I’ve been a fan of Dickens’ works for a while, but never realized until recently how many Christmas stories he had! This was a fascinating story; not at all what I was expecting, but an interesting peek into what Christmas was like for some people at his time, as well as a fascinating story (whether true or not, who knows, but it was good!). If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fast Christmas read, I’d recommend this. It isn’t as good as Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but it’s worth at least one read. ( )

This contravenes trades descriptions. Dickens only wrote the scene-setting introduction (a group of travellers gather round fire, telling stories) and the first tale. (And very good that bit is too).
The other tales are by random other writers (I'd only heard of Wilkie Collins.)
George Augustus Sala's second tale failed to enthrall. I thumbed through rest- Tale 3 was all in verse by a lady poet. Meh... Gave up at that point. Needs relabelling. ( )

Just a nice feelgood short Dickens Christmas story, which I was prompted to read by a recent visit to Richard Watts's charitable house in Rochester. The story within the story is also a life affirming tale about how enemies in war can become friends. ( )

"The Seven Poor Travellers" (1854) is a short Christmas story co-written by Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins. It is based on a real place in England called Six Poor Travellers House (Dickens is the 7th traveller of the story title). Part 1 is the opening frame story, part 2 is a story-within and part 3 the conclusion of the frame. I can't be sure but it seems Dickens wrote most or all of part 1&3 (the frame) while Collins probably wrote the story of Richard Doubledick (wonderful name). I found part 1&3 to be enchanting and part 2 of little appeal. Ruth Golding gives a professional level reading which adds to the stories atmosphere. If for no other reason than learning about the Six Poor Travellers House part 1&3 are well worth the listen, but if your a poor traveller for time, don't feel too guilty about skipping the main course IMO.

"The Seven Poor Travellers", read by Ruth Golding at LibriVox

--Review by Stephen Balbach, via CoolReading (c) 2010 cc-by-nd ( )