Throughout my teenage years, I read 'A Christmas Carol' by

Host: The room feels cozy, a gentle warmth filling the space as Jack and Jeeny reflect on John Boyne’s personal connection to A Christmas Carol. The idea of returning to a story year after year, especially one that blends Dickens’ storytelling with the eerie thrill of ghost stories, sparks a sense of nostalgia and fascination. Jack smiles softly as he considers the sentiment behind Boyne’s words.

Jeeny: "John Boyne once said, 'Throughout my teenage years, I read 'A Christmas Carol' by Charles Dickens every December. It was a story that never failed to excite me, for as well as being a Dickens enthusiast, I have always loved ghost stories.' There’s something so charming about that, isn’t there? The idea of revisiting a story each year, and how it brings something new every time. What do you think draws Boyne to A Christmas Carol so deeply?"

Jack: "I think it’s the combination of nostalgia and the timelessness of the story. A Christmas Carol is one of those stories that offers a lot of layers—there’s the Christmas spirit, the moral lessons, but also that haunting, eerie atmosphere that gives it a unique edge. The ghosts are part of what makes it so memorable. It’s not just a holiday story; it’s a mix of redemption and reflection, and I think the ghost story aspect adds a sense of mystery that makes it feel fresh every time you read it." He pauses, his tone becoming more reflective. "Boyne seems to have found a personal connection to it, not just as a Dickens fan, but because of his love for ghost stories. It’s that eerie, supernatural element that makes it more than just a moral tale—it makes it exciting."

Jeeny: "That’s so true. There’s something about A Christmas Carol that combines the warmth of Christmas with the chilling thrill of ghostly visits. The way the story transforms Scrooge through the spirits feels both magical and haunting. I think Boyne’s enjoyment of the ghosts is part of the draw—it’s not just about the redemption of Scrooge; it’s the mystery of what’s going to happen next, the supernatural journey he’s on." She smiles, her voice softening. "It’s fascinating that even as a teenager, Boyne could see the magic in a story like that, with its layers of emotion, lessons, and of course, the ghostly elements."

Jack: "Yes, and there’s something really special about revisiting a story annually. A Christmas Carol offers not just a ghost story, but a story of transformation. Each time you read it, you may catch something you didn’t notice before—whether it’s the deeper lessons about generosity, regret, or the potential for change. It speaks to both the mystical and the human condition." He smiles a little. "It’s like a reminder that certain stories grow with us, resonate differently at different stages of life. Boyne, in particular, is talking about how he always looked forward to it. It wasn’t just about the ghosts—it was about something deeper that kept calling him back."

Jeeny: "It’s almost like A Christmas Carol isn’t just a Christmas tradition—it’s a personal one. Every December, Boyne knew that he could count on this story to excite him, to inspire reflection, and to give him that perfect mix of wonder and mystery. And the beauty of it is that it’s timeless—it resonates no matter how many times you’ve read it. In fact, each read might reveal something new." She pauses, her voice thoughtful. "I think that’s part of the magic of storytelling. Some stories never lose their power because they grow with you, whether you’re reading them as a child, teenager, or adult."

Jack: "I couldn’t agree more. Stories like that are evergreen. They stay relevant and meaningful, regardless of how old you are or how much time has passed. There’s something about the universal themes of change, redemption, and second chances that A Christmas Carol embodies. I think Boyne’s connection to it reflects how stories can serve as both a form of entertainment and a guide for understanding ourselves and our values." He smiles gently. "I imagine for Boyne, reading it each year became more than just a ritual—it became an opportunity to connect with the themes on a deeper level, as he grew older."

Jeeny: "Exactly. It’s a reminder of how powerful stories are in shaping us and in being a part of our lives across different stages. For Boyne, A Christmas Carol isn’t just a story about Christmas—it’s about personal growth, about learning to face our ghosts and understand what really matters." She smiles warmly. "It’s the kind of story that stays with you, always ready to be revisited when you need it most."

Host: The room feels calm as Jack and Jeeny sit in the quiet reflection of Boyne’s connection to A Christmas Carol. The idea that some stories, like this one, have the ability to grow with us, revealing new layers and resonating differently as we age, brings a sense of timeless magic to the conversation. It’s not just about reading a story—it’s about the relationship we form with it over time, and how it continues to shape us.

As the evening continues, their thoughts turn inward, realizing that the best stories are those that stay with us, waiting for the right moment to be rediscovered, to be felt in new ways, and to offer up their magic again and again.