Rating: 
Summary: More Please, Mr. Parry
Review: A one-armed boy returns from the war, ravaged emotionally, spiritually and (to a surprisingly lesser extent) physically. Having lost his arm, he has also lost his first great love (his betrothed) as well as his way in life. Dead inside, he journeys through an equally deadly snowstorm to return home before Christmas day. His physical journey through the storm is also his emotional and spiritual journey back towards humanity. He is 'physically' saved by a kindred spirit (an impoverished woman), though the salvation of his mind and soul remains his own choice. As in the snowstorm, he journeys through to the other side and finds that goodness is in the giving, not just in the receiving... An older German soldier, faces daily (albeit minor) persecution from some of his fellow soldiers. While some of his comrades like and protect him, others appear to hate his ancestry as well as his inner ability to rise above his surroundings. Some feel his inner peace and resent him for what they in turn lack. The immigrant arranges for a surprising Christmas gift for his battle-weary comrades...even to those who would give the gift of prejudice in return... Another young soldier returns home and is greeted by his lovely grandmother. While he expects his grandmother to happily embrace his return, he is unsure how his father will view the homecoming as the war itself remains between them...His grandmother patiently awaits his late night arrival. Unknown to the young soldier, his grandmother has made a far greater voyage of her own. Both of their journeys ultimately involve each of their desires to requite the broken relationship between the grandson and his father, her son... And finally, a newly freed slave shares his Christmas with the former owners of his yolk. Ironically, the now impoverished female landowner remains a slave to her memories, her racism, and her hatred. It would seem that the freed slave, even when enslaved has always been free; while the free landowner has always been enslaved... More Please Mr. Parry. The world is richer for your words.
Rating: 
Summary: The Perfect Christmas Gift
Review: As I read through this collection of beautifully crafted stories, I thought how much it would mean to someone away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings to get this for Christmas. This is not to imply that this is only appropriate reading during the month of December. It will certainly stand on its own merits throughout the rest of the year, as does all of this author's work. But Parry's celebration of what's good about humanity makes this especially meaningful during the Holidays. I heartily recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Delightful Civil War Christmas Stories!
Review: For those of us who have come to appreciate and admire his series of Civil War mysteries, author Owen Parry has given us a sparkling gift this Christmas season. *Our Simple Gifts* is not another installment in the Abel Jones adventures, however, but a wonderful collection of four short Civil War-era Christmas tales. The characters are lively and the book is similar to Parry's series of novels in the rich textures and scenes it provides. Its stories offer four markedly different views of Civil War Christmases. The first is the tale of a young, wealthy Union officer determined to make it home for the holidays no matter what the weather, and his encounter with a poor Irish widow. Next is the story of a Yankee soldier, and German immigrant, in a winter encampment. Third, we look through they eyes of an exhausted Southern private returning to his home deep in the hills. And finally is the story of a freed slave family near the war's end. The subjects' circumstances couldn't be more different, but in each of the stories I think there's a common thread: the decency that dwells in most of our hearts, brought out by the spirit of the season. If that sentence seems ponderous or maudlin, don't let it dissuade you from giving this delightful book a try. Fault this reviewer, not the book. The book's stories touch a wide range of emotions, much like the Christmas season itself, but one doesn't need to search for deep meaning in these stories to appreciate *Our Simple Gifts.* The stories are enjoyable and entertaining, their laudable sentiments are near the surface, and they give the reader a nice little taste of Civil War-vintage Christmas cheer. This is a book I'll pick up again at Christmastime for many years to come. For those who haven't read any of Parry's Abel Jones mysteries, *Our Simple Gifts* will give you an idea of what you've been missing. Whether you have an interest in the Civil War, are looking for a gift with a Christmas flavor that's different and interesting, or whether you just enjoy good writing, this book will fill the bill. *Our Simple Gifts* is a wonderful little Christmas present from Owen Parry to those of us who admire and enjoy his work, and it will be a terrific introduction to many readers new to his work. I definitely plan to give copies to some of my family and friends this Christmas. What better recommendation could I offer? Merry Christmas, Owen Parry!
Rating:
Summary: Delightful Civil War Christmas Stories!
Review: For those of us who have come to appreciate and admire his series of Civil War mysteries, author Owen Parry has given us a sparkling gift this Christmas season. *Our Simple Gifts* is not another installment in the Abel Jones adventures, however, but a wonderful collection of four short Civil War-era Christmas tales. The characters are lively and the book is similar to Parry's series of novels in the rich textures and scenes it provides. Its stories offer four markedly different views of Civil War Christmases. The first is the tale of a young, wealthy Union officer determined to make it home for the holidays no matter what the weather, and his encounter with a poor Irish widow. Next is the story of a Yankee soldier, and German immigrant, in a winter encampment. Third, we look through they eyes of an exhausted Southern private returning to his home deep in the hills. And finally is the story of a freed slave family near the war's end. The subjects' circumstances couldn't be more different, but in each of the stories I think there's a common thread: the decency that dwells in most of our hearts, brought out by the spirit of the season. If that sentence seems ponderous or maudlin, don't let it dissuade you from giving this delightful book a try. Fault this reviewer, not the book. The book's stories touch a wide range of emotions, much like the Christmas season itself, but one doesn't need to search for deep meaning in these stories to appreciate *Our Simple Gifts.* The stories are enjoyable and entertaining, their laudable sentiments are near the surface, and they give the reader a nice little taste of Civil War-vintage Christmas cheer. This is a book I'll pick up again at Christmastime for many years to come. For those who haven't read any of Parry's Abel Jones mysteries, *Our Simple Gifts* will give you an idea of what you've been missing. Whether you have an interest in the Civil War, are looking for a gift with a Christmas flavor that's different and interesting, or whether you just enjoy good writing, this book will fill the bill. *Our Simple Gifts* is a wonderful little Christmas present from Owen Parry to those of us who admire and enjoy his work, and it will be a terrific introduction to many readers new to his work. I definitely plan to give copies to some of my family and friends this Christmas. What better recommendation could I offer? Merry Christmas, Owen Parry!
Rating:
Summary: Adult Christmas Tales
Review: Having just finished this book, I'm left with an impression tht Owen Parry has done it again. He is a master craftsman at writing. Having other books of his, under his real name, I'm struck by his Civil War era stories like this work. They reveal a lyrical and poetic side of him that I'm surprised and impressed with.
These Christmas tales are not intended for children, just like the bookflap said. In the flashbacks, there are enough hints of violence to leave the reader the knowledge that Christmas isn't the day to read this aloud to children. When they getter older and wiser, they'll appreciate what these stories mean.
The four stories contained in this book are full of what Christmas is all about: forgiveness, love, charity, and faith. Family is all important and no matter what emotional baggage and hurts, slights, and grievances there are, for one day at least, all of that is put aside.
I look forward to his next collection of Civil Christmas stories.
Rating:
Summary: A Modern Christmas Carol
Review: If you are in the habit of giving jewels for Christmas, then you should have given this little gem for the holidays! Owen Parry has proved himself the master of the Civil War mystery novel with his Abel Jones series. Now he proves himself the master of the short story with *Our Simple Gifts*, a small collection of four stories set in the American Civil War. Parry again shows his unique flair for character development, as well as mid-19th century American idiom, prejudice and social setting. My favourite was the first story, "Star of Wonder", if only because it is the longest of the four in the book, with consequent fuller character development, but all four are excellent in their way. If you missed the opportunity for reading and giving this year, I strongly suggest you buy now for next year's stocking. One does not even to need to be a christian to enjoy this wonderful offering! Well done, Owen!
Rating:
Summary: A Gem of a book
Review: If you are in the habit of giving jewels for Christmas, then you should have given this little gem for the holidays! Owen Parry has proved himself the master of the Civil War mystery novel with his Abel Jones series. Now he proves himself the master of the short story with *Our Simple Gifts*, a small collection of four stories set in the American Civil War. Parry again shows his unique flair for character development, as well as mid-19th century American idiom, prejudice and social setting. My favourite was the first story, "Star of Wonder", if only because it is the longest of the four in the book, with consequent fuller character development, but all four are excellent in their way. If you missed the opportunity for reading and giving this year, I strongly suggest you buy now for next year's stocking. One does not even to need to be a christian to enjoy this wonderful offering! Well done, Owen!
Rating:
Summary: A Modern Christmas Carol
Review: In his other persona, Owen Parry is a prominent retired army officer who writes brilliantly on national defense and strategy. It comes as a surprise, therefore, to find these gentle stories written by the same hand. This is fine historical fiction. Not only do the characters stay within their historical period - no distracting anachronisms here - but so does the writing. The stories are upbeat and completely ingenuous. They might not be cynical enough for modern tastes, so here is a test: if you enjoy A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, you will love this book. If your tastes run more toward Tim Burton's Christmas tale, you probably won't enjoy it, although you should read it anyway: it would be good for your head. No matter what your tastes, however, no one should miss the last story in the collection. It is not only the finest in the book, but a classic work which illustrates the human condition better than any other story written in the last 100 years. The protagonist is a newly freed slave who had been unspeakably abused by his "masters." Now the tide has turned, the men are dead in the war and the mistress of the house is on the verge of losing everything to the bank and about to be cast out with her retarded daughter. The simple act of Christian kindness which the slave shows toward the women brilliantly illustrates the evil of slavery and the importance of religion. This isn't Dickens; it's much much better than that.
Rating:
Summary: Gifts of grace and wonder
Review: Parry's stories have a way of burning themselves into your head. Predictably outstanding. I hope "Bold Sons of Erin" is out in time for St. Patrick's Day.
Rating:
Summary: Pure Joy
Review: This is a lovely, beautiful book. Author Owen Parry brings his trademark prose style to the short story form, making "Our Simple Gifts" a true gift to the reader. In four beautifully-crafted tales, set during the Civil War, Parry transports readers to that turbulent era and gives us a sense of how love and faith endure the strongest trials. Through Parry's graceful, lyrical prose the reader is moved by the lives of a maimed Union officer returning home, an immigrant soldier seeking to make sense of his new homeland, a newly-freed slave and a Confederate soldier just returning from a prison camp. With powerful atmosphere, vivid characters and a compelling message, this collection is bound to be a holiday classic. Parry is an American Dickens. A gift indeed.
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