Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin is a heartwarming (and spooky) tale that captivates readers
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I was hoping to post this before Christmas, but I still feel that Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin makes for a great year-round read. Authored by the talented storyteller, R.G. Fraser-Green, the book makes Greek mythology come alive through the eyes of the endearing protagonist, Fotinoula. With its enchanting narrative and festive charm, you won’t want to wait another year to read this story. Save it to read with the family for Christmas in July!
Fotinoula, a curious and spirited young girl, laments about how her sister, Mirtoula, gets all the attention during Christmas. When her grandfather is out for a visit, she learns about Kallikantzaroi. Her grandfather explains that Kallikantzaro are Christmas goblins who live underground. During the 12 days of Christmas, when the sun stops moving, they have the ability to climb to the surface. It is when they are among us that they steal children away from their families.
One of the strengths of Fraser-Green’s writing is the ability to create vivid and evocative imagery
The Grandfather first appears with a walking stick and as he sits down to tell his granddaughter about what the Kallikantzaroi do, chills ran up my spine. I could hear the sound of the walking stick and see a terrified young girl. It was this attention to detail that made the story stand out.
Fotinoula emerges as a relatable protagonist to whom I felt connected. The story was not all spooky folk tale. I enjoyed the joyous moments of what the family eats and how they celebrate the holiday according to Greek culture. I could taste the diples, kourabiethes, and melomakarona; pastries and cookies commonly served during the holiday season in the Greek community. From laughter to moments of heartfelt warmth, Fraser-Green skillfully weaves in multiple themes, making the narrative not only entertaining but also meaningful.
An engaging and well-balanced read
Each chapter of Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin adds to the excitement of the story. Fraser-Green introduces Greek mythology without losing the reader’s attention or adding confusion. I thought I might have to research some of the story to understand the terms and definitions of the Greek words, but between the dictionary at the beginning and how well the idea of Christmas goblins is explained, I never once got lost. This addition made the story accessible to readers of all ages. Moreover, the book is not just a delightful read; it also serves as a lesson into another culture. Frader-Green encourages readers to appreciate family and culture. The story succeeds mixing wonder with “spooky” creating a intriguing holiday season.
Fraser-Green’s storytelling prowess
Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin is a delightful addition to the genre of festive literature. The familial bond and attention to detail make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to celebrate the spirit of Christmas according to Greek culture. Make it a point to read Fotinoula and her Christmas Goblin with your children to gain a new perspective on Christmas.
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