🎄 Book Review: What Child Is This by Rhys Bowen (Kindle Single Edition)
A poignant, atmospheric holiday tale set during the London Blitz—Rhys Bowen delivers a short story that blends wartime hardship with a touch of Christmas magic and emotional grace.
🧠 Overview
Published in November 2018, What Child Is This is a 55-page Kindle Single that takes place during World War II, following Jack and Maggie Harris, a couple struggling to survive the devastation of the London Blitz. Having lost their daughter to diphtheria years earlier, they now face homelessness after a bomb destroys their home just before Christmas.
With nowhere to go, they stumble upon a seemingly abandoned mansion that offers warmth, food, and shelter. But the real surprise comes when a mysterious child appears—sparking a quiet miracle that forces them to confront grief, hope, and the possibility of healing.
🎁 Key Themes & Highlights
- 💔 Grief and resilience: The story explores the emotional toll of loss and the quiet strength needed to endure
- 🏚️ Wartime survival: Set against the backdrop of the Blitz, the narrative captures the fear and uncertainty of the era
- 🎄 Holiday spirit: Despite its somber tone, the story offers a glimmer of hope and compassion in the darkest of times
- 👩❤️👨 Marital tension: Jack and Maggie’s relationship is tested by trauma, revealing both tenderness and frustration
“Christmas during World War II is a time for small miracles in this bittersweet short story…” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.00/5 from over 16,000 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the story’s emotional depth, historical setting, and touch of mystery
- 🧾 Some critique the character dynamics—particularly Jack’s patronizing tone toward Maggie—but most find the ending moving and satisfying
- 💬 “A quiet, reflective story that captures the spirit of Christmas in the midst of chaos.”
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At 55 pages, it’s a one-sitting read—ideal for a cozy evening
- 📚 Historical fiction tone: Though listed under mystery/thriller, it reads more like a wartime vignette with emotional resonance
- 🧠 Subtle storytelling: Focuses more on mood and character than plot twists or action
🏁 Final Verdict
What Child Is This is a bittersweet, evocative holiday story that blends historical hardship with a quiet miracle. Rhys Bowen’s writing is tender and atmospheric, making this Kindle Single a lovely pick for readers who enjoy reflective fiction with emotional weight and seasonal warmth.
