Et cetera : Book Review: Christmas Bells

A movie based on the book has just been released

Christmas Bells
By Jennifer Chiaverini

Historical Fiction/Biography
Reviewed by Connie Bennett
Although this book claims to be a work of fiction, it has so many references to the very thoughts and attitudes of world-famous writer and poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, that I would personally consider it more of a biography. The author has intertwined actual events, all meticulously researched through the use of diaries, journals, newspapers and personal correspondence, with a modern-day set of realistic characters, forming an unforgettable story of love and loss, patriotism and duty, supplication and thanksgiving to an almighty God.
Longfellow's story is told in a series of Christmas vignettes, and in each one, there is a note of similarity to the various Christmases of the characters in the contemporary story. The stories, though occurring 150 years apart, take place in Boston; both contain college experiences, a love for song and poetry, several examples of unrequited love, and the pealing bells of St. Margaret's Catholic Church.

Throughout the book, the thread of the poem-turned-Christmas Carol, "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", weaves its sparkling way. I could go on and on about this book, about Longfellow himself, and about the creative genius of Jennifer Chiaverini, but I believe I'll leave you with a few final words of praise, in the hope that you will seek out this book for yourself, and enjoy it as much as I did. You'll feel as if you personally know all of these richly-described people as you take part in their intertwined lives.

You won't be disappointed! An entire handful of gold stars for this book!
Published 2015
by Dutton NY, NY

P.S. A new movie has just been released by the title of "I heard the bells." You might want to check it out if you are doing a bit of traveling this Christmas season! (iheardthebellsmovie.com)