The Hand-Carved Creche: And Other Christmas Stories

by James Kilgo

Book Overview

A World War II-era collection of stories about Christmas in South Carolina This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1892514230
• ISBN13: 9781892514233
• Release Date: January 1999
• Publisher: Hill Street Press
• Length: 109 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

A wonderful work by a wonderful storyteller

Dr. Kilgo's works are not widely known (as in "popular"), though he was appropriately recognized with the Townsend Prize for Fiction for "Daughter of My People", but his ability to turn a tale is unparalleled. The Hand-Carved Creche and Other Christmas Stories is not as broad in scope as "Daughter of My People", nor is it meant to be. Superficially it is an "easy read", but this is analogous to admiring a gift for its wrapping paper. (By contrast "Daughter of My People" is best savored over a period of days--or even weeks--rather than in a one-shot read.)Even though the language and structure Kilgo uses in The Hand-Carved Creche are more flowing and perhaps not so finely honed as in his other works, it is Kilgo at his most relaxed best. There is more of Jim Kilgo in this book than in any to date, for what we see are glimpses -- no, more than that, they are long-lasting impressions of the mind and spirit -- into the boyhood of the man to come. But Kilgo's ability to place his reader fully in the context of these Christmas memories also allows the reader to connect to his or her own memories of Christmases past. And we get to ask and reflect on that basic question: what is Christmas really all about?Not only will you not be sorry you read this book, but you will find yourself drawn to read it again and again as Christmas approaches each year.Granted, my review of this work is likely somewhat biased by my personal relationship with Jim Kilgo. But I am also no fool: I recognize excellence when I see it.***The death of Jim Kilgo on Sunday, December 8, 2002, due to pneumonia-related complications means that the world has lost a preeminent novelist and storyteller. He wrote for the love of the language and about his love of family, the outdoors, and friends. He was at the same time a self-confident, determined man and an humble, gentle spirit, never seeking the limelight or the glory. He will be missed.

What a nice way to spend Christmas

I discovered Kilgo through his stunning novel, Daughter of My People. This is a little book, but it is rich--more insight and meaning and substance here that there is in most 300 page books. Kilgo can really turn a phrase. And while his telling of his childhood Christmas stories set in South Carolina is perfect, the only problem if that I was left wanting more.