Carmen

by C. Zampa

Christmas Eve, the Bronx, 1944. Just as it does for all adults, the holidays stir a yearning in Carmen Franchino to be a little girl again...to hear her father retell his ridiculous, tall-tale story of how the opera 'Carmen' got its name.

13 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 30, 2011

Reviews

[Sarah Ballance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully told story, capable of touching inside readers the most cherished of memories, making them vivid and whole again. Through Carmen and her father, Benny, this heartwarming journey unfolds into something far deeper than at first it seems. Your time spent in their company will be far greater than the moments you spend reading, as it will stick with you in all the best ways. I wouldn't be surprised if this one ends up in your "read again" pile!

[Shira Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was truly a beautiful short story about family ties and the bond between father and daughter--lyrical and sweet, tinged with bittersweet longing. I loved the way the plot revealed the past and present and how I felt as though I were in the story as it unfolded. The writing is wonderful and evocative. A stunning little gem of a story --well worth reading. I highly recommend it!

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story about a daughter who misses her father at Christmas. He tells her the tale of how Carmen got its name, the opera, and leaves her a surprise under the tree. Though only 13 pages, I could really feel the woman's grief over missing her dad. Not mind blowing, but not bad for a shortie.

[Jeanne Roland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was recently gifted a copy of this jewel of a holiday story and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves beautiful, heartfelt prose, lovingly drawn familial relationships, and a touch of magical realism. The title and the opera theme immediately drew me in, as did the sense that this was going to be more of a tone poem than a plot-driven narrative—but one that promised a bit of mystery and a twist. I won't spoil any of it, but I will say that I marveled at how the author managed to convey her characters so vividly in such a short space. And maybe I am just a sucker for father figures, but it didn't take more than a page or two for Zampa to have me entirely enamored of Benito Franchino. This one is perfect for reading during the holidays; it has a wonderful sense of nostalgia perfect for the season and a Christmas setting. I found it touching and heartwarming, a perfectly executed confection!

[Raymond Casillas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming!

This is a beautiful Christmas tale so divinely written.
Mingled between dreams and reality is a short, tender story that most could easily relate to... some more than others.

Recommended!