A Maine Christmas Carol
Philip Harris
Reviewed by Barb Radmore
A Maine Christmas Carol is the modern retelling of Dickens’s classic.
Set in the small picturesque town of Hallowell, it is the story of TJ,
a lost teenage boy. Left fatherless by the war in Iraq he withdraws
from his family and the world into the land of drugs and surliness. His
younger brother and sister adore him but he is not willing to let their
caring affect him. His mother has retreated into her job as a social
worker, tying up her feelings of loss by helping others who have it
even worse.
The story takes place on Christmas Eve. In the face of a raging Maine
snowstorm TJ’s family decides to spend the night at their uncle’s
house. He refuses to go with them instead choosing to spend it home
alone, stoned as usual. It is then that his father comes to him,
apologizing for leaving him so often as a child. He tells TJ that
during the night three spirits will visit him. And so arrive the three
ghosts of Christmas- past, present and future. Each shows TJ the
effects of his behavior on others. He is shown that he too has a role
in the world, in his family and his community. Each person can make a
difference, even when they chose not to be involved. TJ begins as the
poster child for youth at its most callow and ends as youth at its most
caring.
A Maine Christmas Carol is a moving replay of the Christmas classic. It
comes to life in its portrayal of the character of TJ, a realistic
portrait of a disenfranchised youth. He struggles to deal with the loss
of his father and fears loving his family in case he loses them also.
By becoming totally self absorbed he only has to think about himself,
by putting down others he maintains his wall of uncaring. The author,
Phillip Harris, has managed to create a sympathetic, understandable
character even as TJ scares the elderly and young children alike.
A strong, thorough and meaningful plot is enveloped within of these
pages. At around 100 pages it is a poignant and timely reminder of the
meaning of caring in today's world. Its well chosen words enable a full
length novel to inhabit the pages of a novella. In the guise of the
well loved tale it reminds us of the effects of modern life, its drugs,
wars and poverty, on its people. It gives us the hope and optimism that
is much needed in our contemporary world.
This will be a holiday treat for Maine and the country. Put up the
holiday lights of all nations, light the fireplace and curl up with
this dose of hope.