Exploring the Influence of Charles Dickens and Jack London on A Christmas Wish
- Grahame Peace
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Christmas stories often carry a special kind of magic, weaving together history, mystery, and the spirit of kindness. My book A Christmas Wish draws deeply from this tradition, shaped by the powerful works of Charles Dickens and Jack London. Both authors explored the harsh realities of their times while highlighting human compassion, themes that resonate strongly in my story set in Victorian London. This post explores how their writings influenced the characters, setting, and emotional core of A Christmas Wish, and how their legacy helped shape a tale about kindness and the help of a stranger.
The Dickensian Influence on Setting and Atmosphere
Charles Dickens is synonymous with Victorian London, especially its darker corners filled with poverty and struggle. His vivid descriptions of the city’s slums, workhouses, and bustling streets create a backdrop that feels alive and urgent. In A Christmas Wish, I wanted to capture that same atmosphere—the contrast between the wealth of Belgravia Square and the grim realities of the Covent Garden Workhouse.
Dickens’ A Christmas Carol is a cornerstone of Christmas literature, and its message of redemption and kindness inspired the heart of my story. Miss Desdemona Ward’s journey from inheriting a grand fortune to confronting the ghost of a little girl mirrors the transformation and awakening found in Dickens’ characters. The ghostly element in my book also pays homage to Dickens’ use of spirits to reveal truths and inspire change.
Bringing Victorian London to Life
The detailed descriptions of the slums and workhouses in Dickens’ novels helped me research and recreate the setting authentically.
The social issues Dickens highlighted, such as child poverty and neglect, are central to the ghost’s story in A Christmas Wish.
The contrast between wealth and poverty drives the emotional tension, much like in Dickens’ works.
Jack London’s Impact Through The People of the Abyss
Jack London’s The People of the Abyss offers a raw, firsthand account of life in the East End slums of London in the early 1900s. His investigative approach and vivid storytelling opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by the poorest Londoners, beyond the fictional portrayals.
London’s work influenced the investigative aspect of A Christmas Wish. The psychic investigator Jasper Claxton and medium Jocasta Bradman explore the underbelly of London, uncovering stories of hardship and resilience. This mirrors London’s own journey into the abyss, where he witnessed suffering but also the strength of human spirit.
Realism and Social Awareness
Jack London’s detailed observations helped me ground the paranormal elements in real social history.
His focus on the dignity of the poor inspired the compassionate tone of the story.
The workhouse scenes in A Christmas Wish reflect the grim conditions London described, adding depth to the mystery.
The Theme of Kindness and the Stranger’s Help
Both Dickens and London emphasize kindness as a powerful force for change. In A Christmas Wish, the kindness of a stranger becomes a pivotal theme. Desdemona’s encounter with the ghost and her decision to seek help from Jasper and Jocasta reflect the idea that compassion can cross boundaries—between the living and the dead, the rich and the poor.
This theme is not just a nod to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol but also to the broader Victorian ideal of charity and social responsibility. It reminds readers that even small acts of kindness can have profound effects.
How Kindness Shapes the Story
Desdemona’s inheritance brings wealth but also responsibility, echoing Dickens’ message about social duty.
Jasper’s humor and time-traveling ghost persona add warmth and hope to the investigation.
The ghost’s plea for help humanizes the forgotten victims of poverty, encouraging empathy.
The Paranormal Mystery and Historical Depth
The blend of paranormal mystery with historical detail sets A Christmas Wish apart. Drawing from Dickens’ ghost stories and London’s social realism, the book creates a unique narrative that entertains while educating.
The involvement of the Pluckley Psychic Historical Society adds a layer of intrigue, connecting the past and present. This approach allows readers to experience Victorian London through multiple lenses—historical, supernatural, and emotional.
Elements That Enrich the Story
Time-travelling ghosts provide a fresh twist on traditional ghost stories.
The historical research ensures accuracy and respect for the period.
The mystery unfolds alongside social commentary, making it meaningful and engaging.
Bringing It All Together in A Christmas Wish
The influence of Charles Dickens and Jack London is woven throughout A Christmas Wish. Their works inspired the setting, characters, themes, and tone. By combining Dickens’ rich storytelling and London’s gritty realism, the book offers a layered narrative that honours the past while telling a new story about hope and kindness.
For readers who enjoy historical mysteries, ghost stories, and tales of human compassion, A Christmas Wish provides a compelling journey into Victorian London’s heart and soul. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, kindness and courage can light the way.
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