36949138._SX318_From Goodreads: “A new, unabridged reading of the Charles Dickens classic featuring the sonorous and expressive voice of Tom Baker (Doctor Who). Ebenezer Scrooge refuses to accept that Christmas is a time for peace and goodwill to all men. Those less fortunate than him are charitable, but Scrooge remains set in his curmudgeonly ways. One Christmas Eve, however, his outlook begins to change with a visit from the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley’s ghost forewarns Scrooge of three other spirits who will come to haunt him that night—the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come. Accompanied by these, Scrooge is granted first a glimpse of his own past and then an insight into the home life of his poor yet loyal clerk, Bob Cratchit. Scrooge looks on with something approaching pity as the Cratchits, gather around a paltry table to celebrate the festive season. Is the sight of others’ hardships, coupled with a dark vision of what the future may hold, enough to make Scrooge see the folly of his ways?“

MY REVIEW

It’s become my bookish Christmas tradition to listen to this audiobook every year, and this is my absolute favourite audio version of this famous Christmas story. 

I love the way Scrooge’s character develops over the course of this story, from the infamous miser to the jolly charitable gentleman. It’s a real joy to listen to and always makes me feel excited about Christmas.

As to be expected with a Dickens story, some the descriptions in this books are rather long but they’re also rather good. I love the scene with Mr Fezziwig and the office party, Scrooge’s nephew’s party and  the wonderful descriptions of the shops filled with mouthwatering Christmas produce.

Tom Baker’s performance is superb and makes me laugh and smile as his enthusiasm really makes the story for me. He brings every character to life in a such a wonderful way that I don’t want to listen to another version.

If you’ve always wanted to read this book but are put off by Dickens long descriptive passages may I suggest that you try an audio version instead, you definitely won’t regret it!