Tidings [Paperback]

William Wharton (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Of this story of Will, a philosophy professor whose family members bring their assorted woes to his home for a bittersweet Christmas, PW complained that the author "never bothers to put flesh on his stick figures or write a line of authentic dialogue."
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

This intimate family novel by the author of Birdy ( LJ 12/15/78) and Dad ( LJ 5/15/81) takes place during a few days around Christmas. At an old mill in rural France, philosophy teacher Will, wife Lor, and four nearly grown children reunite for the holidays. The scene and the season are so lovingly detailed that the novel's atmosphere is almost palpable, yet each family member brings to the festivities some personal trouble that he or she will try to resolve. As they struggle to make this a Christmas to remember, the people and their celebration come alive in an unusual, entertaining, heartwarming evocation of the magic, warmth, and underlying strains of family Christmas. Recommended. Ann H. Fisher, Radford P.L., Va.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 259 pages
• Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill; 1 edition (January 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070695040
• ISBN-13: 978-0070695047
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 4.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,854,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas May Change Your Life Forever..., March 30, 2009

By 

Ford Ka (Edinburgh, Scotland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tidings (Hardcover)

This was supposed to be just Christmas like any other. Maybe less crowded than usual as some of Will's four children decided they would prefer to go somewhere else rather than spend it in an delapidated old mill in Morvan, the summer retreat of their parents. But fate apparently intervened and all members of the family (and some people who would like to join the family) gathered together around the fire-place. Words were spoken but these were kind words, words of forgiveness and understanding. Gifts were exchanged but they were given straight from the heart. Songs were sung and for once everybody joined in.
There is not much of a story here beyond six people get together, each with his or her emotional baggage, only to learn that they love each other. Sounds so simple but few people can make a novel as good as this one of such a simple story.
This is the best of Wharton's novels, it is so quiet and unassuming that reviewers missed it completely and publishers did not bother to keep it in print. Consequently, it may be somewhat difficult to get hold of a copy but rest assured - it is well worth the effort.