Reading Journal 2023: Miracle on 34th Street

Reading Journal 2023: Miracle on 34th Street
Author: Valentine Davies

There’s a fun bit of irony to the fact that one of the best known and most influential American christmas films is contrasted with a book you’ve likely never even heard of. This is made richer by the fact that the film and the book were released in tandem.

The book follows the film for the most part, but what it makes it interesting is how it never feels like its adhering to a script. It’s easy to get the sense that this existed as a story before it existed as a screenplay, and the iconic images and moments and lines seem to draw inspiration from one another.

In Davis’ imagination, Fred is given more development in the book than he does on screen, and we also get more of Kris Kringles perspectives perspective as well. There is something about being inside their heads that enlivens their decisions and their struggles. What the film draws out for us in terms of the relationship drama, the book streamlines into an idea, making the question of santa claus’ existence more or a marriage between the pholophsical and the functional. This is, after all, a reflection on society at large, and that really does come through on the page.

I have watched the film on christmas morning every year since I can remember, typically as I wait for the rest of the house to wake up. This is the first year I became aware of the book, and am really glad I discovered it. A definite delight.