The Tin Whistle

Yes, I've started reading Christmas stories already this year even though it's not even the middle of November yet! When I was offered the opportunity to review a copy of Kathleen Shoop's seasonal novella, The Tin Whistle, I couldn't resist. Having read some of her stories before, I was confident I would enjoy this one too and I am delighted to be able to say that this is indeed the case. I loved that The Tin Whistle is, in part, based on the life of a real person - Jacob Gusky who did live in Pittsburgh during the 1800s. Shoop brings the 1880s city to life so I could easily imagine myself rushing into Gusky's Grand Emporium alongside the other eager shoppers or watching in amazement as the wagons rolled by. I appreciated how Shoop also deftly balances the emotional aspects of this story so, while I did actually have a tear in my eye at a couple of moments, I wasn't put off by it all becoming overly sentimental. The Tin Whistle is an endearing tale that focuses on the idea of charitable giving at Christmas and how small but heartfelt gestures are often the most memorable for both giver and recipient alike. In the wake of pandemic lockdowns when I feel we've all learned the importance of human connections over material possessions, and as we rush into the frenzy of the over-commercialised holiday season again, The Tin Whistle felt like a particularly apt and timely book for me to read.