Synopses & Reviews
The annual fruitcake symbolizes all that is wonderful about the holidays (goodwill, tradition, colorful treats) and all that makes them maddening (strange foods, crazy relatives, and those darned candied fruits). Here in twelve stories-one each for the twelve days of Christmas-David Valdes Greenwood elfishly captures the spirit of the holiday and the outrageous unpredictability of family celebrations. Gather around the tree for tales of a God-fearing Grammy assembling candy tins as fast as she can; daredevil brothers roof-jumping into snow drifts-and Nixon’s role in it all; a Christmas pageant with warring wise men and one wiser woman; and the winter night that Valdes Greenwood discovers the true gift of the season. A perfect holiday confection, A Little Fruitcake is sure to find its place for years to come alongside other Christmas classics.
Synopsis
Ah, the sweet memories of Christmas. Gifts under the tree. Cookies for Santa. And, of course, the annual fruitcake.
For young David Valdes Greenwood, the indomitable little fruitcake” at the center of these tales, nothing is sweeter than the promise of the holidays. A modern-day Tiny Tim, he holds fast to his ideal of what Christmas should be, despite the huge odds against him: Sub-zero Maine winters. A host of eccentric relatives. And his constant foil: a frugal, God-fearing Grammy who seems determined to bring an end to all his fun. A book thats fa-la-la-licious” (Louisville Courier Journal) and filled with funny, charming Yuletide memories (from building a Lego® manger to hunting for the perfect Christmas tree), A Little Fruitcake will inspire even the biggest Grinches around.
About the Author
David Valdes Greenwood teaches at Tufts University and lives outside of Boston.