Book Review - 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry

This is the shortest novella I've ever read (it really is like a pamphlet). Yet within its pages and large font, O. Henry's 'The Gift of the Magi' - so simple and intricate - tells a very effective story about love and devotion, and how money does not and should not come into it. Because love is priceless.

20 pages and I saw the poor young married couple, Della and Jim Dillingham, as real people with real lives. 20 pages and I believed in their conviction in giving up a huge part of themselves in order to give something back to the other. 20 pages and hook, line and sinker I was sold on 'The Gift of the Magi' holding such a strong message so as to be a perfect Christmas tale. Christmas is a time for family and thinking of others. However, when giving gifts it is the thought which counts, not how many pennies are spent. Think of how well you know your beloved. Sometimes one does not need to be given expensive material possessions to know that the giver loves them.

Delightful, humourous (O. Henry was clearly big on satire), sweet, lovely, and a little sad, I now understand why 'The Gift of the Magi' is considered a classic. The novella contains the timeless themes of love and money never mixing, and how just being there for your loved ones is enough. The suspenseful building towards the twist ending is also very well done. 

There are a few elements that don't quite add up to the overall story (Why put the chops on alone, Della? Is domestication and sexism at play? Of course, Della is the overly-emotional one), and some characteristics in Della and Jim are somewhat dated in 1905 (Although superficial prettiness and cooking are still expected of women in today's patriarchal society, so a bit of truth to heterosexual relationships is presented here, especially amongst young people). But 'The Gift of the Magi' has succeeded in putting me under its magical spell. 

I leave the review off with this passage from the final page, summing up the whole pamphlet-tale:

'And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.' - Page 21.

Highly recommended. 20 pages, and nothing to lose except 10 minutes of time.

Final Score: 4/5