A Child's Christmas in Wales and Five Poems
50th Anniversary Edition
By Dylan Thomas
Read by Dylan Thomas

     In the new, improved version of A Child's Christmas in Wales, listeners will be entertained by the thundering voice of the author himself as he reads a Christmas tale that takes place in his hometown in Wales. With the Christmas tale are five poems: Fern Hill; Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night; In The White Giant's Thigh; Ballad of the Long-Legged Bait; Ceremony After a Fire Raid

     Thomas's voice sounds eerily familiar, reminding me of the much older version of A Christmas Carol. The narrator of the tale is the main character. He shares in poetic-like voice the things he and his comrades are doing. Although the author's words wax poetic, there is nothing soft-soaked about this tale, which should appeal to all ages. Instead it's mischief, exaggerations, grumbles and chuckles. A Child's Christmas in Wales is an experience one can't miss or miss sharing during the holidays.

     Once the Christmas story is over, listeners will enjoy the five poems included on the tape. It's interesting to hear the poet read the poems himself, allowing the listeners to hear how he meant the poems to sound when read aloud.

     A Child's Christmas in Wales is the kind of holiday gift that can become a family tradition the same as A Christmas Carol, The Night Before Christmas and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.