Snow is falling, and the clock ticks toward midnight on Christmas Eve while countless children, too excited to sleep, anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus. But in Tim Slover’s deeply charming and utterly thrilling new novel, that’s the end rather than the beginning of the story. In this richly imagined tale of Santa’s origins, the man in full finally emerges. The Christmas Chronicles is at once an action-packed adventure, an inspiring story of commitment and faith, and a moving love story.
It all starts in 1343, when the child Klaus is orphaned and adopted by a craftsmen’s guild. The boy will grow to become a master woodworker with an infectious laugh and an unparalleled gift for making toys. His talent and generosity uniquely equip him to bestow hundreds of gifts on children at Christmas—and to court the delightful Anna, who enters his life on a sleigh driven by the reindeer Dasher and becomes his beloved wife.
Still, all is not snowfall and presents. Klaus will be shadowed by the envious Rolf Eckhof, who will stop at nothing to subvert him. But in the end, Santa’s magic is at last unleashed, flying reindeer come to his aid, and an epic battle between good and evil is waged in the frosty Christmas skies.
By turns enchanting, hair-raising, and inspirational, The Christmas Chronicles is a beguiling tale destined to become a holiday favorite for the ages. Description from Goodreads
The description is pretty much the book in a nutshell. I will give you my thoughts on this book.
My favorite character by far is Anna, Klaus's wife. She is hilarious. She is a fun loving woman who knows how to get what she wants. She races reindeer, what more is there to say?
I enjoyed the message behind the story. Klaus begins to give gifts to the children who have suffered from loss due to the Black Plague. His heart is pure, he wants to bring them joy. He even has the local priest bless the gifts for the children. The book shows how his role transitioned from the carpenter, to the legend we know as Santa. Tim Slover points out the commercialism that is the drive behind the Christmas season. I couldn't agree more. I refuse to listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. The point of the season for me is the birth of the Christ Child. For many other cultures it is a time for celebration as well. I think there is a point to many cultures, religions, etc celebrating this time of the year, it is dark and cold, we all need something to look forward to. I always feel bad for families who cannot afford to give their children a nice Christmas, that is one of the many objections that I have to commercialization of the holiday. It is not so much a celebration, but a time for some to rake in the dough.
OK, off of my soapbox. I liked this book, but felt that it dragged on in the middle. The first part of the book was wonderful and left me full of hope for the rest of the book. I gave it three stars.
I purchased this book for my personal enjoyment.
I'll be looking out for this book when I get a chance. Thanks!
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