A daring reimagining of Dickens’ classic tale, “An American Carol” follows Alex Le Dumas, a passionate progressive activist determined to disrupt Fourth of July celebrations and silence those who disagree with his political worldview. But on the eve of his planned protests, an unexpected supernatural intervention changes everything.
When the ghost of his deceased best friend appears with a warning, Alex’s carefully constructed worldview begins to crumble. Three more spectral visitors await: George Washington, the Ghost of America’s Past, who reveals the forgotten foundations of liberty; Marilyn Monroe, the Ghost of America’s Present, who exposes the vibrant reality behind partisan misconceptions; and the terrifying Ghost of America’s Future, who forces Alex to confront the ultimate consequences of his actions.
As each ghostly encounter peels away layers of his ideological certainty, Alex must grapple with truths he’s long denied. His journey from righteous anger to understanding mirrors author Chad Bicknell’s own #WalkAway experience, lending authentic emotional depth to this powerful story of political and personal transformation.
More than just a political allegory, “An American Carol” is a deeply human tale about the courage to question one’s own beliefs and the strength required to stand for truth—even when it means standing alone. In an era of deep division, this novel offers a timely message about the possibility of change and the enduring spirit of American unity.
Editorial Review ★★★★★
In this creative reimagining of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” Chad Bicknell crafts an ambitious contemporary adaptation that explores personal transformation through the lens of supernatural intervention. Through protagonist Alex Le Dumas’s journey of self-discovery, Bicknell demonstrates how the classic framework of ghostly visitation can illuminate modern themes of belief and change.
What sets this novel apart is its innovative adaptation of Dickens’ familiar structure. Bicknell’s choice of historical figures as spectral guides creates interesting parallels with the original work while establishing its own identity. The author’s decision to cast George Washington and Marilyn Monroe as guides demonstrates particular creativity in reimagining the classic tale’s supernatural elements.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its exploration of personal transformation. Through Alex’s encounters with each spirit, Bicknell examines how deeply held convictions can be challenged and changed through experience and reflection. The protagonist’s emotional journey from certainty to questioning mirrors the original Carol’s themes of redemption and revelation.
Particularly impressive is the author’s handling of character development. Alex’s gradual transformation feels earned rather than sudden, with each ghostly encounter building upon the previous ones to create a coherent arc of change. The author’s ability to maintain narrative tension while developing character demonstrates significant storytelling skill.
The writing effectively adapts Dickens’ supernatural framework for contemporary readers. Bicknell’s modern take on the classic tale of transformation demonstrates how timeless literary structures can be refreshed for new audiences. His attention to character development and emotional authenticity helps ground the supernatural elements in human experience.
“An American Carol” stands as an interesting contribution to the tradition of literary adaptation, offering readers a fresh take on a classic tale of personal transformation.
