Jacob T. Marley

This book beautifully transforms our understanding of Jacob T. Marley, turning him from a mere miser into a character worthy of sympathy and even admiration. Bennet skillfully explores what Marley could have been, rather than solely focusing on what he was in the original story. The story masterfully weaves key elements from the original tale with fresh, new content, enriching the narrative. I especially appreciated how the book delves into the evolving relationship between Scrooge and Marley over time, adding depth and nuance to their connection. Through this heartfelt retelling, readers gain a richer, more intimate understanding of the ghosts of Christmas and their significance. It’s a touching tribute that redefines Marley’s character and highlights the transformative power of redemption. Dickenson would be proud of this book.

Until recently, we assumed that Jacob T. Marley, a bit player in Dickens' A Christmas Carol, was left to wander in misery chained to his cash boxes. (Well, I did anyway.) R. William Bennett answers many, if not all, of the questions you may have had about Marley. Who was he really? How did he and Scrooge meet when they are both such unlikable characters? And the biggie: why did Marley get such a raw deal compared to Scrooge? Nobody gave him a chance to make things right in his own life. This story takes characters from the classic and looks at them from another perspective. Here we follow Marley and get a full history about the fellow, and why things happened in A Christmas Carol the way they did. When I first read A Christmas Carol, I figured Marley was just a catalyst for Scrooge used by the spirits to get his attention. I felt like Marley wasn't given a choice and based on his imprisonment was forced to introduce the spirits to Scrooge. I like what this story does to dispel those ideas. Bennett captures the spirit and language of the original tale wonderfully. The story doesn't change but is added to in a masterful way. Bennett digs down into the meat of the original story while maintaining the integrity of the Dickens tale. It was obvious that Bennett really tried to stay true to the classic while giving further insight into why these events took place at all. I loved the different perspective and, as I said, the concepts it added to the original for me. We get to see what happened before, during, and after A Christmas Carol took place, and I loved this. If you liked A Christmas Carol, I highly recommend this book as a companion piece and will be giving it to my kids to read too. I was planning on giving it 4 stars, most of the way through the book, but the end of the book cinched the last star and I would be remiss if I didn't give it all 5.

If you are a Christmas Carol fan because you like stories about the human condition, redemption or lack thereof, this is a great book. Follows the source material without being an outright verbatim of it. R. William Bennett does a great job a borrowing from Dickens style of humor and well-placed comments as a narrator talking to the audience. Every year, I read A Christmas Carol as a place of respite during the overcommercialized holidays and this book will be a wonderful addition next year. I really loved this book and I'm buying it as a gift next year for the holidays to the readers in my family. Hardcore Dickens fans have criticized the book as certain elements weren't spot on but I give a lot of credit for thinking of an added realm that was only hinted at in A Christmas Carol. There's one small storyline glitch (no spoilers) that keeps it from getting a five but the book has wonderful moments, is well-written, exhibits a lot of creative thinking that I still recommend it heartily.

My favorite book of all time is “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. I have read several sequels to that story and have found enjoyment in all of them. That being said, “Jacob T. Marley” have moved to No. 1 on my list of those sequels. In this instance, my tears seem to determine this rating. I cried with both sadness and joy many time during the reading, but wept with gladness for the last two chapters. To anyone who has ever rejoiced at Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption, you MUST READ THIS BOOK!

This was a quick read and a fun read. Have you ever wondered about Jacob Marley's story or about where he was during the time after he announced to Scrooge that he would be visited by three spirits? Read this book and get at least one version of a look behind the scenes. This book expands upon many of the lessons that are at the heart of the Dickens classic. This is a feel good book much in the same way as A Christmas Carol. It, too, makes you think. Yes, there is some repetition of the account found in Dickens' book, but they are necessary, appropriate and not over-done. The fast majority is new material as it recount parts of a familiar story seen from a different perspective. Making a habit of re-reading A Christmas Carol each year, I was somewhat hesitant about purchasing this book. It may not become an annual read, but it was most definitely worth the investment of money and time. If you're a fan of A Christmas Carol and not too hung up on the thought of someone taking some liberties to expand on the tale, I think you'll enjoy it. I did.

I reread this every Christmas season along with several others. I never grow tired of the message it gives to all of us. Thank you Mr. Bennett for the great back story.

Expands imaginatively and plausibly on the Scrooge story, but with some American touches (e.g. candy canes at Christmas)

Very interesting take on the classic story, simple but definitely effective, good to see this story from a different point of view

This is a great prequel to a Christmas Carol and is as uplifting and inspiring. A great read you won't be disappointed 10/10

This great story is of a similar length to Dickens A Christmas Carol and fills in many of the gaps left by the original story and throws in a few twists of it's own. The author deliberately uses similar language to give the story a Dickinson feel. A great little Christmas read.

Maintains the style and does well to use the grand old story of A Christmas Carol and give it a fresh twist. Moving and joyous. I thoroughly enjoyed it.