The Christmas Book Flood: A Warm Embrace of Literature and Tradition
The very title The Christmas Book Flood by Poppy Parnell beckoned to my heart. Books! Christmas! The joy of gifting books at Christmas! I had to dive in. I expected a whirlwind of instant love, a heartwarming tour of cozy moments surrounded by piles of new stories. However, my initial read left me a little uncertain. I wasn’t quite convinced I had found my next favorite read. Yet, like the lingering aroma of mulled wine after a gathering, the book kept floating back to my mind, nudging me to return. I gave it another shot—and oh, how my perspective shifted and deepened!
At the heart of The Christmas Book Flood lies the lovely Icelandic tradition of Jolabokaflod, which captures the joy of exchanging books on Christmas Eve and then curling up to read them together. The warmth and excitement of this practice are wonderfully spotlighted in Parnell’s picture book, even if it doesn’t fit neatly in the constraints often expected of children’s literature.
As some reviewers have pointed out, the text can feel a bit poetical and even somewhat disjointed in parts. Yet for me, this is where it shines. The lyrical quality brought forth a sense of magic—a delightful anticipation as I imagined finding the perfect book to gift someone dear. I could almost feel the warmth enveloping the room, the coziness of family being drawn together on that special evening, books in hand and stories swirling around us.
However, I must acknowledge some potential misalignment with younger readers. While my kids listened intently, they weren’t exactly jumping for joy as we opened its pages together. This isn’t your typical bright-red-and-green Christmas depiction. The illustrations, which initially took me aback, evoke Iceland’s dark December days with brilliance. The collage art is a standout, incorporating book pages and covers that convey the integral role literature plays in Icelandic Christmas culture. They carry the story forward in a way that illuminates the adventure of selecting the perfect book and the sheer joy of shared moments.
As I turned the pages, I was struck by the Author’s Note, which beautifully contextualizes the Jolabokaflod tradition—a delightful gift that offers insight into the culture and history that birthed such a wondrous custom.
I wholeheartedly believe that The Christmas Book Flood will resonate with adult book lovers and those who appreciate literary traditions just as I do. It’s the kind of book you’d want to recommend on Goodreads, to share with fellow bibliophiles who understand the beauty of the written word, especially during the holiday season. However, if you’re considering gifting it to children, I’d suggest a little preview. See if it echoes the excitement and warmth you hope to impart.
Reflecting on my journey with this book, it taught me about the subtleties of tradition and connection. I came to understand how the act of giving books can transcend mere presents; it’s about sharing joy, imagination, and shared adventures. The Christmas Book Flood ultimately serves as an invitation—a heartfelt nod to the stories that unite us during the most festive time of the year. If you love reading, giving books, and cozy family moments, this book may just be your next cherished find.
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