Writing: 5.0; Theme: 5.0; Content: 5.0; Language: 5.0; Overall: 5.0

This was the book that was the inspiration for the original 1947 film by the same name. When the sanity of Kris Kringle (an elderly man who believes himself to be Santa Claus), lawyer and friend Fred Gayley, must prove that he truly is Santa Claus. Wonderful story and very well written by Mr. Davies. Highly recommend.

***December 17, 2023*** ( )

I've loved the classic version of Miracle on 34th Street since I was a kid, so when I saw a library discard version of the story at a recent library book sale, I had to grab it. I knew it'd be perfect for my classic read for December.

Davies apparently wrote the original story for Miracle, and while the screenplay was done by someone else, Davies then did this novella-length treatment as well. Truly, it feels like a synopsis of the story. The heart isn't there. Mind you, it isn't bad, but it's far from good. The plot generally follows the familiar one from the movie, though Kris Kringle has the zoo reindeer literally eating out of his hand and there are also other minor variations.

Be aware that this is very much a story of 1947. There is a "colored" maid and gender ideals are blatantly espoused. For example, Doris Walker is described as being prettier and more feminine when she's less of a workaholic (women can be a multitude at once, k thanks).

When I added this on Goodreads, I saw there was a newer children's book version out. I can see this translated very well to that form. The vocabulary in this book is quite basic--it's safe to say it was written to appeal to juveniles on up--and it would condense down nicely. ( )

First sentence: If you searched every old folks' home in the country, you couldn't find anyone who looked more like Santa Claus. He was the living, breathing incarnation of the old gent--white beard, pink cheeks, fat tummy and all--and his name was Kris Kringle, too. Whether this was coincidence or design--a sort of stage name he had assumed--his friends at the Maplewood Home for the Aged never knew. Nor did they know exactly how old he was.

Premise/plot: Movie novelization of the classic holiday film of the same name. Both were released in 1947. I believe the note to the reader admits that the book is based on the film's script. If you've seen the movie, you've essentially read the book. Almost. There isn't much substance and depth added above and beyond the movie. While a few scenes we get a wider scope--greater understanding there are a few scenes that are very abrupt or concise. The climax of the movie are all the dramatic court scenes, this showdown of lawyers. In the book, however, the court stuff is kept to a bare minimum. The book definitely has a blink and you miss it ending. The same attention to detail that was found throughout the novel is a bit rushed for the last bit. For those that have not seen the movie, essentially a little girl puts Santa Claus to the ULTIMATE test. Meanwhile, Kris Kringle is on trial himself. Is he sane? insane? A danger to himself or others?

My thoughts: I am glad I've read this one. I have read it twice now. I want to love this one so much. I adore the movie. I am always glad to revisit these characters. If you are able to read this one, you should. But if you are having a hard time tracking it down, relax knowing that the book isn't "better" than the movie in this instance. It isn't a waste of time, mind you. It's not. It just doesn't go deeper than the movie and the plot is the same. ( )

Love the (original) movie. Dislike this book (and the remakes of the film). There are too many subtle and meaningful differences between the book and the movie, including tone. The film is a light delight. The book is almost dark and smarmy as it constantly tells the reader things, instead of showing them. ( )

Based on the movie it tells the story of Kris Kringle trying to find hope in a world he sees as losing its Christmas spirit. If he can succeed with Doris and Susan, he knows Christmas will survive. It takes Fred to help him win.

I enjoyed this story. I liked the little history given for the story at the end of the book. I like the characters and how they learn to believe. It's a keeper! ( )