“Magic is infinite, and it circles back on itself. If it is real–and you are right to wonder–it is a ring. It can be lost, and it can be found.”
Will Santa come through for a new generation of Strumpfs?
Christmas has come again, but this year, Papa isn’t around to help Hanna Strumpf write her letter to Santa Claus. He’s gone to war in place called Korea, and it’s up to Hanna to tell Santa the one thing the family truly wants. Can Santa grant her wish if she never gets a chance to ask him?
By the 1950s, the good times had come to many families, but for the children of soldiers, like Hanna, it was time to grow up. For some, that meant leaving behind childhood traditions, but for the Strumpfs, it turns out some traditions are timeless.
Continuing the Christmas chronicle of the Strumpf family that began with Jakob, in Cold Feet, this enchanting tale combines the wonderment of childhood with the wisdom of an older generation. With forthright language, it shows young readers that in the midst of great change, a parent’s love is steadfast.
"A beautiful, well-written, and gorgeous Christmas story, and I am glad I read it. "
Reviewer: Reader for Bookangel.
Waiting in the department store line to see Santa, with her reluctant mother and two-year-old sister, Hanna knows that this year it is very important. In the 1950's Hanna's father is serving in the Korean war. Without him to help her write to Santa as he does every year, how will Santa know what she wants unless she can tell him?
It is wonderful. Written in the classic third person omniscient, addressing the reader directly at points to contrast Hanna's childlike understanding with the adult viewpoint. There are no villains and heroes, just characters who needs are all understandable and yet may conflict. Her mother struggling with fears that her husband will not return, Hanna, desperate to speak to Santa, and even the store owner and supporting cast shine brilliantly. The writing? It's flawless.
Spelling, grammar, and formatting are fine. The cover is a bit plain, but that's forgotten the moment you read the first page. I could have taken issue with the ending author's note, but then I found the catch and laughed. Slightly jarring is that for UK readers you expect 'Alders' to be spelled with a double ll, but it seems unlikely it is the same department store.
This isn't really a book for the very young, but older children, say age 10 or advanced readers slightly younger, will love it as will adults. Just be prepared to get misty eyes.
It is a beautiful, well-written, and gorgeous Christmas story, and I am glad I read it. Rating:5
Well this just sounds like a good read. Thanks for the uplifting review, and some it seems that you have to find the good in them, but this one seems good all around. That said, I am looking forward to reading this one, so thank you.
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