A Christian’s Carol by Wayne Thomas Batson is, quite obviously, a retelling of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. And while this modern-day rendition does follow the original’s main beats, at times the story turns on its heel and presents a new gem with a flourish.
About the Book
Ebenezer Krow is a relentless man who charges through life, holding himself and everyone else to the letter of the law. Krow’s nephew, his employees, his business associates—even mankind in general—all feel the castigating burn of Krow’s glare. One night, on Christmas Eve, Krow is visited by his long-dead business partner, Marley Chastain. The ghost warns Krow that three spirits, one of them a devil, will assail him throughout the night. But will the harrowing experience be enough to tear the scab from his sin-scarred soul? Or will the lessons of Christmas and Krow himself be lost forever?
In this faithful but modern retelling of Dickens’ classic tale, Batson offers readers a thought-provoking “ghost of an idea” to haunt our homes and churches pleasantly for many years to come.
I listened to the audiobook, and let me tell you, that was the perfect way to experience this story. The British narrator spoke like a seasoned storyteller, almost as if a rather nicer version of Krow were regaling the listener with a Christmas tale by the warmth of a fireplace.
But don’t let that mental image fool you. Along with the heartwarming moments, there were some deliciously chilling scenes, as especially befitting the ghosts of Christmas past and future. I’m pretty sure I gasped out loud at least once.
What makes this retelling worth reading, however, is the way Batson gently and boldly translates the story from its original nineteenth-century setting to today’s world.
The vices gripping Krow hit a little closer to home for the modern Christian. I found myself at turns suspicious (like Krow), then cautious, then convicted. At first I wasn’t sure how one hot-button issue in particular would be handled. But I needn’t have worried. By the end, it was handled with grace without budging on the truth—and it motivated me to pay more attention to my own thoughts and actions.
The church scene near the end, in particular, was so satisfying. That is what the church is meant to be. I won’t spoil it for you, but it provided such a good contrast to an earlier scene.
As Krow rediscovers both the pain and joy of Christmas past, confronts the disconcerting reality of Christmas present, and faces the grim possibilities of Christmas future… so, too, does the reader.
Five ghostly stars from me!
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I was provided a free audiobook copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are entirely my own.
THIS SOUNDS SO GOOD. I’ve always loved the story of A Christmas Carol, so an adaptation by Wayne Thomas Batons? Um. YES PLEASE. I will have to remember this one!
IT IS SO GOOD. I think you’d quite enjoy it! 😀
Sounds intriguing!
Indeed! 🙂