3 Review(s)

The story is set on a Christmas Eve and centers around a character named Professor Redlaw. He is a chemist and teacher at a college but is tormented by his own personal demons and regrets from the past. Redlaw has become a solitary and bitter man, unable to find solace or happiness.On this particular Christmas Eve, Redlaw encounters a supernatural visitor: a ghostly doppelgänger of himself. This ghost offers him a "bargain" – the power to forget all the painful memories of his past. Redlaw agrees to the bargain, hoping to find relief from his inner torment. However, the consequences of this bargain turn out to be much more profound and far-reaching than he anticipated.As the story unfolds, Redlaw's memory loss affects not only him but also those around him, including his students, friends, and family. The novella explores the impact of memory and the consequences of trying to escape the past. It also highlights the importance of human connection and empathy."The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain" is often seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to erase one's past and the importance of confronting and learning from one's mistakes. It is also a story of redemption and the potential for individuals to change and find forgiveness.Like many of Charles Dickens's works, this novella contains elements of the supernatural and the moral lessons that are characteristic of his storytelling style. It has been appreciated for its exploration of complex human emotions and its message of hope and transformation, even in the darkest of times.