The Christmas Doll, Elvira Woodruff
This is a beautiful Christmas story about the power of hope. It takes place in 1840’s London and is about two orphaned sisters living in a workhouse. A deadly fever, likely scarlet fever, sweeps through and claims the lives of many of their friends. Escaping to the streets of London feels like their only hope of survival. This Dickens type tale is reminiscent of Oliver Twist, or Annie.
The beginning chapters are enveloped in death and loss, and may be too much for sensitive children. My children ages 9 and 11 wanted to put the book down after the first couple of chapters, but were thankful they persevered and ended up enjoying the story.
This is a story of loyalty, hard work, and perseverance between sisters, with a beautiful message of hope and the power of miracles. The Christmas doll, Morning Glory, is at the heart of the story and illuminates the magic of imagination and story. The heart-warming ending overshadows the tragic beginning.
