The Seven Poor Travelers

by Charles Dickens, A. Jules Goodman

The Seven Poor Travelers is a short story written by Charles Dickens and published in 1898. The story revolves around seven poor travelers who arrive in a small town on Christmas Eve seeking shelter and food. The travelers are welcomed by the townspeople and are given a warm place to stay and a hearty meal to eat. During their stay, each traveler shares their own unique and heartwarming story, which touches the hearts of the townspeople and inspires them to be more generous and kind. The story is a testament to the power of kindness and generosity, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of helping those less fortunate than ourselves. The Seven Poor Travelers is a classic Christmas tale that is sure to warm the hearts of readers of all ages.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Classics, Fiction, Short Stories, Christmas, Historical Fiction, Christian, Victorian

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1854

About the author

Charles John Huffam Dickens (1812-1870) was a writer and social critic who created some of the world's best-known fictional characters and is regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime, and by the twentieth century critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories enjoy lasting popularity.

Dickens left school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debtors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he edited a weekly journal for 20 years, wrote 15 novels, five novellas, hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured and performed extensively, was an indefatigable letter writer, and campaigned vigorously for children's rights, education, and other social reforms.

Dickens was regarded as the literary colossus of his age. His 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, remains popular and continues to inspire adaptations in every artistic genre. Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are also frequently adapted, and, like many of his novels, evoke images of early Victorian London. His 1859 novel, A Tale of Two Cities, set in London and Paris, is his best-known work of historical fiction. Dickens's creative genius has been praised by fellow writers—from Leo Tolstoy to George Orwell and G. K. Chesterton—for its realism, comedy, prose style, unique characterisations, and social criticism. On the other hand, Oscar Wilde, Henry James, and Virginia Woolf complained of a lack of psychological depth, loose writing, and a vein of saccharine sentimentalism. The term Dickensian is used to describe something that is reminiscent of Dickens and his writings, such as poor social conditions or comically repulsive characters.

On 8 June 1870, Dickens suffered another stroke at his home after a full day's work on Edwin Drood. He never regained consciousness, and the next day he died at Gad's Hill Place. Contrary to his wish to be buried at Rochester Cathedral "in an inexpensive, unostentatious, and strictly private manner," he was laid to rest in the Poets' Corner of Westminster Abbey. A printed epitaph circulated at the time of the funeral reads: "To the Memory of Charles Dickens (England's most popular author) who died at his residence, Higham, near Rochester, Kent, 9 June 1870, aged 58 years. He was a sympathiser with the poor, the suffering, and the oppressed; and by his death, one of England's greatest writers is lost to the world." His last words were: "On the ground", in response to his sister-in-law Georgina's request that he lie down.

(from Wikipedia)

Reviews

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've recently realized that reading Dickens is like comfort food for me (even, and perhaps especially, when he is at his darkest) and this volume is no exception, even though only the framing story and one traveler's story were written by him. The other six were written by either George A. Sala, Adelaide Anne Procter, Wilkie Collins or Eliza Lynn Linton.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Dickens' good friend Collins' detective story (though the detecting is done by an attorney) is arguably the best: certainly it's the most humorous, though others have flashes of humor as well, including Dickens' trademark sarcasm in the opening frame. Lynn Linton's story holds no humor but is a powerful feminist tale -- and with a ghost.

Hesperus Press publishes works that are unknown to most but worthy to be known, and this one is no exception. Overall, the background information is quite fine, though perhaps a couple of obvious terms didn't need to be defined in the end-notes. The biographical information on the lesser-known authors was especially appreciated. My only quibble with the introduction is that Proctor's poem is referenced several times, but not by name, and two of the travelers' tales are poems written by her.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1392

Opening: CHAPTER I—IN THE OLD CITY OF ROCHESTER: Strictly speaking, there were only six Poor Travellers; but, being a Traveller myself, though an idle one, and being withal as poor as I hope to be, I brought the number up to seven. This word of explanation is due at once, for what says the inscription over the quaint old door?

RICHARD WATTS, Esq.
 by his Will, dated 22 Aug. 1579,
 founded this Charity
 for Six poor Travellers,
 who not being ROGUES, or PROCTORS,
 May receive gratis for one Night,
 Lodging, Entertainment,
 and Fourpence each.

A tale best read on a Christmas Eve.

[[ J o ] · Rating 2 out of 5]

Charles Dickens is all about the human condition and what the world can do for those who cannot help themselves and the short story is not exception. It's less fluid than his other works, and you'd be a better person than I if you could wholly understand it the first time around. In essence, it is a simple tale of how Christmas should enliven you to help others, even if you are a "poor traveller" yourself.


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[Dee Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

YouTube audiobook 40 min. Read and produced by Elliot Fitzpatrick (5)

Seven poor travelers are given refuge at Charity Inn on a Christmas evening, and their generous host shares with them the story of Richard Doubledick a soldier during the Napoleonic Warss, and the reason for his abiding loyalty to his dead captain. This audiobook is a true Dickensian gem. Its themes of redemption and hope are particularly suited to the Christmas season.

Dicken's story is one of seven stories included in the book.

[Gary Sites · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful little Christmas story of 35 pages that carries the spirit of Christmas along with an inspirational tale of forgiveness. Not as entertaining or memorable as Dickens’ famous “Carol”, yet a more realistic and subtle telling of one man’s transformation for the better.

[Max · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice short story for this time of the year. I'll probably need to reread this one to understand it a little better, so I probably will. Nice for some holiday spirit!

[midnightfaerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have a hard time with Dickens short stories sometimes, because once I get immersed, they are over. Perhaps that's the same for all short stories, which is why I don't often read many. The longer the book, the better. I was about halfway in, into the the story of our friend the soldier, Richard Doubledick, when I realized I couldn't put it down. I was was thoroughly enjoying the friendship between Richard and the captain when I realized the story was more than half over. It was disappointing, mostly because the development of the characters would be minimal at best. Yet Dickens did a good job of it, tying up the plot nicely with a happy ending and a feel good feeling at the end. Yes, also, we should be kind to our fellow man. The lesson often underlying his Christmas stories.

[~ Cheryl ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Strictly speaking, there were only six Poor Travellers; but, being a Traveller myself, though an idle one, and being withal as poor as I hope to be, I brought the number up to seven.”

Our unnamed narrator gives this explanation at the outset, because of the inscription over the quaint old door he finds himself at:

RICHARD WATTS, ESQ.
by his Will, dated 22 Aug. 1579,
founded this Charity
for Six poor Travellers,
who not being ROGUES, or PROCTORS,
May receive gratis for one Night,
Lodging, Entertainment,
and Fourpence each.

After learning from the “matronly presence” inside that the provision here leaves a little something to be desired, our narrator arranges for a hearty meal to be served to the inmates that night, plus his own Wassail recipe which he joyfully prepares himself. Later, after sharing a wonderful meal with the diverse group assembled, he raises one last toast:

“…I filled the glasses, and gave my Travellers, CHRISTMAS – CHRISTMAS-EVE, my friends, when the shepherds, who were Poor Travellers, too, in their way, heard the Angels sing, “On earth, peace. Good-will towards men!”"

Now it was the witching time for Story-telling, says our narrator. Doubly so, it being Christmas Eve. So he determines to provide the “Entertainment” promised on the inscription over the front door, by conjuring up a story to tell round the hearth. This story, (the nested story within this story), isn’t especially remarkable. But having as it does the theme of forgiveness, makes it a lovely and useful tale to attend to on Christmas Eve. Remarkable or not, I sat up and listened like I was one of the group. Dickens is a marvel.

The outer frame story, about this lone traveler and his benevolence to the poor group assembled at the charity, I found to be more interesting. In it, Dickens would remind us that we are all poor travelers in this world. And his narrator, continuing his travels next morning on Christmas Day, is especially mindful of Him who, for our sake, became poor, so that we through his poverty might become rich. What better meditation can there be on Christmas morning.

[Thom Swennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This delightful but far too short work is often categorized as a Christmas story but I can’t really see why. The book is made up of three chapters and relay three unique stories by England’s best storyteller. Probably owing to the size, the characteristic characterizations which Dickens mastered are abnormally brief. More effort was in creating scenes of old England. Last year I thought I had read all of Dickens’ work but this one slipped through my fingers. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend it to everyone.

[Sladjana Kovacevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SEVEN POOR TRAVELERS-CHARLES DICKENS
✒️"RICHARD WATTS, Esq.
by his Will, dated 22 Aug. 1579,
founded this Charity
for Six poor Travellers,
who not being ROGUES, or PROCTORS,
May receive gratis for one Night,
Lodging, Entertainment,
and Fourpence each.

It was in the ancient little city of Rochester in Kent, of all the good days in the year upon a Christmas-eve, that I stood reading this inscription over the quaint old door in question"
😇Jedna od Dikensovih božićnih priča
😇Narator dolazi u krčmu gde je,zahvaljujući zaveštanju nekog plemića,obezbeđen smeštaj šestorici siromaha na jednu noć.
😇Odlučuje da im priredi božićnu večeru i uz obilatu trpezu oni krenu da mu pričaju svoje životne priče.
😇Zanimljivo i dikensovski toplo,malo poznato delo koje je zaista vredno vašeg vermena i pažnje 😊

#7sensesofabook #bookstagram #readingaddict #literature #knjige #charlesdickens

[lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a short story published in Household Words, but is also found in the Vintage Classics Dickens at Christmas.

Similar with almost all of the stories I have read in this collection, I really had no idea what was going on. I have no idea why this was even included in this collection because it wasn't Christmassy at all. I thought these stories were meant to put me in the festive mood? Instead, it's doing the opposite and totally bumming me out.

I don't have anything to praise about this one, unfortunately.

[Wanda]

13 DEC 2015 - a Christmas story recommendation through Bettie. Thank you!

Project Gutenberg download - https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1392

[Laura]

Free download available at Project Gutenberg.

[Sotiris Makrygiannis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book's title reminded me of the Finnish classic Seitsemän veljestä (7 Brothers), so I took the time to investigate the publication dates. The seven Poor travellers were printed before the book by Aleksis Kivi. It felt a bit that Aleksis Kivi copied in a way Dickens in a process that we call today newsjacking.

Was the subject similar? In a way, yes, but the Finnish story is much bigger, much more profound than Dickens's. Dickens has this issue with Christmas, perhaps becouse around Christmas time, while he was a kid, the "banks' of the time would confiscate their house and let him and his family outside in the cold. That level of cruelty can also be read in Finnish history, and I felt that Aleksi Kivi felt very close to Dickens in personal and fictional stories, therefore the admiration to "copy" the title.

Both men died around the same time, sadly Aleksis at a younger age than Dickens, but something I felt connected those two great novelists, and I took a note to investigate the connection a bit more in the future.

Anyhow, beyond the obsession of Dickens with Christmas, this book is about enemies becoming friends, the act of forgiveness that liberates the soul. Dont get fooled by the title. Are six travellers. The 7th is the narrator, who joins the journey like a ghost (another of Dickens's favourite characters).

I must admit that I laughed out loud when he introduced the Double Dick character, so it's a bit funny story but deeply carries existential angst. The angst, I believe, was created within Dickens from his early childhood story. From age 12, he had to work in child labour becouse of his father's debts, which seems to be the whole point; that experience looks like the primary pain that Dickens expresses in his books.

[Georgia · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sweet and slightly random Christmas story. Takes place in Rochester, where the narrator finds a charity dedicated to poor travellers. He discovers that the original bequest is not being well carried out, as most of the money is "handsomely laid out in Chancery, law expenses, collectorship, receivership, poundage, and other appendages of management". He gives the Poor Travellers who are staying that night a dinner, and tells them a story, a bromance about two soldiers.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[Boo · Rating 3 out of 5]

some of it is really good, some of it is not. i feel like dickens own wish to enrapture the reader through the reality of human’s good nature gets lost on it all

[rosemary in may · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Classic reverie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dickens' "The Seven Poor Travellers" is a poignant short story that happens to a traveler during Christmastime but is indeed truly about Christian principles and the need to look at things in a different light. The short story of the soldier is my favorite.

➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
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RICHARD WATTS, Esq. by his Will, dated 22 Aug. 1579, founded this Charity
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for Six poor Travellers, who not being ROGUES, or PROCTORS, May receive gratis for one Night, Lodging, Entertainment, and Fourpence each. It was in the ancient little city of Rochester in Kent, of all the good days in the year upon a Christmas-eve, that I stood reading this inscription over the quaint old door in question. I had been wandering about the neighbouring Cathedral, and had seen the tomb of Richard Watts, with the effigy of worthy
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Master Richard starting out of it like a ship’s figure-head; and I had felt that I could do no less, as I gave the Verger his fee, than inquire the way to Watts’s Charity.
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“This,” returned the presence, “is the Board Room. Where the gentlemen meet when they come here.” Let me see. I had counted from the street six upper windows besides these on the ground-story. Making a perplexed calculation in my mind, I rejoined, “Then the six Poor Travellers sleep upstairs?” My new friend shook her head. “They sleep,” she answered, “in two
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little outer galleries at the back, where their beds has always been, ever since the Charity was founded. It being so very ill-conwenient to me as things is at present, the gentlemen are going to take off a bit of the back-yard, and make a slip of a room for ’em there, to sit in before they go to bed.” “And then the six Poor Travellers,” said I, “will be entirely out of the house?” “Entirely out of the house,” assented the presence, comfortably smoothing her hands. “Which is

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parties, and much more conwenient.” I had been a little startled, in the Cathedral, by the emphasis with which the effigy of Master Richard Watts was bursting out of his tomb; but I began to think, now, that it might be expected to come across the High Street some stormy night, and make a disturbance here. Howbeit, I kept my thoughts to myself, and accompanied the presence to the little galleries at the back. I found them on a tiny scale,
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like the galleries in old inn-yards; and they were very clean. While I was looking at them, the matron gave me to understand that the prescribed number of Poor Travellers were forthcoming every night from year’s end to year’s end; and that the beds were always occupied. My questions upon this, and her replies, brought us back to the Board Room so essential to the dignity of “the gentlemen,” where she showed me the printed accounts of the Charity hanging up by the window. From them I gathered that
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the greater part of the property bequeathed by the Worshipful Master Richard Watts for the maintenance of this foundation was, at the period of his death, mere marsh-land; but that, in course of time, it had been reclaimed and built upon, and was very considerably increased in value. I found, too, that about a thirtieth part of the annual revenue was now expended on the purposes commemorated in the inscription over the door; the rest being handsomely laid out in Chancery, law expenses, collectorship, receivership,
❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌❌spoiler alert

***The place of refuge for travelers set beds for those in need provided by the charity. I really liked the story told by the narrator about the soldier who was a no account and his officer friend who made him into a good soldier and man. The officer was killed at Waterloo by a French soldier that the English soldier never forgot and planned to get even in time. The English soldier is wounded later on and remembered how the officer talked about his good mother. This kind mother was adopted by the English soldier and while ill was nursed by her and an old girlfriend of the soldier who married him during his illness. After the soldier recovers, the couple adopt the officer's mother as their own and staying in France, the soldier sees a kind French man that was the soldier who killed the officer at Waterloo but from Providence, the mother not knowing that but talking about the kind Frenchman, the English soldier saw the need to forget and forgive, for it was then a time of war.



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poundage, and other appendages of management, highly complimentary to the importance of the six Poor Travellers.
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“And pray, ma’am,” said I, sensible that the blankness of my face began to brighten as the thought occurred to me, “could one see these Travellers?”
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“Well!” she returned dubiously, “no!” “Not to-night, for instance!” said I. “Well!” she returned more positively, “no. Nobody ever asked to see them, and nobody ever did see them.” As I am not easily balked in a design when I am set upon it, I urged to the good lady that this was Christmas-eve; that Christmas comes but once a year, — which is unhappily too true, for when it begins to stay with us the whole
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year round we shall make this earth a very different place; that I was possessed by the desire to treat the Travellers to a supper and a temperate glass of hot Wassail; that the voice of Fame had been heard in that land, declaring my ability to make hot Wassail; that if I were permitted to hold the feast, I should be found conformable to reason, sobriety, and good hours; in a word, that I could be merry and wise myself, and had been even known at a pinch to keep others so, although I was decorated with no badge or
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medal, and was not a Brother, Orator, Apostle, Saint, or Prophet of any denomination whatever. In the end I prevailed, to my great joy. It was settled that at nine o’clock that night a Turkey and a piece of Roast Beef should smoke upon the board; and that I, faint and unworthy minister for once of Master Richard Watts, should preside as the Christmas-supper host of the six Poor Travellers. I went back to my inn to give the necessary directions for the Turkey and Roast Beef, and, during the
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remainder of the day, could settle to nothing for thinking of the Poor Travellers. When the wind blew hard against the windows, — it was a cold day, with dark gusts of sleet alternating with periods of wild brightness, as if the year were dying fitfully, — I pictured them advancing towards their resting-place along various cold roads, and felt delighted to think how little they foresaw the supper that awaited them. I painted their portraits in my mind, and indulged in little heightening touches. I made
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them footsore; I made them weary; I made them carry packs and bundles; I made them stop by finger-posts and milestones, leaning on their bent sticks, and looking wistfully at what was written there; I made them lose their way; and filled their five wits with apprehensions of lying out all night, and being frozen to death.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and inspirational work by Charles Dickens written as a Christmas story. Outshined by Dickens much more well known Christmas story, this short story has received scant notice. Yet I found it most delightful and comforting and can heartily recommend it.

Written in the first person, Dickens tell of being a "poor traveller," and discovering a humble inn during his travels. Set up as a charitable hostel by a gentlemen deceased over a century previously, the inn offers to "six poor traveller's," true in heart, free lodging for one night plus enough money to purchase a simple meal.

After satisfying himself of the bona fides of this charitable work, the "seventh poor traveller," as Dickens refers to the narrator, determines to contribute his own gift to his fellow "traveller's," it being Christmas Eve. Securing a sumptuous meal for the holy occasion, and preparing his own secret recipe of wassail, he shares a most satisfying Christmas Eve meal with his fellows, topping off the night with a personal story that befits a Christ-like life of humble service to the meanest among us.

The story told, and following activities, serve to illustrate well the concept Dickens wishes to drive home, which is that at best we are all "poor traveller's" together in this life, and make the best of it all by sharing with a true heart whatever good and honest fare comes our way. Without the burden of judging harshly those whom we encounter who seem beneath our station, true happiness may be achieved before we, too, depart this veil of tears.

I am a better man for having added these humble words of Dickens to my life.

[Kumari de Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't usually like Dickens because I do not find him compelling as Wilkie Collins, nor as emotionally kind as Elizabeth Gaskell, his contemporaries. Dickens to me, writes like a soap opera screenwriter making one thing happen after the next, no matter how unlikely or absurd, for the sake of the cliffhanger. Yet this short story I found charming even though there are the requisite improbabilities.

I wondered at what happened between Mary and Richard Doubledick to make her break it off with him. I wondered if the original audience would have easily guessed because it felt opaque to me. He somehow messed up so bad she swore to never speak to him again and yet she also promised to never marry anyone else for his sake. Hmmmm. Based on the deep and abiding friendship that developed between him and his captain I wondered if Mary had caught him in some kind of compromising act with another man. . . but it is certainly never made clear. For all we know it could have been a compromising act with another woman. . . but I dunno know. Either which way, if it was another person, why would he eschew all other relationships for all the years they are separated?

Our only clue is that he was "wild." So maybe he got into a brawl. I don't know that Dickens himself knew. Perhaps he just wanted a reason to make it all the more heartwarming at the end. I actually found the love story with Mary the weakest link to the story. I think it would have been fine to have left that character out altogether and just made the story about the friendship between the two men, including the ensuing story about the mother inadvertently befriending her son's killer. If Dickens was that attached to making Mary part of the story I wish he had been more clear about what caused the break-up.

[Hornthesecond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was something of a gem, a real piece of Victoriana. Seven short stories by Dickens and four of his contemporaries, edited and enclosed by Dickens in a narrative set on Christmas Eve in a Rochester almshouse. In this edition, the this collection of stories is nicely put into context and there were helpful footnotes and short biographies of each contributor. I particularly enjoyed the two stories written in rhyme by Adelaide Anne Procter. Wilkie Collins' contribution was interesting, Linton's story very dark indeed, Sala's second contribution very nice, and much preferable to his first. My original reason for reading the book, "The Story of Richard Doubledick"*, as referred to by Ali Smith in one of her more recent novels, was not, in the end, one of my favourite Dickens stories. Still, for me, reading this set of stories together, was an interesting, enjoyable, and rewarding experience.
*Note that this is the only one of the seven stories written by Dickens himself.

[Irene García · Rating 2 out of 5]

This short story by Charles Dickens deals with one of his favorite subjects: Christmas, and more specifically, how Christmas can inspire us to help others, even if we ourselves do not have much to give.

On Christmas Eve, the narrator arrives at a building that is like a charity where, for one night, six poor and humble travelers are welcomed and given food, lodging, company, and a small amount of money.

The narrator volunteers to help out at the Christmas dinner that night and spend some pleasant time with the travelers.

During dinner, he realizes that everyone's troubles are forgotten while they are all together eating and celebrating Christmas, and he feels inspired to tell the travelers a story. He then tells them the story of a boy who becomes a soldier and throughout his life experiences suffering, injustice, and life lessons, finally returning home transformed by his experience.

Through this simple story, Dickens offers social criticism, addressing many recurring themes in his work, such as Christmas, hope, charity, and the importance of helping others not only with material goods or money, but also by keeping them company or simply by engaging in conversation with them. He also addresses social inequality and poverty.

Certainly, despite being an enjoyable tale, it is not the best story I have read by Dickens, nor do I believe it reaches the standard of his great works, but it was a story I came across unexpectedly, and after reading it, I felt compelled to leave a review on my page.

[arin · Rating 3 out of 5]

* 3.5

i surprisingly enjoyed this story more than i thought i would. i went into it not knowing anything other than it would be about seven poor travellers, so there were nice surprises every time i opened the next pages. i loved charles dickens's narrations and i really liked the way he wrote his characters. i've never read anything by him, so it was another nice thing to say. the plot of the story itself was interesting. i literally had no idea what it was going to be about, so when i found out that there was a story within the story, i was very intrigued. overall, a good and solid short story, i would definitely recommend it. 

[Esther Filbrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Dickens’ works for a while, but never realized until recently how many Christmas stories he had! This was a fascinating story; not at all what I was expecting, but an interesting peek into what Christmas was like for some people at his time, as well as a fascinating story (whether true or not, who knows, but it was good!). If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fast Christmas read, I’d recommend this. It isn’t as good as Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but it’s worth at least one read.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining listening 🎶🔰

Another will written British 🏰 adventure thriller short stories by Charles Dickens. Three very short stories each different with interesting characters, story line, with a different ending. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa as I do because of eye damage and health issues from shingles. Stay safe 2022

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have finished my first book of 2023, and thank God for that.
I was inspired to read this short story by a trip to the exact place this book was based on, in Rochester with my grandparents. It was an interesting place.
The book, however, wasn't quite as interesting. I found it quite boring. Not Charles Dickens's best work, I've got to say.
I'm glad it was just a short story and only took up half an hour of my life or so.

[Gemma · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this as part of a collection of Dickens' Christmas writings. It was not overly festive though the message of being charitable and bettering yourself was quite in keeping with the holiday season.

To be honest I think parts of this were lost on me. Just as I was getting to grips with the story it took a turn that I didn't really follow and then it ended quite abruptly so I didn't get much from it.

[Bailee Parkes · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just perfectly wholesome. Strangers coming together and, for one night, giving each other a memorable holiday celebration. Preparing meal and drink together and sharing stories about their common struggles. Of course they never forget those who have missed out in this chance or those who have been lost during this season, but that shared experience provides a comfort beyond words and platitudes.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting tale of a young man who learns in battle to hate opponents and love his comrades in arms. He leaves the war to care for the mother of his deceased commander. In time, he reunites with people he knew before the war and during the war. His feelings for these people have changed as have these people with time. Love and hate are created in our lives' actions.