet's version and George C. Scott's version when it is done. I haven't watched any other "real" video version of it, but George C.Scott's version stays true to most of Dickens' exact dialogue, which I like.

[Lori D.]

Not all classics "click" with all people. There are so many classics to choose from, if you're really hating it, then close the book and move on.

 

That said, a number of Dickens' works are considered classics because of the vivid characters he creates, the universal themes he wrestles with, and how he clearly portrays the issues of his time. So, if it is the vocabulary and sentence structure that is tripping you up, that will still be present in other works by Dickens.

 

Some general suggestions for reading the classics:

 

- Work your way up

Start with Victorian children's classics and build up to the adult works; that allows you to practice reading the vocab/sentence structure without also trying to get all the subtleties and complexities in the adult works. That will also introduce you to jargon of the time, and objects, people, places, events, and everyday occurrences that were part of 19th century British culture:

 

* E. Nesbit: Five Children and It; The Phoenix and the Carpet; Book of Dragons

* George MacDonald: The Princess and the Goblins; The Light Princess; The Golden Key

* Lewis Carroll: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland; Through the Looking Glass

* Kenneth Grahame: Wind in the Willows, The Reluctant Dragon

* Rudyard Kipling: Rikki Tikki Tavi, Just So Stories, The Jungle Book, Captains Courageous

* JRR Tolkien: The Hobbit;  Lord of the Rings 

 

- First watch a good film version faithful to the original

Seeing what the story is all about and who all the characters are can help remove some of the hard work of trying to keep everything straight when you then go on to read the work.

 

- Listen to a good audio book version

Often, hearing a good reading lets you pick up on vocab. in context and all your mental energy can go into the book, and none has to go into the physical act of deciphering/reading. A good audio book will also let the dialog and descriptions really flow for you, instead of trying to read and figure out the rhythm and flow of the writing.

 

- Try a study guide in advance

Sometimes advance information can pave the way to a better understanding and appreciation of a work that might have otherwise been unappealing. Read a little background info on the author and his/her times. Skim a guide to get an idea of what themes and other things to be looking for. Advance info can give you a much clearer picture going into the work of what to expect, what the author was attempting to do, what to look for -- which can add some enjoyment to the reading, as you look for the things you were given an advance "heads up" on.

 

- Talk with other readers

Not "feeling the love"? Ask on these boards why others find that particular work interesting, exciting or appealing. These past threads are great examples:

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Input needed, please

Jane Eyre and Boys

What's Up with Wuthering Heights

A Day of Pleasure in Lightning Lit 8

 

- Try a different author / genre

Sometimes a particular author or genre is just not your cup of tea. So, move on to a different one. If you're trying to cover literature of a particular time period, and dislike an author, try a different writer. If you dislike a whole genre of works, well, make an honest effort to get through one or two, and then focus your energies on a genre you do enjoy.

 

And again -- no one connects with all works, so if you're really struggling with or hating a work, move on! It's okay; the classics police do not come knocking on your door. ;) BEST of luck in your classics adventures! Warmest regards, Lori D.

 

[Lori D.]

I have to read Dicken in serial. Trying to go straight through kills me, but the chapter breaks really help the suspense. 

 

Yes! And that is exactly how Dickens WROTE many of his works -- appearing as weekly installments in the newspaper. :) Great idea to read them that way!

 

 

The Muppet version exists just for you and others in the same boat.

 

One of two "must-watch" holiday movies here, every year. (And we DO like the original Dickens version of A Christmas Carol, too! :) ) I LOVE how they include lines from the book throughout the film -- and yet is so sweetly goofy and muppet-y at the same time.

[ScoutTN]

We like Jim Dale's audiobook and the movie with Patrick Stewart as Scrooge.

Easier to follow the book when the language is familiar from other listening or watching experiences.

[redsquirrel]

I just heard someone whose opinion I value recommend the Muppet's version of The Christmas Carol, and now I see it suggested here. I guess we need to check it out, lol.

[SparklyUnicorn]

That's one of the better ones, but I don't care for most of his stories.  I'm sure lightening will strike soon....

 

 

[FairProspects]

Is it sad that this very thread is making me want to read A Christmas Carol more? I've been humming the George C. Scott music all day now just thinking about it.

[texasmama]

Piggybacking on Lori D's statement that he wrote his works in serial, he was also paid by the word so that explains his verbosity.  :)

[Ellie]

Is it sad that this very thread is making me want to read A Christmas Carol more? I've been humming the George C. Scott music all day now just thinking about it.

 

George C. Scott is my favorite Scrooge. I wanted to love Patrick Stewart, but alas, his Bob Cratchit was creepy, as was the Ghost of Christmas Present, and I wasn't crazy about Christmas Past, either. The costuming was disappointing...actually, I was disappointed all around. Not crazy about Alistair Sims, either. If only Scott had worked more on his accent, lol.

[KrissiK]

Piggybacking on Lori D's statement that he wrote his works in serial, he was also paid by the word so that explains his verbosity. :)

Ahhhh! Now it all makes sense. Yesterday we were reading the descriptions about the marketplace when he's going along with Christmas Present and I'm thinking, "wow, he really knows how to describe piles of food!" But that's not what it was at all!

[texasmama]

Dickens' works are so much a product of his times and his life (as are many writers' works), so one really needs to read a short biography prior to picking up one of his books in order to truly understand it.  :)

 

 

[texasmama]

And I mean google an online article, not invest in a thick biography and take a week to read it.  :D

 

The literature analysis class I taught last year in a co op setting read The Christmas Carol, and I read a wiki article to the class about his life and the fact that he wrote for a newspaper in serial form.  It just took a few minutes and helped the class to have some perspective.  It particularly helps one understand Oliver Twist and Great Expectations from a class perspective of the times.

[Jane Elliot]

Dickens' works are so much a product of his times and his life (as are many writers' works), so one really needs to read a short biography prior to picking up one of his books in order to truly understand it.  :)

 

I think this is an excellent point. I'm currently reading A Christmas Carol aloud to my 7-18 yo dc and it's going surprisingly well. The 7 yo can narrate it beautifully so I know he's getting it. It happens that we recently read a biography of George Mueller together, and as I read I keep thinking about how serendipitous it is that we read these two books so closely together. I think that's one of the biggest reasons they get it. 

 

I also think Dickens is a bit of an acquired taste. The more we read him, the more we like him. Except the 7yo, my kids have been exposed to Dickens (originals) before, and his writing seems to grow on them gradually. It grew on me that way.

[Jane Elliot]

Along the lines of what Texasmama is suggesting, Diane Stanley has a beautiful (and short -- read it in one sitting) biography of Dickens that explains the times very well. Even though this is a picture book, it's appropriate for all ages.

[texasmama]

I think this is an excellent point. I'm currently reading A Christmas Carol aloud to my 7-18 yo dc and it's going surprisingly well. The 7 yo can narrate it beautifully so I know he's getting it. It happens that we recently read a biography of George Mueller together, and as I read I keep thinking about how serendipitous it is that we read these two books so closely together. I think that's one of the biggest reasons they get it. 

 

I also think Dickens is a bit of an acquired taste. The more we read him, the more we like him. Except the 7yo, my kids have been exposed to Dickens (originals) before, and his writing seems to grow on them gradually. It grew on me that way.

Yes!  Love George Mueller, too. 

 

I read aloud Great Expectations two summers ago to my kids.  Six hundred pages.  Made it all the way through, though, and my younger son in particular liked it and found it interesting.  I had planned to read Oliver Twist last summer, but we ran out of time.

 

[Jane Elliot]

I read aloud Great Expectations two summers ago to my kids.  Six hundred pages.  Made it all the way through, though, and my younger son in particular liked it and found it interesting.  I had planned to read Oliver Twist last summer, but we ran out of time.

 

Great Expectations (along with perhaps Gone with the Wind, which I read aloud back-to-back in a fit of craziness a few years ago) remains our most discussed read aloud ever -- everything from dinnertime discussions about table manners (according to Herbert Pocket) to dating advice from younger sisters ("Stay away from that girl. She's Estella!") Some of the dc complain about that "interminable book", but no one ever stops discussing it.

[texasmama]

Great Expectations (along with perhaps Gone with the Wind, which I read aloud back-to-back in a fit of craziness a few years ago) remains our most discussed read aloud ever -- everything from dinnertime discussions about table manners (according to Herbert Pocket) to dating advice from younger sisters ("Stay away from that girl. She's Estella!") Some of the dc complain about that "interminable book", but no one ever stops discussing it.

You're so crazy. I love you. :D

[Wendy Inman]

I had a really hard time slogging through trying to read Christmas Carol out loud last year. I just couldn't get a flow going with those long sentences. I found an audio version, can't remember.. might have been a free one on librivox... but that was WAY better and we enjoyed it much more.

[NoPlaceLikeHome]

I recommend Tim Curry's narration of the Christmas Carol which you can find on audible.com. I recommend professional narrations for any of the harder works since it makes it more enjoyable. We listened to the Christmas carol and many other classics on road trips and loved them.

[Cosmos]

My ds is in a production of A Chrismas Carol right now, so the story has been on our minds a lot lately. In the playbill, there was a fascinating article about impact that Dickens had on Christmas traditions. The article isn't available online, but this one Fathering Christmas, seems to cover similar ground. Dickens didn't just describe 19th century Christmas; he reinvented it. Scrooge wasn't just one man; he was English society in general, and Dickens wanted to wake up all of his readers to a new conception of the holiday.

[leeannpal]

George C. Scott is my favorite Scrooge. I wanted to love Patrick Stewart, but alas, his Bob Cratchit was creepy, as was the Ghost of Christmas Present, and I wasn't crazy about Christmas Past, either. The costuming was disappointing...actually, I was disappointed all around. Not crazy about Alistair Sims, either. If only Scott had worked more on his accent, lol.

 

Albert Finney in the musical version, Scrooge is my favorite Scrooge.

[daijobu]

Not a Dickens fan (hated Great Expectations), but I do enjoy Christmas Carol.  I admire the Fezziwigs and how they use their wealth to spread cheer to their employees.

 

I think there's some historical value to the book, too.  I hope more knowledgeable members can chime in, but isn't this book largely responsible for how we celebrate Christmas today? 

[madteaparty]

I recommend Tim Curry's narration of the Christmas Carol which you can find on audible.com. I recommend professional narrations for any of the harder works since it makes it more enjoyable. We listened to the Christmas carol and many other classics on road trips and loved them.

We just listened to this in the car. I loved it, and we love Tim Curry, but DS understood maybe 60% of it... He has to study the book for a class next semester (that he insists he is ready for) so that should be interesting. I suspect we will do a lot of vocab work.

[HS Mom in NC]

We love it as a read aloud.  This is our second time through.  My 9 year old begs me to continue each time we stop at the new chapter. 

 

Have you got a beautifully illustrated version? http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Carol-Charles-Dickens/dp/0763631205/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418537291&sr=8-1&keywords=a+christmas+carol+illustrated+by+pj+lynch

 

Are your kids allowed to do quiet things while you read aloud?

 

Would you do better with an abridgement?

 

Have they seen a kid friendly version like the one with the Muppets so they're already familiar with the characters and main plot points and themes? http://www.amazon.com/Muppet-Christmas-Carol-Michael-Caine/dp/B000ATQYT2/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1418537386&sr=1-1&keywords=muppets+christmas+carol

[PollyOR]

I enjoy reading it, but my kids moan and groan every time I suggest it.  I love the version illustrated by Quentin Blake. 

[KrissiK]

We'll, we just finished it yesterday. Wonderful ending. This afternoon we'll start on the Muppets version!

[HomeschoolingHearts&Minds]

We are watching the Muppets version.  Gonzo plays Charles Dickens and narrates.  Many of his lines are taken directly from the original story.  Highly recommend.  Be forewarned, though---it is the Muppets, there will be musical numbers and colored monsters of all shapes and sizes. ;)