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A Death at Christmas And Other Wondrous Events
This book is part heartfelt memoir, part magical realism, and all wrapped up in holiday grief, hope, and healing. A Death at Christmas follows a teenage boy named Peter as he navigates the emotional turmoil of losing his father just before Christmas. But here’s the twist—his father doesn’t leave entirely. Instead, his young, ghostlike presence returns to help Peter process the loss. The story unfolds over a series of vignettes, covering everything from family secrets to choir concerts, bank mishaps, and deeply moving moments of connection—both supernatural and human.
What struck me most was how honest and unfiltered the writing felt. Smith doesn’t sugarcoat the pain of losing a parent, especially as a teenager. The scene where Peter finds a Christmas card from his father after he dies wrecked me. It’s the kind of detail that sneaks up on you. The writing style is simple, direct, sometimes even a bit raw. It makes it feel like you’re sitting across from someone telling you the story over coffee. There’s this great moment at the choir concert where Peter, grieving and uncertain, belts out a deliberately off-key solo. It’s funny and heartbreaking all at once, and that’s kind of the vibe of the whole book.
But I also loved the quiet yet strange wisdom that shows up in unexpected places. Like the chapter about the mysterious second wife. It reads like a family mystery unfolding in real time. Or when Peter’s dad, in his ghostly form, starts explaining the “universal organization” and his role as a sort of “transition therapist.” It sounds weird, and it is, but it somehow works. It doesn’t feel like sci-fi or fantasy, it feels personal and comforting, like a spiritual wink rather than a religious hammer. There’s a scene where Peter’s friend Patrick unexpectedly shows up to spend time with him, and I found myself grinning. It’s that mix of small gestures and cosmic questions that keeps the story grounded but still wondrous, just like the title promises.
If you’ve ever lost someone, then this book will resonate with you. But it’s not just a sad story. It’s about healing, memory, awkward family dynamics, and learning how to carry on when everything changes. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt memoirs, coming-of-age stories with a magical twist, or just something that feels real and raw and weird in the best way.
Pages: 154 | ASIN : B0CLX4RMRH
A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events
Christmas is drawing near when Pete’s father suffers a debilitating stroke, an event that sets the tone for this heartfelt novel. Aware that his time with his father is running out, Pete finds himself on the receiving end of some last-minute life lessons, lessons his father is determined to share, even if it means returning as a ghost to do so. With his guidance, Pete must navigate the complexities of life, strengthen the bonds with those he loves, and learn to embrace the joy of living. Time is slipping away, but Pete is resolved to soak up every precious moment with his father.
A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events by Artell Smith, is a deeply emotional novel that dives into themes of family, love, and personal growth. The story follows Pete as he grapples with the weight of his father’s declining health and the impact it has on his family. The narrative revolves around the relationships between the characters, with particular emphasis on the unique bond between Pete and his father. The novel captures the essence of a coming-of-age story, as Pete matures and learns to navigate life in a brief but transformative period under his father’s watchful eye.
Watching Pete confront life’s challenges while discovering his own identity felt both authentic and moving. The character development is nuanced, and the relationships, especially between Pete and his father, resonate with genuine emotion. The story’s exploration of family dynamics and personal growth will strike a chord with readers who appreciate heartfelt narratives. That said, I feel that the writing occasionally has moments where the prose seems a bit less polished. Even so, the characters and their journey shine through, making the story compelling and memorable.
Artell Smith’s A Death at Christmas and Other Wondrous Events is a touching narrative that leaves you reflecting on the importance of family and the lessons we carry forward. I recommend this book to anyone who values stories about genuine relationships and personal growth. It’s a promising debut, and I look forward to seeing what Smith delivers next.
Pages: 154 | ASIN : B0CLX4RMRH
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