The Gift of the Magi

by O. Henry Narrated by Katie Sparks

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

A versatile collection of O. Henry’s greatest works, bringing together so many of the narratives that set him apart as one of the best at what he did.

Step into the humble apartment of Jim and Della Young on a fateful Christmas Eve in this enchanting holiday classic. With just $1.87 to her name, and desperate to buy her beloved husband a worthy gift, Della makes a heart-wrenching decision that sets in motion one of literature's most beautifully ironic tales of love and sacrifice. Set against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century New York, this tender story - full of warmth and sincerity - captures the true spirit of Christmas giving. O. Henry's masterful prose weaves humor, poverty, and unconditional love into a tale that has touched hearts for over a century.

Editorial Reviews

The Gift Of The Magi is a magnificent "radio theater" production of O. Henry's classic story of young love at Christmas time. A young couple just beginning their wedded life and of very limited means want more than anything to give each other a gift that will reflect and celebrate their devotion, one to the other. The gifts they select, and at the cost to each of them, all result in one of the most endearing, heartwarming, and humorous of conclusions. This highly recommended, multicast production is a flawlessly performed and recorded, totally engaging, wonderfully entertaining dramat-ization.

Kirkus Reviews

2013-10-02
The sentimental short story is presented in an elegant edition with moody illustrations reminiscent of antique sepia photographs. The story, first published as a book in 1906, is rather flowery and wordy, with old-fashioned constructions such as "the silent imputation of parsimony." The plot revolves around a young couple, Della and Jim, who live a Spartan life in their tiny flat. Each wants to buy a special Christmas gift for the other, but there is only a little money for presents. Della sells her beautiful, knee-length hair to buy a watch chain for Jim's prized pocket watch, but at the same time, Jim sells his watch to buy a set of hair combs for Della. They realize that their love for each other is their real gift that they must treasure. The oversized, full-page illustrations are in muted shades of browns and grays, with the only touch of color in Della's muted, rose-colored blouse and complementary roses in the Art Nouveau style decorating each page of text. Each rose is larger than the one preceding, and the stylized flowers are repeated in elegant endpapers printed with twining roses and vines. Though the story is long and of another era, Henry's touching account of young love at Christmas has an enduring appeal. (Picture book. 10 & up)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940193634133
Publisher:	The Audio Agency Ltd
Publication date:	10/01/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

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