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.

My friend Dave, recommended Jacob T. Marley to me and I quickly added it to my wish-list. Then, a Goodreads group that I belong to chose it as their December Book of the Month. This was all the excuse I needed; so I purchased the eBook version of it. I am a huge fan of Dickens and was immediately intrigued by the synopsis. I am happy to report that this book was simply delightful. Bennett does a remarkable job of emanating Dickens and offers us a fresh tale about Scrooge's partner Marley. Bennett explores the reasons behind Marley's visit to Ebenezer Scrooge and the events that occurred after Marley's death. If you are familiar with the tale A Christmas Carol, you will remember that Marley visited Scrooge bound in chains that he bore in life. We experience events in Marley's past that shaped him, how he met Scrooge and what occurred at the time of his death. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the images and sites of the period, while conveying a clear message of hope, redemption and the spirit of giving. I highly recommend Jacob T. Marley, to fans of Charles Dickens and holiday classics. This was a fast, easy read, which delivers a wonderful message. A perfect addition to your holiday reading list and a charming gift.

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!

I really enjoyed this book! It is an interesting take on Marley. I felt reinspired by the message of charity and love. Very well written. I highly recommend!

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.

I expected this book to be about Marley, but not so much. Sure there was a little background on Marley, but there was more about Scrooge, which I found disappointing. It didn't hold together that well and didn't track the original Dickens' Christmas Carol, which was a little confusing since the reference is clearly to THE Jacob Marley. The details created were, however, delightful, so what was done with Marley's character was good, I just wish there had been more of that and less of the moralizing.

I was skeptical of an addendum to anything written by Dickens but I was pleasantly surprised by both the quality of the story and the prose. Excellent job Mr. Bennett!

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.