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Es muss ein Zauber sein
Lost in the New Englans snowstorm as they journey twoard thier new home, two small boys and their parents find shelter with a myestirious old man. By morning he has vanished, leaving behind only a card which in in magaicla way guides the famil to a christmas celebration of a very special meaning for them all. Description from back cover.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1978
1 person is currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Paul Theroux
237 books2,604 followersPaul Edward Theroux is an American travel writer and novelist, whose best known work is The Great Railway Bazaar (1975), a travelogue about a trip he made by train from Great Britain through Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, through South Asia, then South-East Asia, up through East Asia, as far east as Japan, and then back across Russia to his point of origin. Although perhaps best known as a travelogue writer, Theroux has also published numerous works of fiction, some of which were made into feature films. He was awarded the 1981 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for his novel The Mosquito Coast.
He is the father of Marcel and Louis Theroux, and the brother of Alexander and Peter. Justin Theroux is his nephew.
He is the father of Marcel and Louis Theroux, and the brother of Alexander and Peter. Justin Theroux is his nephew.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 16, 2022
This was such an enjoyable Christmas read, this short book really kept us guessing what was happening and made us wonder why? Just before Christmas, two young boys travel with their father and mother to a house they have bought by the coast and far from neighbours. Losing their way in a snowstorm they stop at a hotel where they meet
The story has some thoughtful values about thinking what is really important in life and the end was lovely, very special but didn't give all the conclusions. We wanted more of this story, but still a great Christmas read. Some nice ideas about what is important, what is magic and the importance of belief in hope.
The story has some thoughtful values about thinking what is really important in life and the end was lovely, very special but didn't give all the conclusions. We wanted more of this story, but still a great Christmas read. Some nice ideas about what is important, what is magic and the importance of belief in hope.
November 14, 2018
We were having our first day of snow, and I was sitting on the couch reading this book while feeling the heat coming from our woodstove. My husband was in the kitchen making dinner, a casserole that smelled so wonderful.
It was going to snow in New England too, and the family in this book were driving to the beach where they would spend Christmas at a cabin. As they were driving a snowstorm came up, and soon they were lost. Eventually, they found an old hotel with its lights on and pulled into its drive way. An old man named Pappy met them at the door and invited them to come in to stay the night, but in the morning he is gone, where they did not know because they couldn’t find his footsteps out in the snow, and he wasn’t in the house. They found instead a card that he had left on a table, but it was a card without a note. It had a picture on it that appeared to show them the way to the cabin on the beach. Taking the card with them they headed out that morning and made it to cabin, just as the card had instructed.
The card was a magic card, showing them where to cut down a Christmas tree, and it even showed one of the boys that the man, Pappy, was coming to visit them. But when the boy showed the card to his father and mother, they didn’t see Pappy walking down the road to their cabin. They saw nothing but their cabin.
Some things are like that. You see what you want to see. I have a sketch of a forest with a man sitting down in his monk’s wool robe, with its hood up to keep him warm. I noticed that It is much like the sketches in this book. Sometimes, when I look at it, I only see a tree stump, not the monk, but I bought it thinking that it was of a monk, so a monk it is.
If I had seen this card that the family had found, I would have seen some cookies on a plate waiting for me when I reached the cabin that morning. I would have seen carrots in them so they would be somewhat healthy, and I would have seen milk in the refrigerator, and then there would be a big turkey, and my husband would make us a great Christmas dinner. Yes, that is what I would really see.
CARROT CAKE COOKIES
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 c. unsalted butter
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. ginger
1 1/2 c. flour
2 c. oats
1 1/2 c. grated carrots
1 c. raisins
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs; mix well. Add vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; mix well. Blend in flour, then oats, carrots, and raisins. Chill 30 minutes. Drop by spoonfuls onto buttered baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Spread tops with Cream Cheese Filling. Frost with one of the following frostings:
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
8 oz. cream cheese
8 T. unsalted butter
1 t. vanilla
1 c. powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients together. Spread each cookie.
ORANGE BUTTER FROSTING
2 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 T. unsalted butter
Grated rind of 1 orange
1/4 c. hot orange juice, enough to make frosting spread
In a bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add grated rind; mix well. Add enough orange juice to spread.
ORANGE FROSTING
2 c. powdered sugar
Orange juice, enough to make spreadable
In a bowl, add powered sugar and enough orange juice to make a thin glaze.
MAPLE-CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/4 c. unsalted butter
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. pure maple syrup (do not substitute)
In a bowl, blend cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Note: This real maple syrup frosting tastes great on carrot cake.
It was going to snow in New England too, and the family in this book were driving to the beach where they would spend Christmas at a cabin. As they were driving a snowstorm came up, and soon they were lost. Eventually, they found an old hotel with its lights on and pulled into its drive way. An old man named Pappy met them at the door and invited them to come in to stay the night, but in the morning he is gone, where they did not know because they couldn’t find his footsteps out in the snow, and he wasn’t in the house. They found instead a card that he had left on a table, but it was a card without a note. It had a picture on it that appeared to show them the way to the cabin on the beach. Taking the card with them they headed out that morning and made it to cabin, just as the card had instructed.
The card was a magic card, showing them where to cut down a Christmas tree, and it even showed one of the boys that the man, Pappy, was coming to visit them. But when the boy showed the card to his father and mother, they didn’t see Pappy walking down the road to their cabin. They saw nothing but their cabin.
Some things are like that. You see what you want to see. I have a sketch of a forest with a man sitting down in his monk’s wool robe, with its hood up to keep him warm. I noticed that It is much like the sketches in this book. Sometimes, when I look at it, I only see a tree stump, not the monk, but I bought it thinking that it was of a monk, so a monk it is.
If I had seen this card that the family had found, I would have seen some cookies on a plate waiting for me when I reached the cabin that morning. I would have seen carrots in them so they would be somewhat healthy, and I would have seen milk in the refrigerator, and then there would be a big turkey, and my husband would make us a great Christmas dinner. Yes, that is what I would really see.
CARROT CAKE COOKIES
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 c. unsalted butter
2 eggs
1 t. vanilla
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/2 t. ginger
1 1/2 c. flour
2 c. oats
1 1/2 c. grated carrots
1 c. raisins
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs; mix well. Add vanilla, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; mix well. Blend in flour, then oats, carrots, and raisins. Chill 30 minutes. Drop by spoonfuls onto buttered baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Spread tops with Cream Cheese Filling. Frost with one of the following frostings:
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
8 oz. cream cheese
8 T. unsalted butter
1 t. vanilla
1 c. powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients together. Spread each cookie.
ORANGE BUTTER FROSTING
2 c. powdered sugar
1 1/2 T. unsalted butter
Grated rind of 1 orange
1/4 c. hot orange juice, enough to make frosting spread
In a bowl, cream sugar and butter. Add grated rind; mix well. Add enough orange juice to spread.
ORANGE FROSTING
2 c. powdered sugar
Orange juice, enough to make spreadable
In a bowl, add powered sugar and enough orange juice to make a thin glaze.
MAPLE-CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese
1/4 c. unsalted butter
3/4 c. powdered sugar
1/4 c. pure maple syrup (do not substitute)
In a bowl, blend cream cheese and butter. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Note: This real maple syrup frosting tastes great on carrot cake.
December 30, 2021
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and his first one written for children, although this would appeal to all ages.
A story shared through the eyes and memories of a man who is looking back on the year he was nine years old, when he and his family got lost driving to find their new home. The snowstorm outside their car offers low visibility and Christmas is approaching.
Finding a house with windows lit, they are greeted by a man who insists on being called “Pappy” and invites them inside and they end up spending the night. When they wake in the morning, he is gone. No footsteps left in the snow. No note, but a card left on a table with a picture that offered a clue to finding their new home, and a bit more. Where to find a Christmas tree that they could cut down just in time for them to celebrate. One of the boys sees something else - Pappy walking, returning to them, but the others only saw the cabin. As the holiday draws closer, more changes to the card are noticed by the boys, and they come to believe that the card is sharing Pappy’s locations as he travels.
The atmosphere that Theroux manages to create in this slim, 84 page story is hauntingly enchanting. The setting as well as the mystical aspects add a lovely touch without being overdone.
A wonderful story with illustrations by John Lawrence.
December 20, 2009
I wasn't sure how much I would like this at first but I ended up quite enjoying it. An unusual Christmas story full of mystery/magic and suspense when a kindly but unusual old man helps a lost family find their way to their new house one snowy evening by way of a "magic" (or is it?) illustrated map on a Christmas card. I liked the sense of anticipation and the uncertainty of whether to fear or rejoice in the mysterious magic--whether it is even real. The ending is a beautiful albeit rather obvious "message" about Faith and what is truly important in this world. All in all, a pleasant way to spend an hour.
October 9, 2017
I read this book when I was six or seven year old - and it had a huge impact on me. I was captivated by it's magic and mystery. I re-read it many times more in my childhood, and it pops to mind when I think of books that have remained with me and have changed me in some way. It's a beautiful story.
May 20, 2013
VALUE THE GIFT!
A few days before Christmas nine-year-old Marcel and his family are driving to their new house--an old farm deep in the snowy woods, then get lost. Luckily they find an old hotel which at first seemed to be closed. Marcel is fascinated by their quaint but kindly host, Pappy, who promises to provide them with directions to their destination the next day.
But the man mysteriously disappears, leaving them only an unsigned, unaddressed Christmas card, which has no words--just a curious sketch of the woods. Marcel gradually realizes that this card is a kind of map to their new home, yet it is much more than that. It is a Magic card, which changes to reflect conditions of the real world outside--of time, light and location.
Still Marcel experiences alternating fear and peace in the days preceding the Christian holiday, as a result of the card's shifting hints. The family of four is confused by the mysterious fire glowing in the old cabin; did they just stumble upon a meeting and inadvertantly drive the people away? Secular and sacred connotations combine to make a fascinating, enjoy-in-one-sitting read. Will Marcel ever see his beloved Pappy again--just who and what is he anyway? A literary chiaroscuro where the Light combats the Darkness and a young boy tries to choose the right path and make the best "trade."
(October 15, 2012. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
A few days before Christmas nine-year-old Marcel and his family are driving to their new house--an old farm deep in the snowy woods, then get lost. Luckily they find an old hotel which at first seemed to be closed. Marcel is fascinated by their quaint but kindly host, Pappy, who promises to provide them with directions to their destination the next day.
But the man mysteriously disappears, leaving them only an unsigned, unaddressed Christmas card, which has no words--just a curious sketch of the woods. Marcel gradually realizes that this card is a kind of map to their new home, yet it is much more than that. It is a Magic card, which changes to reflect conditions of the real world outside--of time, light and location.
Still Marcel experiences alternating fear and peace in the days preceding the Christian holiday, as a result of the card's shifting hints. The family of four is confused by the mysterious fire glowing in the old cabin; did they just stumble upon a meeting and inadvertantly drive the people away? Secular and sacred connotations combine to make a fascinating, enjoy-in-one-sitting read. Will Marcel ever see his beloved Pappy again--just who and what is he anyway? A literary chiaroscuro where the Light combats the Darkness and a young boy tries to choose the right path and make the best "trade."
(October 15, 2012. I welcome dialogue with teachers.)
January 2, 2009
A Christmas tale that is both charming and suspenseful, even a touch dark at times. More about faith in imagination than the usual "believing in Santa." The quality of writing raises it above "child's Lit" only, though still plenty delightful and accessible for children. I enjoyed this so much that I was wondering why I hadn't heard of it before, why it hadn't attained status as a Christmas "classic"?
December 8, 2022
I read this one when I was little, but I'd forgotten about it. Then I saw it on BookTube the other day and ordered it. I still wasn't certain that I'd read it before, but the cover sure looked familiar. It arrived today, and yep! Not only do I remember it, but I remember thinking it would be such a COOL movie.
It would!
It would!
December 12, 2018
A strange little Christmas story from the fantasy genre.
December 25, 2022
Children’s story about a magical Christmas card.
December 19, 2025
I have read this book several times, but I think it had more meaning for me this time around. Marcel (who is 9) and his younger brother Louis and parents are moving to a new house, but they get lost on the way. They are rescued by a mysterious man in a black cape who invites them to stay the night at his hotel, which is closed for the winter season. In the morning, he is gone but Marcel finds a Christmas card that turns out to have magical properties - the picture changes according to the needs of the family. (Think of the card as a kind of magical precursor to the moving paintings in Harry Potter). Marcel is the one who grasps that the card is trying to provide him directions, if only he will follow the pinprick of light that moves around on the card. As he tracks the movement of the light, he becomes a believer in powers beyond his understanding, in the power of the light. When he is finally asked by the mysterious man to return the card in exchange for anything in the world he may want, his choice demonstrates the impact of the card and its teaching on his young soul. It's a different, metaphorical take on the meaning of Christmas, made truly more beautiful on repeat readings.
December 13, 2020
An der Verbindung von Weihnachten und Geistergeschichten ist etwas Spezielles, etwas Faszinierendes.
Theroux meistert dieses Genre hier in aller Kürze. Meiner Meinung nach funktionieren Spukgeschichten in kurzen Texten sowieso am besten. "Es muss ein Zauber sein" ist ein weiteres Beispiel dafür.
Einerseits hat man das heimelige Weihnachtsgefühl, andererseits kommt man einfach nicht umhin, sich ein wenig zu gruseln. Und zwar auf einem sehr angenehmen Niveau. Der Text wirkt nicht gewollt, sondern gut durchdacht und aufgebaut.
Die Ideen, die hier einfliessen, haben mir sehr gefallen, da sie mir doch eher neu und unverbraucht wirken. Und das, obwohl der Text schon ein wenig älter ist. Aber auch das trägt sehr viel zur Stimmung bei.
Ja, hier passt für mich einfach alles zusammen. Bis hin zur wundervoll gestalteten Aufmachung.
Theroux meistert dieses Genre hier in aller Kürze. Meiner Meinung nach funktionieren Spukgeschichten in kurzen Texten sowieso am besten. "Es muss ein Zauber sein" ist ein weiteres Beispiel dafür.
Einerseits hat man das heimelige Weihnachtsgefühl, andererseits kommt man einfach nicht umhin, sich ein wenig zu gruseln. Und zwar auf einem sehr angenehmen Niveau. Der Text wirkt nicht gewollt, sondern gut durchdacht und aufgebaut.
Die Ideen, die hier einfliessen, haben mir sehr gefallen, da sie mir doch eher neu und unverbraucht wirken. Und das, obwohl der Text schon ein wenig älter ist. Aber auch das trägt sehr viel zur Stimmung bei.
Ja, hier passt für mich einfach alles zusammen. Bis hin zur wundervoll gestalteten Aufmachung.
November 30, 2018
When two treasured friends who know me all too well recommend the same holiday story, you just know that that book has to move to the very top of my list. That's what caused me to read this compelling allegory.
This is a charming story about a family who find themselves stranded in a New England snowstorm. They are taken in by a mysterious stranger who disappears the next morning, but who leaves in his wake a very special Christmas card.
This beautifully written book can be read on many levels which is part of what makes it so remarkable. I will promise one thing: no matter what you take from it, it will be a book you will not soon forget; it will fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas.
This is a charming story about a family who find themselves stranded in a New England snowstorm. They are taken in by a mysterious stranger who disappears the next morning, but who leaves in his wake a very special Christmas card.
This beautifully written book can be read on many levels which is part of what makes it so remarkable. I will promise one thing: no matter what you take from it, it will be a book you will not soon forget; it will fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas.
December 12, 2021
An unexpectedly unique and magical Christmas story! I thought this book would be a pleasant read (since I tend to enjoy most books about Christmas), but this one was special and I can't quite put my finger on why. It wasn't a beautiful story, but the novelty and urgency of the story kept pulling me along from start to finish.
Although there wasn't much character development, I still felt like I was attached to the family and especially to the house(s). This will definitely be a re-read for me at Christmastime. I only wish there were color illustrations of the houses' interiors (for they were described in such an alluring way) so I could discover more of the magic. Absolutely worth a read, especially if you have children.
Although there wasn't much character development, I still felt like I was attached to the family and especially to the house(s). This will definitely be a re-read for me at Christmastime. I only wish there were color illustrations of the houses' interiors (for they were described in such an alluring way) so I could discover more of the magic. Absolutely worth a read, especially if you have children.
November 29, 2016
A Christmas card by Paul Theroux
This story starts out with a family and the father has gotten them lost on the snowy road.
They notice a light and approach the house. The man wants the family to stay the night.
The man leaves a card for them when they leave in the morning. The card is magic and changes so only some can see the true image.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
This story starts out with a family and the father has gotten them lost on the snowy road.
They notice a light and approach the house. The man wants the family to stay the night.
The man leaves a card for them when they leave in the morning. The card is magic and changes so only some can see the true image.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).
December 28, 2016
I inhale Theroux's travel books. He is the perfect curmudgeonly traveler, albeit with sense and humor.
I found a very small book, A Christmas Card, and decided to read, a prefect aside for the holiday. Boy, it do suck. I think it's supposed to be about God, who the main young male character can see roaming the Northwoods via a Christmas card. The story plods, not walks or speeds along. It was just too weird for me.
I found a very small book, A Christmas Card, and decided to read, a prefect aside for the holiday. Boy, it do suck. I think it's supposed to be about God, who the main young male character can see roaming the Northwoods via a Christmas card. The story plods, not walks or speeds along. It was just too weird for me.
January 15, 2024
Paul Theroux'n Joulukortti on salaperäinen ja vähän pelottavakin tarina perheestä, joka eksyy lumimyrskyssä matkalla joulunviettoon. He osuvat erääseen majataloon, jonka isäntä jättää heille joulukortin oppaaksi.
Autiotalot, takkatulet ja joulukortti luovat pikkuhiljaa joulun tunnelmaa, joka on ensin hukassa. Päähenkilö herää näkemään isänsä erehtyväisenä aikuisena, mutta toisaalta hän myös herää joulun taikaan.
Sain kirjan joskus joululahjaksi tädiltäni, ja siitä on tullut minulle pieni aarre. Siinä on aimo annos jännitystä, mutta lopulta myös joulun taikaa.
Autiotalot, takkatulet ja joulukortti luovat pikkuhiljaa joulun tunnelmaa, joka on ensin hukassa. Päähenkilö herää näkemään isänsä erehtyväisenä aikuisena, mutta toisaalta hän myös herää joulun taikaan.
Sain kirjan joskus joululahjaksi tädiltäni, ja siitä on tullut minulle pieni aarre. Siinä on aimo annos jännitystä, mutta lopulta myös joulun taikaa.
December 22, 2018
This is a different book
December 3, 2020
A lovely short christmas story that has warmth, magic and snow. Don't expect anything original but do expect a familiar cosy tale that is pure of heart.
December 28, 2022
Atmospheric and seasonally pleasing short story.
November 20, 2023
Short and unusual Christmas story.. may appeal to young people (not small children) who like a bit of suspense and a bit of a mystery. Is it what you see or not? Is it real time or not?
June 3, 2024
Eine magische kurze Novelle, die man am Besten zur Weihnachtszeit liest.
September 6, 2024
Short and sweet and a perfect Christmas ghost story. Great find.
November 20, 2024
In the manner of all great Christmassy stories, quite magical. Easily read in one sitting and lovely black and white illustrations.
January 1, 2025
A spooky Christmas story that’s perfect for the festive season.
December 25, 2025
3.25 stars
February 4, 2021
I really liked the characters and even though it’s a creepy story it still felt warm and Christmassy
November 9, 2015
I picked this book up at the library on one of their sales. I believe it may have been a Young Adult book. I found it a little strange.
It is about a family that is lost in a snowstorm in New England. They find shelter with a man that is gone in the morning and only leaves behind a card. Maybe I just did not understand what it was trying to say.
It is about a family that is lost in a snowstorm in New England. They find shelter with a man that is gone in the morning and only leaves behind a card. Maybe I just did not understand what it was trying to say.
December 15, 2008
Author Paul Theroux writes a magical, short tale of a family lost in a snow storm during the Christmas season and the mysterious Pappy who helps them find their way. First read 25-30 years ago, I pick it out at the local library from time to time in December.
October 5, 2010
This is a book that I have read and re-read many times. It is one of two Christmas stories that Theroux has written. (The other is London Snow.) Libraries often class it as children's literature, but it is enjoyable for all ages.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews