"Mr. Dickens and His Carol" by Samantha Silva

I listened to this book on audio and it did not disappoint. The narrator has a British accent which only adds to the atmosphere of a Dickensian London. The main character in the novel - you guessed it - is Charles Dickens. His latest serialized creation called Martin Chuzzlewit is not doing well in terms of sales, and his publisher tasks him with writing a Christmas story just a few weeks before Christmas.

It was fun to follow Dickens around as he got increasingly frustrated with his family and friends who have over the years gotten used to relying on his generosity. Now that his financial situation is a bit strained he has trouble getting into the holiday spirit of giving and ends up alienating his own wife and children. He is also plagued by self-doubt wondering if he can ever write well again. He ends up fleeing his home and going back to where he started: staying in a humble inn where he penned his early works and seeking inspiration in roaming the streets of London. He also meets a mysterious young widow who unexpectedly shows him the way back to himself and to a perfect story.

This was a delightful read. I highly recommend it to everyone who likes Charles Dickens, his Christmas Carol, and everything Victorian. 5 out of 5 stars.