London, 1842. Charles Dickens’ popularity is on the wane. His marriage and finances are in trouble, and he has become embittered toward life itself. In a way, Dickens has become a bit of a Scrooge—a character he has yet to even create! But on a cold Christmas Eve, his fortunes take a dramatic turn when a train crash sends Dickens into the icy Kent river. There, in a sinking carriage, Dickens is visited by three spirits who lead him on a journey through his past, present and future, a journey that transforms his life and inspires him to write his most celebrated work ever.