Novella

A Christmas Carol

Background

Published in 1843, “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, is a timeless novella that tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and bitter old man who detests Christmas and all it represents. On Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his late business partner, Jacob Marley, and three spirits: the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through these encounters, Scrooge reflects on his life, witnessing the pain he has caused and the love and joy he has missed. Transformed by these revelations, he awakens on Christmas morning with a renewed spirit of generosity and compassion.

A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol

My Thoughts

There is nothing quite like going right to the source of a story that has been told and retold as many times as this. It was a relatively quick read and felt rushed in comparison to most more contemporary versions. Scrooge’s change of heart happened much quicker in this version and there was very little following up after his interviews with the spirits was over.

It was also interesting to see the common elements that persisted through the various retelling and see which version was the most true to the source document. Oddly enough, the Muppet Christmas Carol came the closest to any version I can recall. The first time I saw it, I didn’t much care for the Spirit of Christmas Past. However, the Muppet version was very true to the original. Also, several lines are pulled directly from Dickens. Of course, the singing, the rat clerks, and the hybrid frog-pig-abominations of the Cratchett family certainly were not in the original.

Recommendation

A classic and a good quick read. The language may be hard to navigate, but it shouldn’t be too difficult for a modern reader.

Perfect State

Background

Published in 2015, “Perfect State” is a science fiction novella by Brandon Sanderson set in a world where humans are little more than brains in jars. Each live in individual, tailored simulation designed to offer them rule over their own “state,” essentially becoming a god within their virtual realm. We follow the God-Emperor Kairominas, an all-powerful ruler in his own domain, adept in both sorcery and technology. However, his perfect life is disrupted when he is required to meet with a woman from another state for the purpose of procreation. This meeting is crashed by his nemesis Melhi forcing Kai to confront his own mortality.

Perfect State
Perfect State

My Thoughts

This was a fun short read. The idea itself was similar to the Matrix without much of an explanation. However, I enjoyed the general malaise Kai found himself in after centuries of ruling everything and only dealing in simulations. “The Wode”, the creator of his simulation and possibly all others, likes to mix things up when the occupants start getting bored. Sanderson leaves the reader wondering if what happened was truly his nemesis or just another simulation. The door was left wide open to build on the story.

Recommendation

A good short read which can stand on its own.