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What Child Is This Single eBook Rhys Bowen

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What Child Is This Single eBook Rhys Bowen

This is a charming story evoking positive chance encounters on the London home front during World War II.

Set during Christmas 1940 when possibly the most destructive Nazi blitz occurred, Rhys Bowen’s 2018 short story with seasonal carol title, “What Child Is This”, captures how unexpected events can move people to help and look out for each other, regardless of background and social standing.

A couple of modest means, Maggie and Jack Harris, who had previously lost a child, are forced out of their home by a bombing raid during a cold Christmas Eve. In search for shelter they explore a seemingly abandoned house in a smarter part of town close to Marble Arch.

At first the tale takes an almost Dickensian turn when they discover and take under wing a small scared but plucky lad, Peter, seemingly left to fend for himself at home. Bowen’s writing style captures familiar comforts such as food and cozy rooms creating a near magical quality in contrast to the stark reality surrounding them.

The story ends a little unexpectedly and for good reason: life with its continuing uncertainties will go on for those involved. And the author is focused on the moment of goodwill among strangers during a time of complicated emotions. Continuing the story longer might have diluted its impact.

Bowen has a talent for quickly sketching characters and an ear for dialogue that engages the reader immediately. There is a bit of Pollyanna in the tale that undercuts the gnawing anxiety many were feeling about what was happening around them and to family members in foreign theaters.

But given the complexity and skepticism of the world we live in now, especially with the holidays approaching, this brief respite might provide welcome optimism about our better angels.


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What Child Is This Single eBook Rhys Bowen Reviews

This is a quick read, a lovely Christmas story with the backdrop of London during the Blitz. People from different strata coming together for their common good.
Like Rhys Bowen I am in my mid seventies. She is a most prolific writer. When I was a big reader, I read all of her novels and was happy when she broke away from always writing about her usual characters. Now I only have the patience for short stories, so I was happy to find that she wrote a short story about London during the blitzkrieg of World War 2, What Child is This? The home of a childless couple is destroyed. Their leaving it during the Christmas holidays has good results for them. How can you not like a story about a good outcome from a horrible event?
Used for reading..
A good view into the hardships of World War II, and how strangers were kind to each other.
The story opens on Christmas Eve in London in 1940. It's the middle of the blitz, and rationing is in full effect, so it is looking like a very dismal Christmas for Maggie and Jack Harris. But then what little they do have is taken from them suddenly, and they find themselves on the streets. Jack goes looking for shelter and finds what looks like an abandoned house. Is it abandoned? What will Christmas day bring?

While I rarely read short stories, I had to grab this story from Rhys Bowen. Best known for her historical mysteries, this is more of a glimpse at tragedy and triumph during 24 hours. As such, it doesn't have the twists or shocks you might expect, but it is a very heartwarming tale. Jack and Maggie really shine, although I did find Maggie annoying at times. Believable, but annoying. A quick read (I read it in about an hour), this is a good way to hold on to the Christmas spirit just a little bit longer.
This is a Christmas story to treasure. The writing is outstanding and is Bowen at her short story best. I recommend this as A+.
Jack and Maggie Harris are barely living through the worst time for most Londoners during Christmas and World War II. It’s not only a time of frightening bombings, packed shelters, little food, or any good cheer except what you can make yourself; this is another Christmas without their little girl.
Jack survives by questionable means and Maggie falls into a deeper attitude of depression. Then comes a night of loss that Maggie can take no more and Jack must follow. Taking shelter in a mansion with plenty, Jack thinks in his usual way and Maggie falls to her normal fears until a small boy appears.
This Christmas story is one of true hope amidst troubling times. Jack and Maggie will find something more inside themselves and among strangers that will lead to change. This time of year is meant for all, as the title leads us to find the words to the beautiful song, What Child is This. The fourth, or last, verse contains the most telling words “…all tongues and peoples own him” and “…let loving hearts enthrone him”.
Rhys Bowen’s short story is meant for every and all.
Such a simple short story that takes you through terrible loss to much needed rescue for all. I can’t believe I won’t know more of what happens to the very likable characters.
This is a charming story evoking positive chance encounters on the London home front during World War II.

Set during Christmas 1940 when possibly the most destructive Nazi blitz occurred, Rhys Bowen’s 2018 short story with seasonal carol title, “What Child Is This”, captures how unexpected events can move people to help and look out for each other, regardless of background and social standing.

A couple of modest means, Maggie and Jack Harris, who had previously lost a child, are forced out of their home by a bombing raid during a cold Christmas Eve. In search for shelter they explore a seemingly abandoned house in a smarter part of town close to Marble Arch.

At first the tale takes an almost Dickensian turn when they discover and take under wing a small scared but plucky lad, Peter, seemingly left to fend for himself at home. Bowen’s writing style captures familiar comforts such as food and cozy rooms creating a near magical quality in contrast to the stark reality surrounding them.

The story ends a little unexpectedly and for good reason life with its continuing uncertainties will go on for those involved. And the author is focused on the moment of goodwill among strangers during a time of complicated emotions. Continuing the story longer might have diluted its impact.

Bowen has a talent for quickly sketching characters and an ear for dialogue that engages the reader immediately. There is a bit of Pollyanna in the tale that undercuts the gnawing anxiety many were feeling about what was happening around them and to family members in foreign theaters.

But given the complexity and skepticism of the world we live in now, especially with the holidays approaching, this brief respite might provide welcome optimism about our better angels.