The holiday season always unleashes a tidal wave of Christmas-themed books upon us. As soon as the leaves start turning, retailers drench their shelves with new festive reads, many of which I suspect fall into the "cringy, silly, and campy" category—think Hallmark Christmas movies in book form. Not exactly my cup of eggnog! In my mind, many of them are little more than candy-coated fluff, devoid of substance. That said, I completely get why readers gobble them up like holiday cookies. Everyone has their taste, and I'm not here to rain on anyone's holiday parade. Read what brings you joy!
However, I haven't completely cast aside holiday romances. That’s the reason I've picked up The Christmas Stranger [*], the latest offering from Richard Paul Evans. He’s been a literary guilty pleasure of mine since I first cracked open the enchanting pages of The Christmas Box trilogy ages ago.
Now, let’s talk about The Christmas Stranger, shall we? Picture this: It’s been three long years since Paul Wanless shattered his life in a Christmas Eve accident that claimed his family. If you think he’s just taken a break from the holiday cheer, think again—he's done with life itself. He sold off his computer repair business, the Christmas ornaments are collecting dust, and the idea of connecting with another human being isn't on his radar. Enter a mysterious stranger—Gabriel—who knocks on Paul’s door, claiming to retrieve a laptop. But hold on! This isn’t just about tech support; Gabriel has a mission that’s far more profound. When Paul opens up about his dark thoughts, Gabriel cryptically warns, "I wouldn't do it if I were you. It's not what you think," leaving Paul dumbfounded and questioning reality. This encounter sends him spiraling, but not without a turn of fate when he meets a young widow and her bullied son, shaking up his bleak existence and nudging him back toward the land of the living.
I always find myself torn with Evans' work—eager to read because it's him, yet anxious too. Would this one recapture that elusive Christmas magic? As I settled down to read, I became utterly engrossed in Paul’s harrowing journey. The story begins with a particularly dark moment where the main character contemplates ending it all, only to be interrupted by fate in the form of a stranger.
It’s a tough admission, but in my teenage years, I grappled with my own demons. There was a time when I, too, battled self-harm, believing it was the only escape from the incessant bullying and adolescent horrors around me. Thankfully, I emerged from that dark chapter, albeit with a headache and a stomachache that served as reminders of my brush with despair.
The Christmas Stranger confronts heavy themes of suicide and bullying through Paul and young Ronald, demonstrating how deeply these issues can cut across generations. While Paul wrestles with mental shadows thanks to his childhood trauma, Ronald is enduring the fresh torment of schoolyard cruelty while struggling to take care of his alcoholic mother. The parallel narratives hit me hard, resonating deeply with my past—a testament to Evans’ masterful storytelling.
This isn't your typical Hallmark holiday film wrapped in a shiny bow; it’s a poignant exploration of life's struggles, rendered through eyes that have seen their share of shadows. Sure, there's a happy ending, but let’s just say it’s preceded by a rollercoaster of emotional turmoil and the kind of heartache that lingers long after the last page is turned.
Overall, I can’t help but endorse The Christmas Stranger. It felt like the right read at precisely the right moment. Sure, it dredged up some unwanted memories, but it also prompted a much-needed introspection, allowing me to reevaluate my own journey and reignite my faith. So, if you’re hunting for a book [*] that packs a punch amidst the warm tidings of the season, this one deserves a spot on your shelf—or as a thoughtful gift for someone you love. Trust me, it may just surprise you. —★★★★★
⁓B.J. Burgess
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“The plot thickens… especially when you comment.” 〜B.J. Burgess