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Mr. Dickens and His Carol: A Novel Hardcover – October 31, 2017
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"CHARMING...I READ IT IN A COUPLE OF EBULLIENT, CHRISTMASSY GULPS." ―Anthony Doerr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All The Light We Cannot See
"GRACED BY THE GHOSTLY PRESENCE OF MR. DICKENS HIMSELF...PROMISES TO PUT YOU IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT." ―USA Today
A beloved, irresistible novel that reimagines the story behind Charles Dickens' Christmas classic
Charles Dickens is not feeling the Christmas spirit. His newest book is an utter flop, the critics have turned against him, relatives near and far hound him for money. While his wife plans a lavish holiday party for their ever-expanding family and circle of friends, Dickens has visions of the poor house. But when his publishers try to blackmail him into writing a Christmas book to save them all from financial ruin, he refuses. And a serious bout of writer’s block sets in.
Frazzled and filled with self-doubt, Dickens seeks solace in his great palace of thinking, the city of London itself. On one of his long night walks, in a once-beloved square, he meets the mysterious Eleanor Lovejoy, who might be just the muse he needs. As Dickens’ deadlines close in, Eleanor propels him on a Scrooge-like journey that tests everything he believes about generosity, friendship, ambition, and love. The story he writes will change Christmas forever.
- Print length288 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherFlatiron Books
- Publication dateOctober 31, 2017
- Dimensions5.63 x 1.02 x 8.44 inches
- ISBN-101250154049
- ISBN-13978-1250154040
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
An Indie Next Pick
“[Silva] tunes herself to Dickens’s imaginative frequency…She inhabits Dickens’s sensitivity to London’s atmosphere, its chancellors and urchins, its cobblestones and fog.”
―The New York Times Book Review
“Poignant…Impeccably delivered in a sprightly prose that wants to be read out loud…Silva, one senses, is a natural-born giver, a writer who most likely leaves a candle burning in the winter nights, inviting restless perambulators in.”
―Chicago Tribune
“Mr. Dickens and His Carol is a charming, comic, and ultimately poignant story about the creation of the most famous Christmas tale ever written. It’s as foggy and haunted and redemptive as the original; it’s all heart, and I read it in a couple of ebullient, Christmassy gulps.”
―Anthony Doerr, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All The Light We Cannot See
“Mr. Dickens and His Carol is a novel of pure charm and humor, a terrific holiday tale. Samantha Silva had me haunting those dark streets alongside her inspired Dickens.”
―Jess Walter, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Beautiful Ruins
“Comical and haunting.”
―oprahmag.com (Best Christmas Books of All Time)
"Glittering...Rich and poignant...infused with holiday spirit like the best of Dickens."
―BookRiot
“Graced by the ghostly presence of Mr. Dickens himself…Promise[s] to put you in the holiday spirit.”
―USA Today
“In this exceptional work uncovering the grime and glitter of 19th-century London, readers will find another framework from which to examine their hearts before Christmas.”
―BookPage
“Funny, clever, and touching, with a surprise ending that is a perfect Dickensian fit…Just in time for this holiday season.”
―Reader’s Corner
“This clever, original debut brilliantly imagines the writing of A Christmas Carol…Wildly moving, chock full of Dickensian atmosphere and written in a style as rich as a Victorian Christmas dinner.”
―The Daily Mail
“Wonderfully Dickensian…With the wit and sprightly tone of a classic storyteller, Silva presents a heartwarming tale of friendship and renewal that’s imbued with the true Christmas spirit.”
―Booklist
“On its way to becoming a classic not unlike its subject matter.”
―Bustle
“A fun and charming – not to mention unique – take on a holiday classic…Whether you're intimately familiar with A Christmas Carol or not, Mr. Dickens and His Christmas Carol is sure to please those looking to get into the holiday spirit.”
―PopMatters
“Told with such eloquence and imagery that you feel like you are in Victorian England right alongside the characters…Christmas spirit leaps from the pages…This is the type of book that grips you right from the beginning to the very last page; it’s the perfect book to read coming into this holiday season.”
―Yakima Herald
“As welcome as a mug of hot chocolate on a December afternoon…Has all the makings of a holiday favorite…Offers the kind of gifts that readers will be happy to open again every year.”
―Providence Journal
“A wonderful, heartwarming story that is filled with Christmas spirit…Brings Victorian London to life with wit, humor, and a few references to the original story…I believe [Dickens] would have liked the book.”
―The Oklahoman
“[Silva’s] accomplished screenwriting shines through in this, her debut novel―she conjures a distinctive voice to tell her tale, one not unlike the distinctive voice that Dickens utilizes in his stories.”
―Idaho Statesman
“A lovely read.”
―New York Post(“15 Books You Should Buy for Everyone on Your Gift List”)
“A truly imaginative and beautifully written ghost story weaving truth and fiction to create something familiar yet new.”
―Washington Independent Review of Books
“Filled with holiday spirit and comedic relief, Silva’s Victorian London may be just the escape you need during what can be a frazzling time of year.”
―The Everygirl
“Witty…Endearing.”
―Columbus Dispatch
“Atmospheric…Entertaining…Brings yuletide London to life.”
―Missourian
“Silva has imagined an intriguing and atmospheric backstory to the quintessential holiday tale and its most revered author.”
―Library Journal
“No writer in the history of literature so embodies the season of Christmas as Charles Dickens, a man who was alive to his fingertips from start to finish. Among his finest moments was surely when he wrote and published his mythic tale of Scrooge, Jacob Marley, and Tiny Tim, changing hearts and minds, then and now. Samantha Silva brings the great man, the Inimitable, to sizzling life in Mr. Dickens and His Carol. This man who brimmed with Christmases past, present, and future walks onto the public stage again in these pages, takes a bow, and enjoys the ringing applause.”
―Jay Parini, author of The Last Station and The Passages of H.M.
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Flatiron Books; First Edition (October 31, 2017)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 288 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250154049
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250154040
- Item Weight : 12.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.63 x 1.02 x 8.44 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #562,751 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,191 in Biographical Historical Fiction
- #2,053 in Biographical Fiction (Books)
- #2,438 in Holiday Fiction (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Samantha Silva is an author and screenwriter based in Idaho. Her debut novel, MR. DICKENS AND HIS CAROL, was published by Flatiron Books/ Macmillan (2017) in a two-book deal. LOVE AND FURY: A NOVEL OF MARY WOLLSTONECRAFT, publishes in May 2021. Over her career, Silva's sold film projects to Paramount, Universal, New Line Cinema, and TNT. A film adaptation of her short story, THE BIG BURN, won the 1 Potato Short Screenplay Competition at the Sun Valley Film Festival in 2017. Silva directed, her first time at the helm. Her essays appear on LitHub, and a short story, "Leo in Venice," appeared in the September 2019 issue of One Story. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, where she studied in Bologna, Italy and Washington, D.C. She's lived in London three times, briefly in Rome, is an avid Italophile, and a forever Dickens devotee. (Photo by Glenn Landberg.)
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the book delightful and enjoyable, especially around Christmas. They find the story charming and satisfying with interesting plot twists. The writing is described as nicely written and atmospheric. Readers appreciate the well-crafted characters and the author's ability to breathe life into them. They also enjoy the detailed descriptions and insights into the life of Charles Dickens. Overall, customers describe the book as a warm, cozy read that pairs well with the original A Christmas Carol and the movie The Man Who Invented Christmas.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the book. They find it delightful, well-timed for Christmas, and a fun, whimsical tale that blends fiction and nonfiction. The narrative is captivating and adds joy to their holiday.
"...Prepare to be swept away by a captivating narrative that celebrates the spirit of the season, reminding us of the timeless values of family,..." Read more
"...And for a writer this is most definitely a must read. For any lover of Dickens or his carol, read!" Read more
"First I have to gush with praise over Silva's prose. It was truly delightful and in keeping with the period...." Read more
"What a delightful book. Fun witty insightful and with exciting twist. My emotions ran the gamut throughout this tale of human emotions and weaknesses." Read more
Customers enjoy the charming story with interesting plot twists. They find the book light-hearted and enjoyable, with a clever dream sequence that keeps with the original story. The writing is beautiful and the characters are well-drawn. Overall, it's an interesting take on the classic.
"...how the beloved A Christmas Carol could have come into being, full of Christmas spirit—a beautifully-written story I will look forward to reading..." Read more
"A heartwarming tale that pays homage to a beloved Christmas story, blending cherished traditions with a fresh, modern twist...." Read more
"What a delightful book. Fun witty insightful and with exciting twist. My emotions ran the gamut throughout this tale of human emotions and weaknesses." Read more
"As I was reading, I kept wondering if it was true. It is a work of fiction, but the author then tells us that it is also a book that has fact and..." Read more
Customers enjoy the well-written prose and vivid descriptions in this book. They find the author's writing style visually appealing and easy to read. The narration is excellent, and the vocabulary used is strong.
"...Carol could have come into being, full of Christmas spirit—a beautifully-written story I will look forward to reading again and again" Read more
"...The way the words sang filled my heart with joy. And for a writer this is most definitely a must read. For any lover of Dickens or his carol, read!" Read more
"...I really enjoyed this this book. It is very well written and kept me engaged...." Read more
"...Well done,!" Read more
Customers enjoy the book's character development. They find the characterization delightful and interesting, with rich characters and enough twists to keep them on their toes. The book is described as a lovely companion to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
"Viewing Christmas from a famous story's eyes is unique. I loved how the telling wqs almoat a retelling...." Read more
"...then tells us that it is also a book that has fact and information about Dickens...." Read more
"...This book gives a nice background about how Dickens wrote the story." Read more
"...to Mr. Dickens, in her biographical elements, her finely interwoven themes and characters but most of all, in presenting another jaded,..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's detailed and insightful portrayal of Charles Dickens' life. They find the descriptions magical and the backstory fascinating. The book is well-researched and well-written, providing a tender read about how Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol.
"...I loved how the telling wqs almoat a retelling. The way the words sang filled my heart with joy...." Read more
"...It was truly delightful and in keeping with the period...." Read more
"...There is some truth, but I think it is mostly fiction...." Read more
"...A classic telling of what might have been. A fan of the real story and now a fan on this telling. A must read for fans" Read more
Customers find the book a perfect Christmas gift and card. They say it's charming, filled with warm seasonal wishes, and pairs nicely with the original A Christmas Carol and the movie The Man Who Invented Christmas. Readers appreciate the ornate imagery and timeless values of family, generosity, and magic.
"...spirit of the season, reminding us of the timeless values of family, generosity, and the magic that can unfold during the most wonderful time of the..." Read more
"...It was truly delightful and in keeping with the period. It was ornate but not to excess, and the imagery she created was what I loved best about..." Read more
"...It couples nicely with the original A CHRISTMAS CAROL and the movie THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS." Read more
"...This book has a page turning end that will help you appreciate life, Christmas and human interactions...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's uplifting message. They find it thought-provoking and engaging, helping them appreciate life, Christmas, and humanity. The book is described as charming, well-written, and refreshing.
"A delightful notion of how the beloved A Christmas Carol could have come into being, full of Christmas spirit—a beautifully-written story I will..." Read more
"...I really enjoyed this this book. It is very well written and kept me engaged...." Read more
"...This book has a page turning end that will help you appreciate life, Christmas and human interactions...." Read more
"I really enjoyed this book Uplifting story line" Read more
Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some find it fast-paced and engaging, while others feel it starts slowly and drags in the middle.
"...Victorian London complete with garland adorned door fronts and candlelit windows...." Read more
"...seemed, for most of the story, good and flowing nicely, but it was somewhat slow, and it just didn't have me wanting to come back and read it right..." Read more
"...I have always loved “A Christmas Carol,” and Ms. Silva’s novel was a beautiful tribute to the original classic. Highly recommend." Read more
"...Samantha Silva has given us a deliciously fast-moving, unexpected and emotionally astute holiday tale that brings the reader right into the..." Read more
Reviews with images

Historical Fiction at its best!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024A delightful notion of how the beloved A Christmas Carol could have come into being, full of Christmas spirit—a beautifully-written story I will look forward to reading again and again
- Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2024A heartwarming tale that pays homage to a beloved Christmas story, blending cherished traditions with a fresh, modern twist. Prepare to be swept away by a captivating narrative that celebrates the spirit of the season, reminding us of the timeless values of family, generosity, and the magic that can unfold during the most wonderful time of the year.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024Viewing Christmas from a famous story's eyes is unique. I loved how the telling wqs almoat a retelling. The way the words sang filled my heart with joy. And for a writer this is most definitely a must read. For any lover of Dickens or his carol, read!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2021First I have to gush with praise over Silva's prose. It was truly delightful and in keeping with the period. It was ornate but not to excess, and the imagery she created was what I loved best about this story. Dickens himself, not so much, as other reviewers have also indicated. In this portrait he loses a lot of his luster and integrity. I am no Dickens expert and I have not studied his personal life. But really, he's kind of like a literary Santa Claus and a person doesn't want to read anything disappointing about the old fellow. I stopped about 60% in because it felt like he was about to fall into a puddle of immorality.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025What a delightful book. Fun witty insightful and with exciting twist. My emotions ran the gamut throughout this tale of human emotions and weaknesses.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024This book is a historical fiction that imagines how Charles Dickens was inspired to write his classic Christmas tale. There is some truth, but I think it is mostly fiction. When his wife and children leave, Dickens goes to his old writing loft to try to make sense of his life and this new book he needs to write before Christmas. A mysterious young woman with a young son becomes his muse, as the words begin to flow. It is an entertaining and fun read, especially during this time of year. It couples nicely with the original A CHRISTMAS CAROL and the movie THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024A Christmas Carol has always been my favorite Christmas story, whether in a book form, a film, or in a play.
I really enjoyed this this book. It is very well written and kept me engaged. I started reading it three days before Christmas this year and it added much joy to my holiday. I look forward to more books from Samantha Silva.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024As I was reading, I kept wondering if it was true. It is a work of fiction, but the author then tells us that it is also a book that has fact and information about Dickens. She felt and I loved thinking of what he may have been going through as he wrote this book. Christmas is from the heart, not the things. In this book, Dickens is Scrooge and has his revelation. I loved it.
Top reviews from other countries
- BaibaReviewed in Germany on December 4, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
A heartwarming and beautiful story of Dickens writing his Christmas carol! It’s full of Christmas vibes and the audiobook is perfect!
- Rita JayReviewed in Canada on December 9, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Merry Christmas
I so enjoyed this book. I enjoyed walking the streets of London with Dickens, had a few chuckles and enjoyed a surprising twist!. A delightful read for this time of year and I look forward to reading it Christmas' to come.
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Luiz G. M. LapertosaReviewed in Brazil on November 16, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Essencial para quem admira Mr. Dickens e suas histórias.
Livro excelente para quem admira os contos de Natal de Charles Dickens. Narrativa ficcional deliciosa, firmemente baseada em vários fatos reais da vida do escritor.
- PRIYANKA S.Reviewed in India on August 6, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book and seller
Great book .. excellent delivery
- caroReviewed in Australia on December 7, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars A good tale.
A feel good tale with a happy ending. Now I have to read A Christmas Carol! A well crafted book written with a light touch and a heavenly imagination. A book about all of us.