"Steampunk: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol" Review

"Steampunk: Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol"
by Charles Dickens, Illustrated by Zdenko Basic
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Release Date: Sept 23, 2014
Source: sent by publisher

My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Find on goodreads.com.
Summary from Running Press:


Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol tells the time-honored tale of the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, whose encounters with the ghosts of Jacob Marley, Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come lead him to examine his bitter existence. Haunting steampunk illustrations by acclaimed artist Zdenko Basic accompany the original story, transforming this Christmas classic like never before. Images of steam-powered machinery, a chilling industrial London, and ornate mechanical gears come together as Scrooge travels through his life on Christmas Eve night.
Additionally, Charles Dickens’ celebrated short stores, “The Story of the Goblins Who Stole a Sexton” and “A Christmas Tree” are included and paired with equally enchanting steampunk illustrations. Those of us who cherish each holiday with Dickens in our hearts—the man who has linked the Christmas spirit with love, forgiveness, and charity—will treasure this rare collector’s edition for this Christmas and many to come.
My Review:

I've read a few of the Steampunk versions of classics illustrated by Zdenko Basic, and I think this book may be my favorite one. The Dickens story just translates so well into a steampunk world, and the supernatual elements are so well depicted in a fun and eye-catching way. Of course, it helps that I already love this classic story!

I love the way that Ebenezer is depicted in a 'normal' way, while the three ghosts, Marley, and other characters that Ebenezer meets are depicted in a more cartoon-like way. Their features digitally exaggerated, they have huge smiles, and it just adds to the fun, over-the-top dreamlike feeling of the story.

Two other short stories by Dickens are also included as a lovely bonus!



Bottom Line: This would be a lovely gift to fans of both the classic Dickens story and lovers of the steampunk genre itself.




Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

1 comment

Thanks so much for your lovely comments!