Product Description
A Christmas Gift is a reprint of a novel first published as The Melodeon by Doubleday in 1977. My father, Glendon Swarthout, later realized he’d given his holiday tale the wrong title, and it was reissued in 1992 by St. Martin’s Press with the missing “Christmas” in its title. This story was also made into a CBS Television movie in 1978, retitled A Christmas To Remember, starring Joanne Woodward, Eva Marie Saint, and Jason Robards. That’s where most readers have se… More >>
June 24th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
This was an easy read and heartwarming story. I enjoyed reading it during my commute
Rating: 5 / 5
June 24th, 2010 at 7:29 pm
This Depression era story is anything but depressing: rich in hope, humor and intergenerational discoveray, this charmer was originally published as “The Melodeon”–a small household organ. Thirteen-year-old James has been shipped out to his grandparents’ farm in Michigan, when his Philadelphia parents can no longer afford to provide for him. This city boy has a lot to learn in a rural setting, but he comes of age that special, unforgettable Christmas Eve, when he discovers that grandparents are people too. He and Will undertake a difficult enterprise which will bring joy to his grandmother and delight a humble congregation in a rebuilt church. James discovers that Will and Ella are not just his grandparents, but a son and a daugher-in-law; that they are three-dimensional persons with their own emotions, memories, and foibles–unique individuals in their own right, deserving of respect and compassion. The true Christmas spirit is revealed to James his first winter away from his parents; gifts freely offered from the heart with a personal sacrifice to benefit an entire congregation. Not to mention putting graceful closure to intergenerational distress–the binding of family wounds in loving victory of the soul. A wonderful and truly enjoyable tale for readers of all ages, with a surprise touch of Fantasy near the end!
Rating: 5 / 5