First Published in 1991. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor Francis; an informa company.
#3796232 in eBooks 2013-11-25 2013-11-25File Name: B00GWAIYBY
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A Different Type of Christmas Carol; New England Entertainment Digest; 1/07By J. GovangDublin Carol by celebrated Irish playwright Conor McPherson is a new sort of Christmas Carol; and a tour de force for three talented performers.The demons that haunt this works leading character are all in his own head and of his own making - alcoholism (would it be an Irish play without it?); family abandonment; failure to succeed. In McPhersons usual style; the dialogue runs summarily from pathos to humor and back again using earthy language and varied pacing; interspersed with poignant little Christmas moments. It leaves the audience to decide for themselves what the leading character will do at the end of the day. Ill say no more about it.The entire work takes place on Christmas Eve day - a time for hope; introspection; and whiskey. The leading character; John Plunkett; an undertakers assistant; has just returned from yet another funeral. His young; gangly and untried assistant; Mark; is the perfect foil for Johns stories; advice; and for providing the audience with plot/background exposition. We learn how John got to be in his current position; the ruinous road that lead him there; and what he may have learned from his past experiences and mistakes- if anything. The final of the three not-so-wise characters; Mary (hmmm; Mary? a Christmas Eve visit?) provides the catalyst of the story. I will not reveal her relationship to John nor the reason for her visit; suffice it so say that her tidings are not glad nor her news of great joy.Does John Plunkett learn his lesson? Does he make amends? Change his life? Unlike Dickens holiday work; the answers to these questions are less discernable.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Loved it!By Christine MarchitelloA timeless and deeply human story of loss; hope and getting a second chance that will touch everyones heart. Witty; charming and very well written; I read it once for the story; then a second time to grasp all the unspoken emotions between the lines. I just know Ill read it again.
