Title: A Christmas Blizzard: A Novel
Author: Garrison Keillor
First published January 1, 2009
192 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780143119883 (ISBN10: 0143119885)
Rating: 2.91
Overview
Garrison Keillor’s A Christmas Blizzard: A Novel is a heart-warming tale that will leave you feeling festive. When James Sparrow and his wife wake up to a snowy Midwest, all they want is to escape the chaos of Christmas.
However, a phone call from James’ hometown of Looseleaf, North Dakota, changes everything. As James navigates through the blizzard, he is thrown into the midst of his crazy relatives, and just when he thinks he can’t take it anymore, he is visited by a parade of figures who help him see the true meaning of Christmas.
This hilarious holiday farce will make you laugh out loud and is the perfect gift for anyone looking for a good read this season.
About the Author
Garrison Keillor was born in Anoka, Minnesota in 1942. He has had a diverse career as an author, storyteller, humorist, columnist, musician, satirist, and radio personality.
He is best known as the host of “A Prairie Home Companion” on Minnesota Public Radio.
Keillor’s parents were Grace Ruth and John Philip Keillor. His father worked as a carpenter and postal worker, and had English ancestry with roots in Canada.
His maternal grandparents were Scottish immigrants from Glasgow. Keillor grew up in a fundamentalist Christian denomination called the Plymouth Brethren, but has since left the faith.
He is a tall man, standing at six-foot-three. He is also a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party and attends an Episcopal church.
Keillor graduated from Anoka High School in 1960 and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota in 1966. While in college, he began his broadcasting career on the student-operated radio station, which is now known as Radio K.
Keillor has been married three times.
Keillor began his professional radio career in November 1969 with Minnesota Educational Radio. He hosted “The Morning Program” on KSJR 90.1 FM at St. John’s University.
The show was called “A Prairie Home Entertainment” and featured eclectic music that was different from the station’s usual classical fare. During this time, Keillor also began submitting fiction to The New Yorker.
In 1971, Keillor resigned from “The Morning Program” to protest perceived interference with his musical programming. He returned in October with a new show called “A Prairie Home Companion.” The show featured guest musicians and a cast of characters who performed musical numbers and comic skits with live sound effects.
The show also included fake commercials and parodic serial melodramas.
Keillor ended “A Prairie Home Companion” in 1987 to focus on other projects. He launched a new live radio program, “The American Radio Company of the Air,” in 1989, which had a similar format to “A Prairie Home Companion.” Keillor later moved the show back to St. Paul and changed the name back to “A Prairie Home Companion.” The show has been a Saturday night fixture ever since.
In addition to his radio work, Keillor has written numerous articles and books for adults and children. He has also written for Salon.com and authored an advice column under the name “Mr. Blue.” Keillor wrote the screenplay for the 2006 movie “A Prairie Home Companion,” directed by Robert Altman.
Editoral Review
In Garrison Keillor’s A Christmas Blizzard, readers are taken on a heartwarming adventure that captures the magic of the holiday season. Keillor, a celebrated author and storyteller, is known for his ability to transport readers to different worlds through his writing.
The novel follows the story of James Sparrow, a successful businessman who is on his way to his fiance’s family Christmas party in Nebraska when he becomes stranded in the midst of a blizzard. Forced to seek refuge in a nearby small town, Sparrow finds himself at the mercy of the locals and the unpredictable nature of the weather.
The novel is set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, with all its trimmings and traditions. One of the main themes of the book is the importance of community and connection, as Sparrow discovers the joy of spending time with others and the value of slowing down during the holiday season.
Another theme that runs throughout the novel is the idea of second chances. Sparrow is given the opportunity to reflect on his life choices and make changes that will ultimately lead him to a more fulfilling future.
Keillor’s writing style is both charming and witty, with plenty of humorous moments sprinkled throughout the story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and readers will find themselves rooting for Sparrow as he navigates his way through the blizzard and the challenges he faces.
One of the strengths of the book is the way it captures the spirit of Christmas without being too sentimental or cliche. Instead, Keillor infuses the story with a sense of warmth and nostalgia that will leave readers feeling uplifted and hopeful.
However, some readers may find the plot to be somewhat predictable, and the pacing could be improved in places. Additionally, while the book does touch on some deeper themes, it may not be as thought-provoking as some of Keillor’s other works.
Overall, A Christmas Blizzard is a charming and heartwarming novel that is sure to put readers in the holiday spirit. While it may not be the most profound or groundbreaking work of literature, it is a delightful read that is perfect for cozy nights by the fire.
Rating: 4/5. Recommendation: This book would be ideal for readers who enjoy cozy and heartwarming stories, and who are looking for a bit of Christmas magic during the holiday season.
