Reviews

Father Christmas and Me by Matt Haig

smittenforfiction's review against another edition

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4.0

The end of Matt Haig's trilogy, Father Christmas and Me is an imaginative story that takes place in a fictional town called Elfhelm. In a previous adventure Amelia helped save Christmas, and now she's the only human living in an elf town. Feeling like an outcast, Amelia struggles with elf school and feels like she doesn't belong. She learns that Father Vogol, the elf that used to rule Elfhelm before Father Christmas, wants to get his power back. Amelia also learns that the Easter Bunny feels resentful since the war with the elves hundreds of years ago. With the help of friends Amelia uses her strengths to overcome challenges and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

"An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet."

The characters are intriguing, filled with personality and emotions. Amelia is likeable, with strengths and flaws, and a wonderful personal growth arc. While doing a little research to write this review I discovered my favourite character, The Truth Pixie, has her own book! I can't wait to read it! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41443051-the-truth-pixie

"There was a reindeer clock in the living room, which was like a cuckoo clock but instead of a cuckoo popping out it was a reindeer. Oh, and it didn’t tell ordinary human time with boring things like ‘six o’clock’ and ‘twenty past nine’. It told elf time, and elf hours were called things like Very Early Indeed and Way Past Bedtime.”

I've read two books by Matt Haig now and I have to say I quite enjoy his writing style. With an exciting pace, Father Christmas and Me is a very fun and festive read for all ages.

"'Books,' said Father Christmas, 'are the greatest gifts of all. Nothing else comes close.'"

Setting: 3.5
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Writing: 5
Message: 3.5
Overall: 80% 4/5 Stars

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*

halcyon_rising's review

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4.0

After the adventures of last year, Amelia Wishart now lives in Elfhelm. As a human and a person who's not been drimwicked, she does not seem to fit in anywhere. None of the subjects they teach in school seem to click for her, and the one thing she can do well (outside of chimney sweeping and writing), sleigh-riding, she's not allowed to do because she's too new in school. When she does eventually get her chance, things end up happening and it leaves her feeling entirely miserable.

Darkness seems to descend upon Elfhelm again, which yet again leaves Christmas without hope. What will be needed this time to fix things, and how permanent a solution will that be?

I would definitely recommend this entire series to both young and old, in these darker days before Christmas.

maart_je's review against another edition

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4.0

“Onmogelijkheid is een mogelijkheid die je nog niet snapt”

Heerlijk boek weer

mariewithwings's review

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3.0

3.5 stars!

waverlyrose's review

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4.0

My least favorite in the series, mostly due to the rushed climax and conclusion, but still a great read!

leenlief's review against another edition

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4.0

Mooi einde van de Christmas-serie van [a:Matt Haig|76360|Matt Haig|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]. Een verhaal waarin de thema's uitsluiting (vervolg van het eerste deel [b:Een jongen met de naam Kerstmis|33380938|Een jongen met de naam Kerstmis|Matt Haig|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1481661280l/33380938._SY75_.jpg|45760886]) en leren vertrouwen op je eigen talenten (vervolg van het tweede deel [b:Het meisje dat Kerstmis redde|59650386|Het meisje dat Kerstmis redde (Christmas, #2)|Matt Haig|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637260795l/59650386._SY75_.jpg|50718333]) centraal staan. De paashaas heeft ook een rol en het ontstaan van Pasen vormt het einde van het boek. Het luisterboek wordt weer aangenaam verteld door Job Schuring.

chrissireads's review

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4.0

Father Christmas and Me centres around Amelia, Father Christmas and Mary (yes Mary, Mary Christmas!) Amelia is living in Elfhelm with Father Christmas and Mary. She’s finding it hard to adapt to life in Elfhelm though. School is different, she looks incredibly different and the weather is always cold. She also becomes a target of a local newspaper and a horrible elf named Father Vogol. Father Vogol is determined to get Amelia out of Elfham. Added to that, the Easter Bunny is feeling pretty resentful… he’ll do anything to spoil Christmas and with Father Vogol on his side, he might just do it!

I absolutely loved this final instalment in the trilogy. Amelia is such a strong character. She’s had a hard life but is still incredibly resilient and is determined to fight evil and save Christmas again. There’s so much to be enjoyed in this action packed tale. It’s very clever and captivating.

I’m going to miss the wonderful characters in this trilogy who I have definitely loved all the way through. I think Amelia is a great character for young people to look up to. Father and Mary Christmas are so wonderfully loving. I absolutely adore The Truth Pixie. Father Vogol is so fun to dislike too. I highly recommend this series, if you’re looking for a fun, engaging, festive read then this trilogy could be for you.

everydaylifewithkat's review

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5.0

Loved it so much!!! I’m going to miss Father Christmas, Mary, Amelia, Noosh, and the Truth Fairy!!! Must read for all those who enjoy whimsy, magic, friendship, and the power of hope!

maddie_09's review

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5.0

"An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet."

Matt Haig did it again! Another fabulous Christmas story from him! I absolutely loved Father Christmas And Me!
Amelia Wishart lives now in Elfhelm with Father Christmas and Mary, also known as Mother Christmas. You'd think life should be perfect for Amelia but it so not. Problem is Amelia is just too... human. Fitting in in the elves world is harder than you'd think. And being human she's also full of self doubt and constantly questions her place in that magical place. She just can't believe that she belongs.
It's not just Amelia who's troubled. Father Vodol is not a happy elf and he really really doesn't like Father Christmas and humans in general. He enlists help of Easter Bunny and his rabbit army to try and overthrow Father Christmas and take charge of Elfhelm again.
Father Christmas And Me is a gorgeous story conveying the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about the presents; its true magic lies in kindness of heart and generosity of spirit.
Beautifully written, fast paced with great plot and stunning illustrations Father Christmas And Me is not to be missed. And if you haven't read previous Christmas stories from Matt Haig please do. They're just brilliant. Magical, heartfelt, truly Christmassy.

effiereads's review

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3.0

Not as good as the first two but i really enjoyed the cute christmas-y vibes!