A Christmas Carol Retold - Reviewed by Allbooks Reviews

You may have thought you had seen every possible take on "A Christmas Carol". I certainly did. And then I read Anthony Lund's version, and I suspect I will never perceive this classic story in quite the same way again.

For the liberal minded, this version may prove to be a personal favorite. The basic structure of the Dickens's classic is still there, but the humor is completely unique, ripe with witty word play, satirical puns, and a dappling of colorful expletives for good measure. The visiting ghosts are familiar- the Ghost of Christmas present maintains his girth and joviality- but they have new, more colorful personalities, and telling names: Gin, Vodka, and Whiskey. Appropriately, the final chapter is title 'Hungover- The Morning After.'

No sentence is safe from Anthony Lund. He cleverly bounces the English language back in forth between Scrooge and his antagonists, never letting the reader guess what he'll come up with next. Even his 'author's notes' is crafted to unearth a blushing giggle from the most prudish of readers- and don't overlook the small print on the inside front cover; it gave this reader a much appreciated latent laugh.


Highly recommended as a hilarious stocking stuffer for the bitter old Scrooge in your life, or for those who need a serious laugh at his expense.