Silent Night: The Song and Its Story : Book Review

"Silent Night" by Margaret Hodges is a heartwarming retelling of the beloved Christmas carol. Set in the small Austrian village of Oberndorf in 1818, the story follows the friendship between Father Mohr and Franz Gruber as they collaborate to create a Christmas song that touches the hearts of people worldwide. Hodges beautifully captures the essence of the original carol while adding depth and emotion to the narrative.

The book explores the bond between Father Mohr and Franz Gruber, emphasizing their shared love for music and their desire to bring joy to their community. Hodges skillfully portrays the challenges they face in bringing their song to life, making their eventual success all the more meaningful. The characters are well-developed and relatable, allowing readers to connect with their journey and be filled with pride and inspiration.

An impressive aspect of "Silent Night" is Hodges' ability to bring the historical setting to life. Through vivid descriptions and attention to detail, readers are transported to the enchanting village of Oberndorf, immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and sentiments of the time. The incorporation of Christmas traditions and customs adds authenticity and enriches the narrative.

The illustrations by Tim Ladwig are truly stunning, complementing the text with their warmth and tenderness. The rich colors and soft brush strokes create a sense of tranquility and harmony, perfectly capturing the peaceful atmosphere of the Christmas season. Each page is visually captivating, enhancing the beauty of the story.

In conclusion, "Silent Night" is a delightful book that celebrates friendship, music, and the spirit of Christmas. Margaret Hodges takes readers on a touching journey that pays tribute to the history and significance of the beloved carol. With its engaging narrative and breathtaking illustrations, this book is a valuable addition to any Christmas book collection.

What are readers saying?

Silent Night, Margaret Hodges' retelling of the beloved Christmas carol, has garnered a range of reviews from readers. The book's reception has been mixed, with some praising the stunning illustrations by renowned artist Tim Ladwig, while others expressed disappointment with the storytelling itself, which some found lacking in depth.

Many readers found themselves captivated by Ladwig's mesmerizing illustrations in Silent Night. The detailed and evocative images brought the story to life, earning praise for their rich colors and seamless integration with the text. The illustrations were lauded for their ability to perfectly complement the narrative.

However, there were readers who felt let down by the lack of depth in the storytelling. While the book effectively captures the essence of the Christmas carol, some craved more substance and character development. A common criticism was that the story relied too heavily on the familiarity of the song, without offering anything new or original to engage readers.

On the other hand, many appreciated Margaret Hodges' simple and lyrical writing style. The book effectively conveyed the gentle and peaceful nature of the Christmas carol, with some readers applauding the author for preserving the spirit of the original song in her storytelling.

Opinions regarding the length of the book were also divided. Some felt that it was the perfect length for young children, while others found it too short, leaving them wanting more. It is possible that the brevity of the story contributed to the perceived lack of depth mentioned by some readers.

SilentNightBook ThrillerFiction PageTurner