The Christmas Tree (novel) facts for kids
First edition
|
|
| Author | Jennifer Johnston |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Craig Dodd |
| Country | Ireland |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Hamish Hamilton (UK) William Morrow (US) |
|
Publication date
|
1981 (UK), 1982 (US) |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 168 |
| ISBN | 0-241-10673-7 |
The Christmas Tree is a novel written by the Irish author Jennifer Johnston. It was first published in 1981. Many people consider it one of her best works. The book was even chosen for a special collection called "Irish Women Writers." It is also a favorite book of American writer Lionel Shriver. In 1986, the story was made into a television show.
About the Story
The main character of The Christmas Tree is a woman named Constance Keating. She is 45 years old and lives in London. Constance has just had a baby girl. Soon after, she learns she has a serious illness called Leukemia.
Constance decides to return to her childhood home in Ballsbridge, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland. She wants to spend her last days at home. Her sister, Bibi, agrees to help look after the new baby.
Constance writes a letter to Jacob Weinberg. He is a man she met while on holiday in Italy. She tells him he is the baby's father. She asks him to come and take care of their daughter.
As Christmas gets closer, Constance's illness gets worse. She is cared for by her kind doctor, Bill, and a young helper named Bridie. The story shares parts of Constance's past life. It talks about her time at Trinity College and moving to London. It also tells about her short time with Jacob.
Book Release History
The Christmas Tree has been published many times since it first came out. Here are some of its editions:
- 1981, UK, Hamish Hamilton, ISBN: 0-241-10673-7, Hardback
- 1982, US, William Morrow, ISBN: 0-688-01133-0, Hardback
- 1982, UK, Fontana, ISBN: 0-00-616463-3, Paperback
- 1986, UK, Flamingo, ISBN: 0-00-654129-1, Paperback
- 1989, UK, Penguin, ISBN: 0-14-012061-0, Paperback
- 1999, UK, Headline, ISBN: 0-7472-6258-6, Paperback
Television Show Adaptation
The novel was made into a television show in 1986. Yorkshire Television produced it. William Corlett wrote the script, and Herbert Wise directed it. The actors in the show included:
- Constance - Anna Massey
- Jacob - Simon Callow
- Bill - T. P. McKenna
- Bibi - Fiona Walker
- Bridie - Maeve Germaine
