Review: The Greatest Gift: A Christmas Tale by Philip Van Doren Stern
Here’s the story that inspired the classic Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life!
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Vintage Fiction | Fantasy Fiction | Short Story
The Greatest Gift: A Christmas Tale by Philip Van Doren Stern
Description
Husband, father, and small-town bank clerk George Pratt feels that while other men out there are leading exciting lives, his own work is dull and his life is pretty useless. Just when he’s contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve, a mysterious stranger comes and stops George.
My Thoughts
It’s been years now since I first heard of this short story upon which the classic movie It’s a Wonderful Life is based. I’m not sure why it didn’t occur to me sooner to actually look up and read this original tale.
He Isn’t George Bailey—and That’s Okay!
Although I do prefer the fuller development of the plot and characters in the classic motion picture that’s one of my all-time favorite films, I’m pleased that I didn’t picture George Pratt here as George Bailey (or the mysterious stranger as Clarence Odbody, George Bailey’s guardian angel).
For the most part, I enjoyed this short fantasy fiction tale for what it is: a short fantasy fiction tale. Not just a precursor to a movie.
And what George Pratt learns about the life he’s been given is truly an uplifting and timeless message.
Like what you see here?
You’re welcome to check out the holiday books I’ve written: fiction of hope and inspiration, featuring diverse and uncommon lead characters.
