Lesser-known Books You Should Read This Festive Period.

Arts and Culture Editor Emma Rivers reviews six wonderful texts to keep you warm by the fire this festive period.

The glistening snow has arrived, and the trees are once again adorned with festive decorations. As this term is slowly brought to a close and you begin to pack up for the Christmas break, I implore you to consider reading one of these lesser-known festive texts. If you’re sick of dusting off that well-read copy of A Christmas Carol or Little Women, consider these other wonderful additions to your festive ‘nice’ list.

The Nutcracker and Mouse King by E. T. A. Hoffmann

Originally written by E. T. A. Hoffmann in 1816, this is the original text of the famous festive story that everyone is familiar with today. However, the story is probably best known through the ballet adaptation from 1892 that was scored by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. While a truly great read for those familiar and new to the tale alike, Hoffmann’s original work is darker and more surreal in nature than its ballet counterpart. Playing with the boundaries of fantasy and reality, Hoffmann’s Nutcracker is not the tame, romanticised version we have come to expect from the story today. 

Hogfather by Terry Pratchett

Whether you are new to Terry Pratchett and his Discworld series, or a well-acquainted reader, Hogfather is a delightful read at this time of year. Following the disappearance of the Hogfather, a mythical god-like character that is responsible for granting wishes to children on Hogwatchnight, Death must now try to fill in as best he can. All the while, Death’s granddaughter Susan has until morning to figure out how to fix everything, or else… A wonderfully fun and dark read that asks big questions: exploring the very nature of humanity’s need for belief, superstition, and fantasy.

Letters from Father Christmas by J. R. R. Tolkien

For any fans of J. R. R. Tolkien, this whimsical anthology is definitely a must-read. This collection comprises letters that Tolkien wrote, and illustrated, between 1920 and 1943 for his children each year. You can expect delightful letters (written by Father Christmas, or his elvish secretary, of course!) that contain amazing adventures filled with mayhem, polar bears and goblins. The illustrations are beautiful, and the letters are touching. Letters from Father Christmas is a pure festive delight that will while away the hours before that dreaded essay calls you back.

Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

While most of us have heard of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen (thanks, Frozen!), there are many other short stories from the Danish author to enjoy during the holidays. Andersen’s The Fir-Tree explores the story of a young fir tree so anxious to grow up that he doesn’t appreciate the present. Another is The Little Match Girl, which tells the haunting story of a young child’s hopes as she tries to sell her matches during a cold winter. Or perhaps consider reading The Snowman, which tells the story of a snowman who befriends a dog and is enchanted by a stove fire?

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie

Who doesn’t love a murder mystery from British detective fiction writer Agatha Christie? Originally published in 1938, this novel follows the Belgian detective as he endeavours to uncover the mystery behind the murder of multi-millionaire Simeon Lee during his Christmas family gathering. This classic locked-room mystery involves intrigue, bitter rivalries and surprise twists that will have you repeatedly guessing to work out the puzzle. Why wait to dive in, when you’ll enjoy every moment as you observe the notorious Hercule Poirot scrutinise the family in order to solve the case of this festive whodunnit?

The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern

The Greatest Gift is the quintessential festive tale that inspired the 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life. Written by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1943, this short story tells the tale of George Bailey who finds himself not living the life he expected and questioning everything he holds dear. A guardian angel appears, Clarence Odbody, who demonstrates to George the influence his life has had, and what would have happened to his local community and loved ones if he hadn’t existed at all. A heart-warming classic that should be read as well as watched on the big screen!