Mr. Dickens and his Carol

A masterful balance between historical facts and fictional elements, Samantha Silva’s debut novel shines as it delves into the recreation of Charles Dickens’ iconic tale of A Christmas Carol. Tactfully offering a glimpse into the mind of one of literature’s most beloved authors, Mr. Dickens and his Carol follows a struggling Dickens, facing financial hardship and writer’s block, as he embarks on a personal journey of self-discovery and redemption. Inspired by the spirit of Christmas and the characters he encounters, Dickens begins to craft the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge.

“What magic there was all around him. Words were inadequate, but all he had. He didn’t know where they came from or why, but it was how we told one another what the world was and might be. Who we were, and might become. It was the only magic he had. Everything else was faith.”

It is indeed Silva’s vivid descriptions of 19th-century London and her portrayal of Dickens’s creative process that bring the story to life and makes Mr. Dickens and His Carol a heartwarming and nostalgic tale capturing the magic of storytelling as well as the spirit of Christmas. For fans of historical fiction and admirers of Charles Dickens alike, this is certainly a must-read for the season.