The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens, retold in simplified English by Neil McFarlane. Suitable for younger readers and intermediate-level EFL students.
For a long time “Cricket” was more popular than “A Christmas Carol”. It has also been adapted for the stage, screen, radio, and even opera.
The sophistication of Dickens’ language and writing style, particularly the long, clause-stacked sentences, can make him difficult for younger readers and EFL students.
This edition will enable such readers to get their first taste of reading a truly great writer and a wonderfully entertaining story.
This retelling simplifies Dickens' English without abandoning his unique style of narration – the authorial voice is still very much Dickens' own, only made more accessible for a modern reader.