This was especially poignant to read at Christmas time.

It isn't a cheerful, Hallmark movie type of story. Instead, it has a level of sadness and melancholy that many people truly feel around this time of year.

I thought the story had great depth and meaning. It delved into the emotions and experiences that are often overlooked during the holiday season.

The author did a wonderful job of capturing the essence of these feelings and presenting them in a relatable way.

I will say that I really enjoyed the story. It made me think and feel, and it added a new dimension to my understanding of the Christmas season.

Source: What should I read next Podcast with Anne Bogel.

Today is December 1, 2015, and the Christmas Holiday season has officially arrived.

I'm Jewish, and I usually don't pick Christmas stories to read. I simply don't have that inclination.

I'm especially hesitant when it comes to books about the Christian Faith.

However, I had a change of heart earlier this year. After reading Steve's review, I purchased "Mr. Ives' Christmas" within seconds.

I deliberately waited for the season to read it. This is a novel that can easily be moved to the top of your TBR list, even if you've promised to read 23 other books soon. The short time you invest is well worth the years of personal gifts it can bring.

Mostly, I want to direct everyone to read Steve's review of this slim novel. Even if you've read his review once, there is value in reading it several times. I've read Steve's review of "Mr. Ives' Christmas" at least 4 times this year, and the hundred + comments from members at least once. It's truly not to be missed!

Just a few more comments to add to Steve's review from me. For a Jewish girl who really and seriously doesn't like to read stories about Christian Faith and Christian Love, I can't deny that this isn't a story of just that, because it is!!! It also includes race and class issues.

The point is, so what! Catholic beliefs and Christian love have universal themes. My Jewish self soaked up the holy STAR of DAVID messages through Oscar Hijuelos's lovely prose with no problem. The story stands out much more than any particular religion.

This is a remarkable book that allows us to see how forgiveness and faith play out in our lives. For example, I found it overwhelmingly sad when Mr. Ives internalizes hatred toward himself when tragedy strikes. Yet, I could relate. I think it's a common distorted reaction to internalize grief and punish ourselves. Forgiveness and healing, in reality, can take a very long time.

In the same extraordinary spirit and humanity I found in "Stoner" by John Williams and "Our Souls at Night" by Kent Haruf, I found in this story.

Read Steve's Review!

Thank you, Steve!!!!!

If I had been more familiar with New York City, perhaps I would have been more deeply involved in the setting.

However, the story about Ive's and his faith truly resonated in numerous ways.

It made me think about how our beliefs can shape our lives and the decisions we make.

Even though I may not have had a complete understanding of the specific context in New York, the essence of Ive's journey and his unwavering faith still managed to touch my heart.

It serves as a reminder that no matter where we are or what we know, there are certain universal themes that can connect us all.

The story of Ive's and his faith has the power to inspire and encourage others to stay true to their beliefs, no matter the circumstances.

It shows that having faith can give us the strength and courage to face challenges and overcome obstacles.

Overall, while my lack of familiarity with New York City may have limited my full appreciation of the setting, the story itself left a lasting impression on me.

This felt extremely different from Mambo Kings. (To be fair, I read Mambo Kings a long time ago, so my memory of it is rather hazy.) It is an incredibly quiet and introspective piece of work. In fact, it might even be a bit too quiet and introspective for my current mood.

It tells the story of the entire lifetime of advertising executive Mr Ives. He was born a foundling, and his later years are significantly influenced by the murder of his son at Christmas. (Although the murder occupies a relatively small portion within the book, many of the other chapters also center around the Christmas period.) Mr Ives is a deeply religious and decent man, and this is a more religious book than I had anticipated. However, he is not your typical stereotype. Instead, he is a more realistic and complex character. He drinks, has friendships with some morally ambiguous people, and there is a fair amount of sex in the story. Moreover, he struggles to forgive the man who has killed his son.

Due to the religious elements, this book won't appeal to everyone. I had my moments of struggle, but in the end, I liked it for its gentleness, its honesty, and the way it serves as a hymn to a multi-cultural New York. Hijuelos's Cuban background definitely shines through, even if it is not the main focus of the book.

My Original Notes (1997): Fair to mediocre. I never really got into the story or the characters. Didn't hold my attention at all.

My Current Thoughts: Isn't it strange how you can completely forget the details of a book, yet vividly remember the circumstances under which you read it? Back then, we had just listed our house for sale and were preparing to relocate to Texas. I had recently joined an online book group, and this particular book was one of the selections for us to read and discuss. I was truly eager to enjoy the book and offer an intelligent contribution to the conversation. However, as I remember, I didn't like it at all. In fact, if I had picked it up on my own, I probably would have given up after just 50 pages, or even sooner! Now, having endured my own tragic loss of a child, I wonder if my response to this book would be any different.

Where he used to toss and turn and drive his wife crazy at night,

no sooner would he now lay his head upon the pillow than he would fall asleep.

But not into that sleep of old age, but into the sleep of a child,

an infinitude of possibilities swaddling him.

I really enjoyed this passage. The frank and straightforward quality of Hijuelos' prose may not necessarily be my favorite kind of writing,

but it compelled me enough, and at times I found the book rather moving.

What I particularly appreciated was its ability to be thoroughly Christian and authentically human at the same time.

This seems to be an increasingly rare thing to attempt in literature,

much less to pull off successfully.

It's as if Hijuelos managed to strike a delicate balance between the spiritual and the earthly,

creating a narrative that is both profound and relatable.

The way he describes the character's sleep as that of a child, filled with possibilities,

adds a touch of magic and wonder to the story.

Overall, it was a reading experience that left a lasting impression on me.

I found MR. IVES' CHRISTMAS to be rather a melancholy and disheartening tale throughout the majority of the story.

At the very beginning of the novel, Edward starts to question his own existence. He is an unwanted child who was left at a foundling house, with no knowledge of his past to give him a sense of identity or stability. Although there are some flashbacks that depict happy times, a significant portion of the remainder of the story is dedicated to Edward's arduous struggle to find spiritual tranquility after the devastating loss of his son during Christmas time.

Edward is a man of deep and unwavering faith, and he has an incredibly devoted wife by his side. However, his inability to overcome the grief of losing his son consumes his entire life. It is not until a powerful message comes his way that he is set on a path to seek answers and find forgiveness within his heart.

Despite the challenges and hardships presented in the story, it is also an inspirational read that shows the power of faith, love, and the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances.

Marvelously written! This piece is truly a gem, rich in both language and emotion.

The words seem to dance on the page, painting vivid pictures and evoking deep feelings within the reader.

The author's command of language is evident, as they skillfully use a variety of literary devices to enhance the beauty and impact of their writing.

Each sentence is crafted with care, flowing seamlessly into the next, creating a rhythm and cadence that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

The emotions expressed are palpable, whether it be joy, sadness, love, or longing.

The reader is able to connect with the text on a profound level, experiencing the same emotions as the author.

This is the mark of a truly great piece of writing, one that will be remembered and cherished for years to come.

This book was highly recommended to me by a friend named Steve, who unfortunately is no longer on GRs. Steve had a very personal connection to this story as he had lost a loved one through a brutal crime. His experience made him relate to the story on a deeply visceral level. I can truly understand how this book could have such a cathartic and useful effect for those who have suffered from catastrophic losses.

Oh! It's important to note that despite the title, this is not your typical Christmas novel.

By the way, I'm not revealing any spoilers by telling you this. The author makes it known almost from the beginning and then allows the details to unfold gradually throughout the rest of the text. It's a stream of consciousness that presents the events in the life of the protagonist, Mr. Edward Ives. For those who are fascinated with mid-20th century New York, especially in the printing, publishing, and art areas, there is a wealth of rich period detail. This book offers a unique and engaging reading experience that goes beyond the typical Christmas-themed story.

Mr. Ives’ Christmas has been on my to-be-read list for a couple of years now, specifically to be included in my annual December Christmas-themed reads. I was aware from the reviews I had read that this wasn't a traditional "Christmas book" in the strictest sense. However, what I didn't anticipate was just how profoundly this story of Mr. Ives’ life would impact me, touching me right to the core.

I firmly believe this will be my favorite read of 2017, narrowly making it in at the 11th hour! Hijuelo’s writing was truly masterful. In the first twelve pages of the book, he presents the framework of the entirety of Edward Ives’ life. We learn that his son, Robert, was brutally murdered at the age of 17, just as he was about to embark on his journey to seminary to become a Catholic priest. Then, over the next 236 pages, Hijuelo fills in the details of Ives’ life in a looping, non-linear fashion. This allows us to get to know him and the other significant figures in his life on an intimate level.

From a young age, Ives, a foundling adopted by a generous and kind widower, was a devout Catholic. But he was also a spiritual seeker, constantly in search of his identity. After his faith was shaken by his son’s death, he ultimately began to question his guiding principles. I came to truly love Edward Ives, his wife Annie, his daughter Caroline, and his best friend Luis. They and the other characters who populated the book were so fully realized that it felt as if you knew them personally. I simply didn't want this book to end, but unfortunately, it did. It left me with tears in my eyes and a great deal to contemplate about my own life, my own faith, and my guiding principles.

The fact that New York City was as much a character in this book as the people also brought me great delight. I don't think this story could have taken place anywhere else or at a different time. Hijuelos brilliantly unfolds the good, the bad, and the ugly of New York City in the mid-20th century through the lens of Ives’ life story.

One final note: this was a beautifully designed hardcover book. It was a joy not only to hold and look at but also to read. I'm deeply saddened that Hijuelos passed away at such a young age. I think it's now time for me to revisit his The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love.

This book is HIGHLY recommended.

I walked away from this “sad” tale with an overwhelming sense of peace and freedom.

The story presented a unique perspective on the Divine's interaction with its creation. It was portrayed in such a profound way that it managed to convey a deep understanding of the human condition.

There was no hint of judgment in how it depicted man's attempt to navigate spiritual faith. Instead, it seemed to embrace the complexity and diversity of human experiences and beliefs.

This lack of judgment was truly refreshing and allowed me to view the tale with an open mind and heart. It made me realize that our spiritual journeys are all unique and that there is no one right way to find faith and meaning in life.

The sense of peace and freedom that washed over me as I walked away from this story was truly remarkable. It was as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders, and I was able to move forward with a newfound sense of clarity and purpose.

I will carry the lessons learned from this “sad” tale with me always and continue to explore my own spiritual path with an open heart and a willingness to learn and grow.

More Like 3.5

I firmly believe that this book commences with an extremely powerful beginning. It is filled with valuable life lessons that have the potential to offer great insights. However, the fact that I had to read it for a religion class might have slightly influenced my perception and made me a bit more prejudiced against it. Additionally, as the novel progresses, it becomes overly complex to the extent that it starts to feel rather boring. While there were indeed some enjoyable parts scattered throughout, I simply could not find the motivation within myself to complete it. Perhaps in the future, as I gain more life experience and maturity, I will come to appreciate this book in a whole new light. But for now, it remains a bit of a mystery as to whether that will actually happen. Who knows?