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Publisher: Shadow Mountain | Published: October 11, 2011
Genre: Fiction/Holidays | 192 pages | ISBN: 978-1-59038-351-3
Have you ever wondered what Marley's story was in A Christmas Carol?
What brought him in chains to the bedside of Ebenezer Scrooge?
Every Christmas I try to catch a version of A Christmas Carol
on
the television. It is one of those timeless feel-good movies that must
be enjoyed each year. But this year my experience was unique - I
considered Marley's view point rather than Scrooge's. What did bring
him as the first ghost to visit Scrooge? What compelled him to impeach
upon Scrooge the importance of the upcoming visits from the Ghost of
Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of
Christmas Yet-to-Come? Mr. Bennett has weaved a tale completely around Marley's story and what
led him to Scrooge's bedside. The writing pays tribute to Charles
Dickens form.Beginnings:
Marley's death was but a beginning. To those of us still mingling with the living, death may seem quite a terminal affair, yet in its vacuum new possibilities spring forth, not just for those left behind but for the dead as well.Although Jacob T. Marley
was exceptional in drawing me into Marley's experience, there were moments mid-way that seemed to drag a bit. But the interweaving of Marley's tragic life with Scrooge's was a wonderful concept and Bennett does not disappoint with remaining loyal to the main message of A Christmas Carol
"Remorse is a heavy burden, but in its weight, it has great power to awaken men's souls. There are three realizations people can experience that might give them cause for change. First, remorse for what is gone but might have been in the past. Second, a shocking awareness of where they are in the present. Finally, fear for what will be in the future, should their paths not change." ~the Spirit, p. 99
Bennett does a fine job portraying Marley's point of view, his life and his death. Jacob T. Marley
was only 192 pages, but I experienced the haunting of Scrooge in a new, inspired way. If you are seeking a lovely Christmas book to read by the fireside this busy season, Jacob T. Marley
will not disappoint.and don't you just love the cover?
It is with many thanks that I received a complimentary copy.
Oooooooooooooooooooooooo I want to read this! I read A Christmas Carol for the first time several years ago and really really liked it. Great review.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge Dickens lover, and would love the chance to read a book from Marley's perspective. It sounds like a very interesting read! Great review on this one today!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good book for this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI'm just finishing this one up now. I like how it takes the familiar story and gives us a different look at it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique perspective! I might have to check this one out!
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