What Fantasy Character Keeps A Christmas Carol Book In Her Backpack

I've been obsessed with romance novels for years, and 'Carol' holds a special place in my heart. The author is Patricia Highsmith, who wrote this under the pseudonym Claire Morgan back in 1952. It's one of those rare LGBTQ+ classics that dared to exist when such stories were taboo. Highsmith is better known for her psychological thrillers like 'The Talented Mr. Ripley', but 'Carol' shows her incredible range. The way she crafts the tension between Therese and Carol is masterful—every glance and hesitation feels electric. It's no surprise this novel inspired the 2015 film adaptation starring Cate Blanchett.

I've been obsessed with 'The Carol Book' since I stumbled upon it last winter, and trust me, I've dug deep into this. The original book stands alone as a complete story, but there's a fascinating cultural afterlife that almost feels like unofficial sequels. Various authors have written spiritual successors or thematic companions, like 'The Christmas Secret' by Karen Swan or 'The Winter Street' series by Elin Hilderbrand. While not direct continuations, they capture that same cozy, holiday magic with intertwined love stories and snowy settings. Interestingly, the 1951 film adaptation titled 'The Carol' sparked so much love that it inspired a ton of fanfiction and even a few obscure novellas trying to extend the story. Some explore what happens to the characters decades later, while others reimagine the tale in modern settings. There's also a Japanese light novel series called 'After Carol' that transplants the story to Tokyo with a melancholic, slice-of-life twist. The original author never wrote a sequel, but the story's themes of redemption and second chances keep inspiring new interpretations across mediums.

As someone who spends way too much time diving into fantasy worlds, I love imagining which character I resonate with. If I had to pick, I'd say I’m a mix of 'Howl' from 'Howl’s Moving Castle'—charismatic but prone to dramatic meltdowns—and 'Hermione Granger' from 'Harry Potter' because I’ve got that nerdy, bookish energy. But honestly, I also see a bit of 'Kvothe' from 'The Name of the Wind' in me: endlessly curious, a little reckless, and always chasing stories. And who doesn’t want to be like 'Geralt of Rivia' from 'The Witcher'? Cool, collected, and badass, though I’d probably just trip over my own sword. Fantasy characters are so layered, and it’s fun to see which traits mirror your own quirks.

Playing for keeps means you're in it for the long haul, like when you really invest your feelings or effort in something. It's not just a game; it's about commitment, whether that's in sports, relationships, or even in life. When you play for keeps, there’s a weight to your actions, and you intend to make a lasting impact.

When it's Christmas, I go all out with the decorations and feel festive! The lights, the tree, and a killer playlist of holiday classics get me in the spirit. I love to watch 'Home Alone' on repeat. It brings back those childhood vibes, and the humor never gets old. Baking gingerbread cookies is a must too, the smell alone fills the house with warmth and happiness. Everyone gathers around for hot cocoa, and it just feels like a cozy wonderland. It's the little moments that truly make this season special.

I remember picking up 'Carol' by Patricia Highsmith after watching the movie adaptation, and I was struck by how much deeper the book delves into the characters' inner turmoil. The novel, originally titled 'The Price of Salt,' gives us a raw, unfiltered look at Therese's naivety and Carol's calculated charm. The movie, while beautiful, smoothes out some of their rougher edges to fit a more cinematic flow. The book’s pacing is slower, letting you sit with Therese’s obsessive thoughts and Carol’s vulnerability in a way the film can’t. Small details, like Therese’s career aspirations, are more fleshed out in the text, making her growth feel more earned. The movie’s visual poetry—like the frosty window scenes—replaces some of the book’s psychological depth, but both are masterpieces in their own right.

I remember stumbling upon 'Carol' during a deep dive into vintage novels, and it fascinated me how its history was as rich as its story. The book was originally published in 1952 under the title 'The Price of Salt' by Patricia Highsmith, but she used the pseudonym Claire Morgan. It was groundbreaking for its era, portraying a lesbian romance with a hopeful ending—rare for the time. Highsmith later reclaimed it under her real name in 1990, and it was republished as 'Carol.' I love how this piece of literary history reflects the courage it took to write such a story back then.

I've always been fascinated by the way 'Carol' unfolds through Therese's eyes. She's this young, somewhat naive shopgirl who gets swept into this intense relationship with Carol, and it's her perspective that guides the entire story. What makes Therese so compelling is how subtly she changes—starting off as this passive observer of her own life, then gradually finding her voice through her connection with Carol. Highsmith doesn't shout about Therese's growth; it's in small moments, like when she finally stands up to Richard or when she starts making bolder choices in her career. The contrast between her quiet exterior and the storm of emotions underneath is what makes her such a relatable protagonist. What really gets me is how Therese's artistic nature shapes how she sees the world. Her photography and set design work aren't just hobbies—they reflect how she processes things, often noticing details others miss. That's why her perspective feels so intimate; we're not just watching a love story, we're seeing the world through an artist's sensitive lens. The ending, where she walks toward Carol, feels like the culmination of everything—her hesitation, her longing, her quiet determination. It's not a dramatic Hollywood moment, but something far more real and satisfying.