The Herdmans know absolutely nothing of the Nativity. As they hear the tale they air their own opinions of it quite belligerently and oftentimes their take on the story has the rest of the parish reeling in shock. But despite their rudeness and lack of refinement, the Herdmans interpret the Christmas story so honestly that their pageant moves more than one person to tears.
This story makes me laugh, and cry, because it's written so honestly and with such touching phrasing that you cannot help but love the Herdmans, ruffians though they are.
What about their take on the Nativity moves you so, Kat?
ReplyDeleteWhat happens at the end is that these Herdmans manage to take the heart of the Nativity and portray it in such a way that you're left feeling awed and amazed. They start out in the beginning of the book as these hoodlums that have no idea of what the Christmas story is about, and at the end as they're performing the Pageant, it's as though they suddenly understand it and perform it as though they are the people of the Nativity, not just characters in the play.
ReplyDeleteThe cover took me over immediately. I do want to read this - Ruffians crashing a Christmas celebration is way delicious.
ReplyDeleteClaudine, they crash it, and then they perform a mini-miracle. I hope you enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this story. Thanks for sharing, Cat.
ReplyDeleteThe cover caught my eye as well. Another one to add to my must reads. I love xmas stories too.
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