"The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain" is one of Dickens' Christmas-time novellas, written in the vein of his most popular one, "A Christmas Carol". Professor Redlaw is brooding over his past misery and mistakes, when he is suddenly visited by a ghostly apparition. The spectre comes with a bargain – the professor can be free from his past anguish, but there is a heavy price to be paid. What starts as a festive tale about the spirit of Christmas and joyous celebrations, turns into an exploration of the dark niches of the mind. A psychological warning to all people who are haunted by their past wrongdoings or memories, the novella is also a valuable lesson – it is better to forgive than forget. A five-star recommendation.-