[Review]—"A Christmas Memory" is an Emotionally Charged Coming-Of-Age Story

It wouldn't be the holidays if Richard Paul Evans, the king of Christmas romances, didn't release a new book. In his most recent novella, A Christmas Memory, he forgoes the fame-making romance subplots in favor of a sentimental coming-of-age story with a unique twist: the story is based on Richard's childhood.

The novella opens in the summer of 1967 when eight-year-old Richard answers the door to a gentleman in a uniform who informs him and his mother that his elder brother Mark died in Vietnam. His brother's death prompted a succession of negative occurrences for his family: his mother became severely depressed, and his father lost his job. They have no choice but to leave their California home and relocate to Richard's late grandmother's home in Utah. Richard's father finds employment while his mother spends hours alone in her bedroom; finally, his parents' marriage fails, and his father moves out of the house.

Being the "new kid" at a small school in 1967 was difficult enough, but Richard had Tourette's syndrome; little was known about the disorder at the time, making him a target for bullies. His closest companion was Gollum, the next-door neighbor's dog. Richard was first wary of his elderly black neighbor, Mr. Foster, but that changed after the man fought away a group of school bullies and welcomed Richard in for a cup of cocoa. 

With his father never there and his mother suffering from grief, young Richard decided to make extra money by walking Mr. Foster's dog, collecting cans, and shoveling snow. What exactly does he do with his money? Richard spends the money on Christmas presents for his parents, Gollum and Mr. Foster. Unfortunately, Mr. Foster is withholding something from Richard, something that will teach him the true spirit of the season.

A Christmas Memory is a fast-paced, emotionally charged coming-of-age narrative. The storyline involves a lot of heartaches, and it might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially for the readers who undoubtedly want a pleasant holiday love story, which is the author's usual forte. It's a sad story about life, death, and forgiveness. ╌★★★★★