Child's Christmas in Wales and Five Poems : 50th Anniversary Edition Book

I am reviewing and rating the audiobook version of A Child's Christmas in Wales & Five Poems, written and read by Dylan Thomas. The recording is from 1952, and so I suppose it is not surprising that the sound quality is poor. The Christmas tale recounts Thomas' memories of childhood Christmases in Swansea, Wales. Along with the short autobiographical piece are five poems. One is the well-known Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night.

I do not recommend listening. As mentioned, the recording quality is poor. There is an annoying background noise. This makes deciphering the words difficult at times. Secondly, Thomas reads in a theatrical, high-flown, exaggerated manner. I favor a more straightforward, simple recital of the lines. The recording does not provide a pleasant listening experience.

The written lines of the Christmas story are sort of charming, switching between cute, humorous and ethically instructive. They are directed one minute toward a child and the next an adult. It speaks of Christmas through a child's eye. There is a smoky interior and firemen must be called. A hint of excitement. Snowballs are thrown at cats. Childish pranks are spoken of. When the focus shifts to yuletide celebrations, food and candy and the importance of the un-useful but fun presents are emphasized. For the adults, it is their appreciation of alcoholic beverages that is emphasized. The humor is ironic, more critical rather than fun or sweet.

The additional five poems went in one ear and out the other. Something about death, traveling in a boat and fields and birds.

I did not get much from this. I recommend reading Dylan Thomas' poetry instead. I am enthused by neither the writing nor the rendition of this short collection.