A Christmas Carol | Stave II: The First of the Three Spirits | Charles Dickens

[@HerrCrankzy]

My continuing audio literary treat of the season, thank you so much Simon.

[@rameyzamora1018]

Simon's narration brings out the brilliance of Dickens that no movies could capture. Thank you for the gift, Mr Stanhope.

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment! Thank you!

[@chimera8421]

Simon and Scrooge . Perfect.

[@Nicky-n4p]

Unfortunately, I lost my husband at the age of 51 almost 2 years ago and have found it difficult to sleep well since. Recently, I started to listen to audio books and stories, which have helped, but as grateful as I am for the hard work and effort of all who post here on KZbin, not all have voices I can listen to for long. You, my friend, have a wonderful voice, and do justice to the classic books you read. I will join and donate in a couple of weeks when I have the money to do so. It's the very least you deserve.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Nicky. I'm so sorry for your loss, but glad if these stories help you a little. Thank you so much for your very kind words

[@mrs.robinson1828]

What we've been waiting for! Perfect nightcap with a mince pie and a brandy. Thanks again for these timely and very enjoyable postings.

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're most welcome. Wouldn't mind a brandy myself at the moment...

[@natalya6091]

Do you knitting dear Amanda? Love your cozy comment.

[@lisacortis1971]

I am truly enjoying your reading of this story. I can't wait to listen to the next stave.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Lisa. Hopefully early next week!

[@natalya6091]

Nice illustrations by John Leech Great plot by Charles Dickens Brilliant narrator Thank you dear Simon

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're welcome, thanks Natalya

[@natalya6091]

@@BitesizedAudio Dear Simon, good morning.Have you already strung Christmas lights and garlands for your Christmas tree? Happy Sunday!

[@mcgivneyswanson8645]

Thank you so much for your wonderful recording of "A Christmas Carol". It has helped bring a new light to the story. I have been able to use it to help me understand it for homework. On behalf of many students I am sure, thank you!

[@warwick505]

Love these !

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thank you!

[@GradKat]

I’m so enjoying this!

[@chrisnorman9980]

I was hoping for you to present A Christmas Carol - and I got my wish. One of the best Christmas presents we could get! Thanks X 1000!

[@BitesizedAudio]

I've been looking forward to recording it! It is such a great story. Thanks Chris

[@CharlieOkeson]

Slee-eep in Heavenly Peace. (nice touch, Simon)

[@angelachouinard4581]

The electricians have finished and i now have a new breaker box and internet back on, for which i am most thankful. Especially as I was eagerly waiting for this, keenly wondering how the ghosts would sound. As usual, I am so pleased!! Lovely job.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you're back online! Amazing to think how reliant we've become on the internet in the last couple of decades, that being without it for a short time can cause so many difficulties. Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for your kind feedback. Stave III coming up today...

[@gigig2492]

Excellent! Thank you. 😊

[@ChristopherStump]

Keep up the good work, Simon. As an amateur narrator/voiceover actor with aspirations to do this sort of thing for a living, you're a standard to which I aspire. Granted, I live in the US so I'll never be able to effect the British flair you have, but I strive ever onward nonetheless.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Kind of you to say so, thank you. Good luck with your own narrations! All best wishes

[@natalya6091]

Good luck dear Chris !

[@auntyJanette]

Chris, what lovely message. You write well, if I may say so. I wish you success and rewards as a narrator. How exciting to think you will enthral children, adults, the sick and healthy and crumblies. A rare occupation.

[@ChristopherStump]

@@auntyJanette Thank you for your kind words, aunty. That's very gracious of you to say so.

[@reneelascala5050]

Yessssss! “Like a bad lobster in a dark cellar” is one of the best similes ever written. These stavewise releases are 🔥

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, that's a lovely line isn't it? Thanks Renee

[@catharine1877]

Beautifully read as always - thank you so much Simon. Looking forward to the next Stave!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Catharine! Just finishing the next Stave now... coming soon!

[@katyvdb5993]

I am afraid you must weary of compliments and superlatives, but I must express my gratitude and admiration (again). This particular story must have been difficult to record, as Dickens' 'Christmas Carol' has been adapted for the screen, read aloud and indeed parodied so many times. This is such a good reading - beautifully enunciated, as always, with the characters and accents clearly delineated, the humour brought out neatly but the serious elements given proper weight. Thank you so much.

[@BitesizedAudio]

And thank you too Katy, for your lovely, thoughtful comments. I do have a special fondness for this story, from when I first read an abridged version of it at about age 7, and all the various films and other adaptations (Alistair Sim my personal favourite, but I enjoyed Albert Finney and George C. Scott very much too), and I was lucky enough to be in a stage adaptation a few years ago. So I feel I know it well! I agree the serious elements are sometimes forgotten or glossed over, but they are part of what makes the story work so well I think, in perfect balance with the comedy, it's truly a masterpiece. So glad to know you enjoyed my reading

[@bobbeyderbrain]

My other cup runneth over. What a hero. ❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

You're too kind Bob!

[@davidlindsey436]

Beautifully read and delightful!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you David!

[@hanselmansell7555]

Cheers Simon, saving this one for Christmas 👍🎅

[@BitesizedAudio]

Best time for it! Thanks Hansel Mansell

[@martynfuller4660]

Good for a wet night in next to the Xmas tree🌳 & a open wood fire🔥

[@BitesizedAudio]

Sounds like the perfect atmosphere! Thanks Martyn

[@natalya6091]

37 03 oh...I am sorry...what does it mean " a comely matron" Thank you!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Hello Natalya, "comely" is an old fashioned word, not really used much nowadays, meaning attractive or nice to look at. And "matron" in this context means an older, married woman (again, not used very often in modern English!)

[@natalya6091]

@@BitesizedAudio oh, such a nice explanation.Thank you, dear Simon!

[@ssake1_IAL_Research]

Charles Dickens was not the original author of "A Christmas Carol." It was written by an American couple, Mathew and Abby Whittier. I give some of the evidence in this blog entry: www.ial.goldthread.com/blog11_11_19.html