Gifts, Laura Barnett

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In the lead-up to Christmas there’s still plenty of gifts to find, and through the stories of twelve characters we see them search for that meaningful something to get someone special. Whether it be a school friend, a carer, or a husband who is adamant they don’t want anything, each wants to get it right, to find something that will show how much the recipient means to them. The chapters each focus on a different character, one that was mentioned in the previous chapter, often the recipient of the previous chapter’s gift. Although focussed around Christmas the stories are each insights into their lives, giving rich backstory, often quite dark or troubling, which make these characters three dimensional and believable. Many are struggling with new starts, having lost a loved one, recently come out of a relationship, or, for one, adjusting to life after prison. There’s also a collective sense of fresh beginnings as they leave the pandemic behind and are able to celebrate Christmas without restrictions once again. The pandemic is never discussed in depth, and the early mentions of it may be confusing for readers in the years ahead, where those reading now, memories fresh in our minds, will easily pick up the references and understand the world these characters are emerging from. 

The first four characters’ tales are quite closely linked - Maddy, who runs a bookshop in their small town searches for a present for an old friend and possible love interest, who in turn searches for something for his daughter Chloe. She has chosen to come and live with him in his separation from her mother, the true reasoning for which neither or them are fully aware. She in turn looks for a gift for her grandmother, who knows her better than any other family member. The closeness of these four stories means that there is some continuation as we see Maddy and Peter’s relationship develop and find out what’s going on with Chloe. After their four stories it begins to stretch out more, and although all the characters are inter-connected, no other set goes into quite as much detail. It is an interesting technique for telling a story, and you care about all the characters, often wishing you could have more time with them. It does eventually loop back and bring them full circle, but once you move a couple of chapters away from a protagonist you won’t learn much more about them. 

There are common themes within. Primarily, the complexity of relationships. There are happy marriages where secrets are still occasionally kept, decidedly unhappy marriages, and abusive sibling relationships. New relationships bud, while others are cut off before they have a chance to bloom. Parents and friends are lost, while others decline in a care home, a financial strain on their offspring who love them but who have mixed feelings about their decline. As in life, nothing is straight forward, lives do not progress in a linear fashion, and there are dark secrets hidden behind smiles. We see the judgment of certain relationships from the outside, but also the flip side of what it feels like for those in the marriage. Certainly not perfect, but well intentioned and loving. It will make you think about your family, by blood and by choice, and how complicated these relationships can be, as well as the gap between perceptions and intentions.

The festive theme hangs fairly lightly throughout as we delve into the inner lives of our twelve protagonists. If you are looking for a feel good Christmas read, this might not be the one for you as it deals with some dark topics, but for those wanting a book for the season without the Hallmark ending, well it might just be worth picking up. It reminds us of what really makes any celebration and tradition special, and that we are all connected.

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Midnight in Everwood, M. A. Kuzniar

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Nottingham, 1906, Christmas is on its way and with it, the end of Marietta’s dreams of becoming a professional dancer. Ballet is her life, the thing that gives her voice, yet her status-obsessed parents require her to give it up to marry well and live the life of a society wife. When the mysterious Dr. Drosselmeier moves to the neighbourhood he is met with countless invitations, parents falling over themselves to match him with their daughters. It soon becomes clear however that Marietta has caught his eye, and he becomes fixated on possessing her. In an attempt to escape an unhappy fate she finds herself stumbling into Everwood, a magical land that appears to hold wonderful potential. It doesn’t take long for the cracks in this sweet world to begin to appear, and Marietta wonders if she will ever find her way home.

The figure of Drosselmeier is deeply unsettling. He is manipulative and over-confident, invading Marietta’s personal space and lacing their outwardly polite conversations with thinly veiled threats. His behaviour is masked by the charming persona he puts on with the rest of her family, and even Marietta’s beloved brother Frederick dismisses her concerns when she raises them. In the depths of Everwood she continues to be haunted by Drosselmeier, who appears in her nightmares, and at times seems as though he might be there in person. He is a textbook abuser, but has the advantage of magic, making her situation feel all the more helpless.

Marietta lives a stifled life of expectation in her family home, denied the possibility of even expressing her desires. She has an ally in Frederick, who is also forced to deny his true self to fulfil the role demanded of him. Marietta does have moments of disobedience, but once she enters Everwood she becomes increasingly defiant. At times entirely warranted, at others foolhardy and excessively contrary, she can be a slightly frustrating protagonist. We see her grow over the course of the book however, her captivity offering her freedom in other ways. She learns to open herself to others, and to re-evaluate her perceptions of her own privilege. Her experiences in Everwood prove her strength and change the way she views the world and her place within it. 

Everwood itself is richly drawn and decadently described. You can easily picture the lavish balls, smell the sweet scent of the sugared world (and worry at the state of their teeth living off a diet predominantly consisting of sugar), and imagine the gorgeous creations that Marietta, Dellara, and Pirlipata are dressed in as the king’s pets. We see the world as Marietta does, and witness her disillusionment as she discovers the world outside the palace and the suffering inflicted on the many for the benefit of the few.

The tyrant King Gelum displays some uncomfortable similarities to Drosselmeier - a desire to possess at any cost. He delights in the suffering of others and does not think twice about destroying those who cross him. Marietta soon learns the harsh consequences of defiance, but also the power of friendship and the willingness for sacrifice that comes with such fierce bonds. In such an intense environment passions run high and despair and love are intensified. Marietta learns not only of the power of sisterhood, but feels her first flushes of romantic, heartbreaking love.

This is an enjoyable, enchanting read that’s perfect for the festive season. Pedants like me will find the constantly odd sentence structures distracting, as well as Kuzniar’s passing fixations with certain slightly unusual word choices that feel unnatural. Nonetheless, you will be so swept up in the magical world, and keen to find out what happens next that this can be forgiven. Recommended for fans of modern fairy tales, light fantasy, romance, ballet, and cosy winter reads, this book ticks a lot of boxes.

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The Great Christmas Knit Off, Alexandra Brown

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It’s been seven months since Sybil’s husband-to-be ran off with her twin sister, leaving her humiliated and heartbroken at the altar of their Star Wars themed wedding. Life since has been a struggle and when it seems she’s made a monumental mistake at work she realises she needs a break. Her best friend has just moved to the picturesque village of Tindledale and before she has time to think twice she’s on the next train out of London. Here she’ll find a close-knit community who rally around in times of need but aren’t too keen on outsiders. It soon becomes clear that not only can she heal her own broken heart but make a real difference to the locals too.

This book is every bit as cosy and predictable as it sounds, although Brown does add in a few mysteries to keep you turning the pages and to round out some of the supporting characters. Unfortunately, I had trouble getting into the story, partly because of the frequent poor quality of writing and annoying habit of using phrases such as ‘does a laugh/snort/smile’ rather than simply saying a character smiled. The dialogue is at times stilted and unnatural and occasionally leaves you feeling lost. The over the top comparisons with London rely on exaggerated stereotypes and quickly began to grate.

However, once you’ve got used to the writing and are far enough in that it becomes unnecessary to continue to add background information, often wedged in awkwardly, it becomes quite enjoyable. Sybil befriends the elderly owner of the local haberdashery shop and takes great pleasure in helping to spruce things up, having a long held dream of making a living from her craft. She soon finds herself settling in, making a big impression over one long weekend.

Predictably, there’s also a new love interest but this is a subtle thread and doesn’t dominate. The focus is on the friends she makes and the knitting project that brings them all together. It’s great to see the mental health benefits of activities such as knitting portrayed so enthusiastically.

Sybil is both narrator and protagonist and although she does naturally dwell on her disastrous wedding, a lot of events are passed over quickly. It is mentioned that a number of other characters have experienced trauma but they put a brave face on and very little is made of their stories – some threads feel superfluous as they have no impact on the story itself and nothing is made of them after the initial mention. As the first in a series set in Tindledale however, it’s very possible they are developed further in other books. Despite its flaws, you do find yourself being swept along and ultimately rooting for things to turn out well. The chatty writing style makes you feel as though a friend is recounting a series of events to you, making for an easy read for when you’re looking for some feel-good entertainment.

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The Book Depository

A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens

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Dickens’ most famous Christmas tale is a warning against greed and a reminder that money doesn’t buy happiness. In his characteristic style, he brings Victorian Britain to life skilfully, with some dark humour running underneath. In such a short story he succeeds in creating believable characters and drawing out the traits them make them so memorable.

Scrooge is a miserly figure, universally disliked (although some do try) for his lack of generosity and dismissal of those closest to him. He finds no comfort in his wealth, keeping himself in discomfort to save money. He is the epitome of the futility of hoarding wealth for the sake of it. Through the visits of the three ghosts we learn more about his behaviour and some hint at what turned him into the cold, unloving figure that we know him as.

The Cratchits on the other hand are full of life and love despite their meagre income and the health problems that haunt them. Dickens’ character sketches are such that we feel for them almost instantly. The juxtaposition of Scrooge’s solitary, cold life and the affection and joy shared in the company of loved ones in the Cratchits is stark.

A cautionary tale for those in a position of privilege, it encourages a softer, more gentle approach. Scrooge realises how callous his own attitude to the poor is and comes to regret it. Dickens was originally planning to write a pamphlet in response to the horrifying facts revealed in the Children’s Employment Commission report. His choice of fiction instead has meant that his words and message have endured through the ages and remain relevant and heartfelt into the twenty-first century.

A short yet powerful book, and a great one to pick up if you want to give the classics a go.

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The Cosy Christmas Chocolate Shop, Caroline Roberts

Set in a small village by the sea, we follow chocolatier Emma through a year of trying to make ends meet and build the courage to love again. By the second chapter it is Boxing Day and she has already been kissed by a stranger whilst out walking her dog. The mysterious man plays on her mind but her focus has to be on increasing income to help her cover the recent rent increase her landlord has imposed. With the help of her chirpy assistant Holly, and other loves ones, she has grand plans for her cosy chocolate shop.

In all honesty, I almost gave up on this book very early on. It is not well written and I struggled to see past this. I persevered however and at times got caught up in the story. There were moments that made me cringe they were so difficult to read, but even if you don’t end up entirely attached to the characters the descriptions of the shop itself do evoke feelings of warmth and comfort (and make you crave chocolate…). There is some attempt to add some intrigue with the constant referencing of Emma’s previous partner Luke, but no explanation of what happened between them. It was no great revelation when it was finally revealed, and the avoidance of explaining earlier became somewhat frustrating when it felt so obvious.

The to-ing and fro-ing with her love interest Max can feel a little abrupt occasionally but you do root for them, especially when things seem about to fall apart for good at the end. Her pain feels real however, and her reluctance to open her heart to new love is genuine.

The host of characters is likeable and if you’re looking for an easy feel-good read over the festive season then this will provide you with all the expected tropes, though I’m sure there are books that would fill you with Christmas joy with more polished writing.