Zanna's Gift: A Life in Christmases

by Orson Scott Card, Scott Richards

From the pen of a masterful storyteller comes a touching and inspirational story of love, loss, and the true meaning of Christmas that will take its place beside Richard Paul Evans' "Christmas Box Trilogy," as a timeless classic that will be passed from generation to generation.

When the Pullman family lost their eldest son Ernie to an unexpected illness just before Christmas, 1938, it was devastating to all of them, but especially to young Suzanna, their four-year-old daughter who shared a special bond with her big brother. A strangely gifted child, Zanna loved to draw, but Ernie was the only one who was able to see the pictures in the curious patterns she made. And he did not live to see her last gift, a Christmas painting she had made just for him.

This is the story of that gift, and how it inspired her and her whole family, generation to generation, to keep alive the spirit of imagination, hope, and love, for Christmases to come.
Zanna grew up to be a famous artist, but in the hearts of her children and grandchildren, her nieces and nephews, that first painting, the Gift, was truly her most important work. Christmas after Christmas, as the long decades pass up to the present day, Scott Richards allows us to share in the warmth of a family bound together by the transcendent miracle of love.

Zanna's life, told in Christmases, will inspire you to keep alive your own family traditions, to share those loving moments with your children and grandchildren for years to come.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Audiobook, Inspirational, Fantasy, Christian, Holiday

144 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Orson Scott Card is an American writer known best for his science fiction works. He is (as of 2023) the only person to have won a Hugo Award and a Nebula Award in consecutive years, winning both awards for his novel Ender's Game (1985) and its sequel Speaker for the Dead (1986). A feature film adaptation of Ender's Game, which Card co-produced, was released in 2013. Card also wrote the Locus Fantasy Award-winning series The Tales of Alvin Maker (1987–2003).
Card's fiction often features characters with exceptional gifts who make difficult choices with high stakes. Card has also written political, religious, and social commentary in his columns and other writing; his opposition to homosexuality has provoked public criticism.
Card, who is a great-great-grandson of Brigham Young, was born in Richland, Washington, and grew up in Utah and California. While he was a student at Brigham Young University (BYU), his plays were performed on stage. He served in Brazil as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and headed a community theater for two summers. Card had 27 short stories published between 1978 and 1979, and he won the John W. Campbell Award for best new writer in 1978. He earned a master's degree in English from the University of Utah in 1981 and wrote novels in science fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, and historical fiction genres starting in 1979. Card continued to write prolifically, and he has published over 50 novels and 45 short stories.
Card teaches English at Southern Virginia University; he has written two books on creative writing and serves as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest. He has taught many successful writers at his "literary boot camps". He remains a practicing member of the LDS Church and Mormon fiction writers Stephenie Meyer, Brandon Sanderson, and Dave Wolverton have cited his works as a major influence.

Reviews

[Colleen Houck]

If you're looking for a sweet Christmas story, this is a good one. A heartfelt tale of love and loss and family through the years. Also the bonus is it's a small enough book to fit in a stocking. =)

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little book is quite sad at points throughout, but heartwarming, as it follows a family through several generations. I have a massive TBR list from the many book related emails and publications that I read. That makes it all the more special when I find a book the way I always did years ago—something I’ve never heard of that randomly catches my eye on the shelves of the library. A nice little Christmas gift to me!

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not normally a fan of such short books but this one is an absolute gem. Although I first read this one after the Christmas season I will absolutely revisit this beautiful family every year during the holidays.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet Christmas story about the importance of family connections and the traditions we create to memorialize those we’ve lost.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible

[Davyne DeSye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. SUCH a beautiful story. I did the ugly-cry thing. Utterly amazing.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a love/hate relationship with Orson Scott Card, so I was expecting to hate-listen to this one. But I found I didn't dislike it. It's not one that I intend to listen to again, but it did get points for being well-written enough to make me cry. I can't say I would recommend it as a Christmas read--it's the story of the family who lost their oldest child and follows the lives of his siblings and their children. It's a musing on family, love, and loss. While the tone is hopeful overall (and there was something very refreshing about reading about a family that wasn't dysfunctional), the first few chapters are rough--especially for anyone who has lost a child.

[Jennifer Wheeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This left me feeling slightly melancholy...

[Ritwik Ganguly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, gut wrenching and very wholesome quick read. Emphasizes family values from the perspective of individuals of every age, be it a 4-year old girl or a 70-year old grandmother.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, heartwarming story of family love and loss, a book I intend to not just recommend, but to pass on to others who, I believe, will find it the cherished, sharable treasure I did.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Christmas story that I would like to revisit each year. Although a short book, my heart was wrapped around the Pullman family that experienced great loss, but found ways to go forward despite heartaches. The power of family ties, traditions, love, and sacrifice are neatly woven together in this excellent, heartwarming book.

[Emily Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad and happy all throughout. Many life lessons. Fast read. About 3 hours start to finish.

[Tommie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very short book, I read it in one sitting. I had really hopes for the book, given the author and how good Ender’s Game is supposed to be. But...while it had a couple cute moments, it was very cliche and a bit twee. Definitely not a book I would read again.

[Ashley Tackett · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful story!! The last line in the book is the perfect way to describe it: “...grief is just another name for love.” The story was emotional beyond measure. Prepare yourself to pause and cry.

A HUGE thank you to Blackstone Publishing for this {#gifted} copy to read and review!

[Brian Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was quite a bit different than I thought it would be. It covers the entire life of a girl who draws a picture for her brother for Christmas and how many different events she uses it to think about him. I am terrible at explaining this. I can just say I liked it a lot.

[Yamipeach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one go and my heart hurt for the right reasons.. it's been a while since I cried while reading but this beautiful book made me sad and happy at the same time.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: There are many ways to lose a child, and none of them is merciful. But like all unbearable things it can be borne, and in the weeks before Christmas 1938, the Pullmans were learning how.

Premise/plot: Zanna's Gift is a LOVELY Christmas novel. Zanna, the youngest of the Pullman family, has a special way to memorialize her older brother, Ernest, after his unexpected death at age fifteen.

The best way to read Zanna's Gift is without knowing a thing about it. I promise you. I'm doing you a favor by NOT summarizing the plot and sharing what Zanna's GIFT was and how it was a gift that kept giving and giving, how that gift came to symbolize so much to the entire family.

My thoughts: LOVE. I loved this one absolutely and completely from start to finish. It was one of those perfectly perfect EXPERIENCES. It feels like more than just a book, a story, a fictional work. THESE CHARACTERS ARE REAL. How it hasn't been adapted into a movie if it was truly published originally in 2004 is beyond me. It would make an excellent movie.

I would recommend this one to people who aren't necessarily readers. Of course I recommend it to readers who read anything and everything. But for those who are reluctant to pick up books, please consider reading this wonderful amazing book.

If you LOVE Christmas, this is an absolute must. I could easily see it becoming a book that you feel you HAVE to read each and every year.

This was my SECOND year to read Zanna's Gift. Last year I was surprised by how magical this read was--a celebration of life, love, and family. This year I was reminded of just how beautiful and touching it is. These characters have remained with me throughout the year.

Is it Christian fiction? Maybe? Faith plays out in the background of this one. Faith isn't fleshed out in this one--in terms of theology. But I'm not so sure it needs to be for the beautiful themes to come through. There is nothing in Zanna's Gift that is anti-Christian. It is a treat of a book for ALL readers regardless of faith background.

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book on CD, well done. Nice little "feel good" story that begins when Zanna is 4 and goes until she is a grandma. All about family and love, also about grieving. Message of the story is grieving is loving.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

In case Hallmark needs new material...

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done. Only sad if you don't believe in an afterlife.

The story: Zanna's brother was a good and hard-working young man, and he always had time to look at Zanna's drawing's. But he passed away when Zanna was 4 and her parents despaired at what to tell her. He had just "gone away". She was sad because she had one last drawing that she wanted to show him, but now she never will. So she keeps it and brings it out each Christmas. The rest of the story chronicles Zanna's life growing up, her marriage, raising her own children and then grand children until finally she dies to join her brother... presumably in Heaven though I don't recall the author mentioning the destination.

Any problems with this story? None that I can recall. It was excellent writing. The subject was somewhat melancholy, but the author managed to keep the narrative positive. Quite an achievement. That is why I gave it 5 stars.

This is, generally speaking, a Christmas story. I am not a Christian in any form whatsoever. I do not celebrate Christmas. I have my own holidays. Good ones. But I am glad Christians have such an inspirational holiday for themselves. Good on you.

I might listen to this audiobook again someday.

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here are the generations of Zanna's family, throughout her lifetime. . . .

Her story is told through the Christmas seasons of her life, what has happened (or not happened), her progress through this earthly journey and how her life has affected those around her. From an earnest toddler to a grandson remembering her after she has passed, Christmas memories spread the story of her life and her generous gift of self throughout the years.

A gentle reminder of the many shoulders of family members, upon which we stand to reach up as high as we do in this life. Even the humblest of lives, have spiritual giants who've influenced our progress and are worthy of reflection and remembrance. Seasonal holidays of all types are especially well-suited for such ponderings.

This was a short, yet power read, just right for the message.

[Steve Hager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like most of his readers, I was first introduced to Orson Scott Card through the Ender Saga. I have devoted his books ever since. When I saw Card had written a Christmas story, I immediately purchased it. Though unique in its theme, Zanna’s Gift is - like most of Card’s works - both captivating and fast-paced.

Like all of the characters Card crafts, Zanna comes to life. One hates to leave her at the story’s end. I waited, or even hoped, for Zanna’s Gift to take a turn to the bizarre or riotous fun, like many of Card’s books. I wanted Zanna to conjure her lost loved one. This is not that kind of story. Still, it is a heart-warming tale of enduring love, and the Zanna who lives in us all.

I highly recommend Zanna’s Gift.

- oh, if you are a Card fan, be sure to read the afterword.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to read this gentle book during the Christmas season. I am so glad that I did!

The book opens "There are many ways to lose a child, and none of them is merciful. But like all unbearable things it can be borne, and in the weeks before Christmas 1938, the Pullmans were learning how."

Zanna's Gift is a book about love and loss, grief and learning, sadness and hope. It is essentially about being a family member in a family that is both ordinary and extraordinary. The love and caring expressed in this book are a balm to the soul.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys fiction with a Christian background.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of this and I did not know what to expect. But it is definitely one that I could easily recommend to anyone. Though. The title and several scene throughout the book to take place around Christmas time, I think it can be red anytime. It was very short. I listen to it. It was only two CDs. But it was really cool because it was this little girl's life. Basically from the time she was maybe 4 years old to just pass the end of her life. There was no contrived attempts at manipulating emotion. It was just well written enough that it elicited emotion in its own right. Some beautiful scenes in there and a fiery little girl

[Dianeparente62gmail.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a touching story of a family's Christmases (and other events) through the years and the love that sustained them. Two deaths in the family shape the characters and the story. The heroine is Zanna (Suzanna), the only girl among the Pullman's four children. We follow her from childhood to old age, and her gift--a painting for her oldest brother--forms the heart of Christmases through the year.

Although a small book, Zanna's Gift is a gift revealing how a strong family weathers life's ups and downs. It is a short but compelling read.

[Phyllis Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this little book. Little being the correct word because it's only 144 pages long. This is a sweet story of a family who lost a son and brother right before Christmas in 1934. His beloved younger sister Zanna was always making drawings that only Ernie could understand. When Ernie died, Zanna was working on a special picture just for him. This is the story of this picture and how it affected the family in years to come. If you have ever read and enjoyed any of Richard Paul Evans' Christmas books you will love this one.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Zanna’s Gift in one sitting. Beautiful story about a child’’s love for a brother who understood her art in a way no one else could or ever would. He died as a young boy and she also discovers she had a twin sister who died shortly after their birth. Dealing with her life and family relationships created a beautiful Christmas Story. I have loved Orson Scott Card’s characters in his Ender’s series and this book had equally wonderful characters you feel you know after finishing the book.
Enjoy.

[Erik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was emotionally moved by this book more than any book I've read in the past year. The themes of family love for each other, and working through difficult times are some of the most important things that this life is all about. The family in the book exhibits a strong belief in the Resurrection and Atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The book is short and I guess most readers can finish it in less than two hour. I highly recommend it to anybody.

[Ivan L Hutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though written in 2004, I only learned this year about this book by Orson Scott Card (writing under the name Scott Richards). I have read dozens of Card's books over the last decades and liked to very-much-liked them. This "Zanna's Gift" is a great " Family" and "Christmas" story (for me 2nd place to Dickens' Christmas Carol). My summary response to finishing reading "Zanna's Gift" today (Jan 5, 2021): this little book is excellent, excellent, excellent!!!

[Jamie Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

While quite heart-wrenching in parts, I was immediately drawn in to this family and thought it was a sweet story. I enjoyed witnessing the characters grow up, especially Zanna. Sometimes it seemed there was a deeper meaning to aspects of Zanna's gift; a symbolism that was maybe going over my head. I certainly appreciated the emphasis on family and the experience of grief. I teared up more than once and loved the lifetime of Christmases angle. A lovely holiday read.