An anthology of books to discover during the Christmas period
A tailor-made selection for all tastes from the Monaco Media Library.
Each period of the year deserves its dedicated works. Christmas is a holiday that the authors particularly like to integrate into their stories. Between fictions, collections and practical books, the Louis Notari Library recommended several readings.
Before starting, we would like to thank Ghislaine Rapaire, library attaché, Sophie Gargiullo, librarian and Céline Sabine, assistant curator, for their recommendations.
1. The Christmas Tram
On Christmas Eve, a tram travels through the dark night of an (almost) sleeping city. The book tells us the stories of the left behind, the rare passengers of this nocturnal tram, whose daily life is particularly difficult. ” It’s not told in the tragic style at all, it’s slices of life given to us “, develops Ghislaine Rapaire.
Each chapter concerns one of the characters, all told around a mysterious story of a baby abandoned on the same tram. A book that does not evoke the magic of Christmas but more ” a humanist tale “, adds Céline Sabine. Illustrations accompany the pages of this (relatively) short story. To read !
2. Someone is waiting for me behind the snow
Here is a novel to read from 9-10 years old. A lone delivery man, a lost swallow and a young African man will find themselves linked on Christmas Eve. A short story that did not leave Céline Sabine indifferent. ” It is a very touching story, very beautiful and which is in the news “, she admits.
The story indeed evokes the loneliness of certain people on those festive evenings, mixed with the story of this young man who wishes to flee his country. A beautiful message for young people accompanied by lovely illustrations by Thomas Campi.
3. Christmas gifts
Maybe a classic. Christmas presents is a compilation of texts written by Colette, a woman of letters born in 1873 and one of the most famous novelists in French literature. ” Critics found this book surprising because Colette always claimed to have no memories of Christmas. However, for about thirty years, she wrote articles during the Christmas period “says Sophie Gargiullo.
Some articles are about tender memories linked to the celebration, others tell of Christmases of deprivation, during the Second World War or even a Christmas spent with soldiers in 1914. Colette has a link with the Principality. She is at the origin of the Literary Prize of Monaco, created with her friend Prince Pierre, father of Prince Rainier III.
4. Commissioner Ricciardi’s Christmas
Maurizio de Giovanni is an author of detective novels. It begins with a series of books about Commissioner Ricciardi, broken down by seasons of the year. It continues with a new series linked to the various festivities.
Our work above is a historical crime novel “says Sophie Cargiullo. ” It takes place in 1931, during the rise of fascism. It’s part walk through the streets of Naples, part historical narrative and part police investigation “, continues the librarian. Read by the fireside.
Christmas decoration and recipes
Christmas books can also be practical! The Monaco Media Library regularly supplies its practical section and do it yourself. Here, these four works require decoration:
- Second Hand, 32 holiday tables found & as many recipes that go with it. Francois Motte, Sonia Ezgulian, Caroline Faccioli. Hachette Practical Editions, 2022.
- Christmas, paper & cardboard creations, The notebooks of the tribe. 2022.
- Party decorations, Holly Becker, Leslie Shewring. Editions Marie-Claire, 2016.
- Do-it-yourself winter decoration in wood, Sandra Losch. Saxony Publishing, 2021.
Using recovered materials, second-hand tables, artistic creations or even wooden decoration, these books compile many guides and tips for rethinking your Christmas decoration. For adults and children alike.
And when it’s time to eat, cookbooks are always welcome. Christmas meals are often great moments in the kitchen, so here are two books to draw inspiration from:
- Plant festivals, Angèle Ferreux-Maught, Alain Ducasse, Romain Meder. Editions Alain Ducasse, 2018.
- Feast, Victory Wolf. Hachette Practical Editions, 2022.
The first, as its name suggests, invites you to discover or rediscover recipes that are both festive and vegetal. Barbecue of summer vegetables, pumpkin latte, celeriac with a spoon and peanut condiment… Enough to make Christmas meals original.
Feast compiles more common recipes, told by chefs from France. Christmas poultry, foie gras, yule log, fougasse from thirteen desserts, but also arancini from Saint Lucia… Enough to prepare a real feast.