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A Splendid Christmas: Thirteen Quirky Stories from Switzerland
With her fine sense for human foibles and tongue firmly in cheek, the author describes in thirteen endearing stories our desperate attempts to please everyone at Christmas time. Having read this book, you will never see a stuck elevator, flickering streetlamps, trendy lifestyles and modern technology in quite the same way again. This book is a feel-good read - perfect entertainment for a family Christmas gathering.
96 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 31, 2021
A perfect little Christmas present. Lovely short stories, each with its own twist.
August 21, 2022
What a delightful collection of stories! I am savoring each one while lounging in the winter afternoon glaze or wrapped up in a blanket when the sun loses its sparkle. I picked up A Splendid Christmas. Thirteen Quirky Stories from Switzerland thinking it was about Christmas myths from the Alpines, but was pleasantly surprised to read fiction with fascinating characters.
Christa Arnet has added a touch of humor in the narration that brings a warm smile to the reader. The writer’s joy and pleasure in writing these stories sweep through the pages. She sketches quirky characters and describes dainty locales. You can almost smell the Christmas delectables and feel the holiday tinsel spread around you. Christa narrates the stories leisurely and draws you into exciting tales.
The language is impeccable; each story competes with the other to become your favorite. A few are spin-offs on Christmas legends and filled with warm delicacies, gifts, decorations, snow, and angels. Simple people go about their daily lives, only to be intercepted by a one-off interesting incident. Sometimes, we see the loss of traditions to modernity, sometimes a gentle reminder of the genuine spirit of Christmas. The stories resonate with the planning that goes into celebrating Christmas and bringing families together. From an elaborate menu to gifts purchased on discounts, the writer captures the frantic activities that precede the celebrations.
“A thousand stars glistened and sparkled above like a crown of a huge Christmas tree.” That is how these stories are - glistening with wishes for simplicity and a return to the spirit of worship and charity. Miracles can happen when the lights are too bright or when switched off, as each story captures a unique theme. The writer has woven the materialistic and modern aspects of Christmas in these stories from quaint neighborhoods. From young people moving out and worrying about calories in truffles to a shrewd salesperson employing psychological tactics to boost sales, each story is real and magical.
I feel that the few sketches to complement the stories are not catchy. There was potential to make the illustrations attractive. I recommend this book for its wit and the true vibes and message of Christmas. Get this book for yourself or as a loving gift for light and joyful reading of a White Christmas.
Christa Arnet has added a touch of humor in the narration that brings a warm smile to the reader. The writer’s joy and pleasure in writing these stories sweep through the pages. She sketches quirky characters and describes dainty locales. You can almost smell the Christmas delectables and feel the holiday tinsel spread around you. Christa narrates the stories leisurely and draws you into exciting tales.
The language is impeccable; each story competes with the other to become your favorite. A few are spin-offs on Christmas legends and filled with warm delicacies, gifts, decorations, snow, and angels. Simple people go about their daily lives, only to be intercepted by a one-off interesting incident. Sometimes, we see the loss of traditions to modernity, sometimes a gentle reminder of the genuine spirit of Christmas. The stories resonate with the planning that goes into celebrating Christmas and bringing families together. From an elaborate menu to gifts purchased on discounts, the writer captures the frantic activities that precede the celebrations.
“A thousand stars glistened and sparkled above like a crown of a huge Christmas tree.” That is how these stories are - glistening with wishes for simplicity and a return to the spirit of worship and charity. Miracles can happen when the lights are too bright or when switched off, as each story captures a unique theme. The writer has woven the materialistic and modern aspects of Christmas in these stories from quaint neighborhoods. From young people moving out and worrying about calories in truffles to a shrewd salesperson employing psychological tactics to boost sales, each story is real and magical.
I feel that the few sketches to complement the stories are not catchy. There was potential to make the illustrations attractive. I recommend this book for its wit and the true vibes and message of Christmas. Get this book for yourself or as a loving gift for light and joyful reading of a White Christmas.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews