Heather’s Bookshelf: The First Nowell: A Cornish Christmas Carol
Author: D. Scott Dickinson
Released: 08/17/20
Genre: Holiday/Historical Fiction Novella
“It was in the deepest part of the forest where Old Awen could reach out to Elowyn. An affirmation of the presence of her spirit in the magic of the wood.”
“The First Nowell” takes place in 17th century Britain when terrible events rip through the country and threaten to destroy everyone within it. With the black plague and pirates running rampant, how could anything possibly turn out okay for anyone living there?
Gawen, a young boy, wanders through the woods near his home and happens upon a girl who appears on death’s door. He makes it his mission to save her and sets out to do just that, unaware of the horrors she has already encountered.
Old Awen and Caden each must bury their wives after the black plague takes their lives. One turns to darkness and the other to hope.
The paths of the two groups cross in a way that seems destined to be and preordained.
Trigger Warning: murder, violence, death from disease, insinuated rape
Overall, I enjoyed this novella. It is not your everyday Christmas Carol! Many of the themes are really quite dark. But there are also some really beautiful and endearing parts as well. The Prayer in the Wood is especially poignant and touching. You can feel the love and loss Old Awen endures. I also really enjoyed how the relationship between Morveren, Gawen, and his family developed and flourished. I didn’t know what to expect when I first started the story, but I ended up really enjoying how it evolved and ended.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
(I ended up checking out this story on mixed platforms: audible and e-versions. I found the cadence of the narrator to be a little odd and difficult to understand at first, but soon got over that. I recommend speeding up the pacing just a hair.)
OVERALL REVIEW:
A sad beginning turns into a hopeful tale in this not-so-average Christmas Carol
Want to learn more about the author?
Check out my interview with D. Scott Dickinson
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