A review by jaygabler
The Penguin Book of Christmas Stories: From Hans Christian Andersen to Angela Carter by Jessica Harrison

challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It was sheer folly to attempt this on audio; the stories vary widely in length, tone, and content, so if you're popping in and out it's a mental workout to keep track of what's going on. Also, heads up that this is quite a melancholy selection overall; a typical last line is, "After that morning, I think my childhood was at an end" (Frank O'Connor, "Christmas Morning"). That said, if you prefer a more literary approach to seasonal storytelling, go for it!