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235th out of 391 books
—
556 voters
Jacob T. Marley
by
R. William Bennett (Goodreads Author)
Marley was dead to begin with . . . These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge s miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. W...more
Hardcover, 202 pages
Published
October 12th 2011
by Shadow Mountain
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"Jacob realized that he was no more than an entry in Scrooge's ledger-in an account that was now being closed. "
"What a wretched man," Marley thought. "Whatever in the world made him?"
Whether it was seconds or minutes, Marley did not know, but he paused so completely he thought his heart had stopped beating.
"I did," were his own words that came to him.
"I did, I made Ebenezer Scrooge."
These are some of Jacob T. Marley's final thoughts as he lays on his death bed in front of Scrooge. While we all...more
"What a wretched man," Marley thought. "Whatever in the world made him?"
Whether it was seconds or minutes, Marley did not know, but he paused so completely he thought his heart had stopped beating.
"I did," were his own words that came to him.
"I did, I made Ebenezer Scrooge."
These are some of Jacob T. Marley's final thoughts as he lays on his death bed in front of Scrooge. While we all...more
At some point, every conceivable fan-fictiony alternative point of view in classic fiction will have been used. There's the story of the girls' father in March; coincidentally there is the story of Huck's father in (also coincidentally) Finn. And of course there's Wicked. Jacob T. Marley belongs to this family, spinning Dickens's A Christmas Carol to explore the story of Scrooge's partner. How does a man come to be a spirit weighted down with chains and money boxes, wailing in the dark? Here Mar...more
"A Christmas Carol" remains one of my ultimate favorite books in my internal pantheon. That said, you may want to take the following with a large hunk of salt: This attempt at a fresh angle on a well-known story doesn't work for me. The language, on the surface, seems appropriate (to a modern audience at least) for Dickens' historical period but no on else can be Dickens and to imply that an author sounds dickensian or dickens-like (select whichever most phrase most tickles your fancy) simply be...more
I was a little hesitant to read this book because "A Christmas Carol" is one of my all-time favorites, and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy someone messing with the story. I am glad I gave it a try, because I really, REALLY liked this book! The only thing keeping me from giving the book 5 stars was that I thought that the story of how Marley's character changed from a normal, good young man to an incredibly selfish and unfeeling adult could have been a little more developed. I loved seeing the...more
What a wonderful book to place on the shelf next to Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The author does a good job of lifting the secondary character of Jacob Marley out of the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and rounds it out, filling in background on just who Marley was, what type of family he came from, and how his own choices created the creature that appears to Scrooge on Christmas Eve. I like how the author describes the character of Marley: "For the corrupt character of Jacob Thelonius Marley was not m...more
I love Dickens' A Christmas Carol. I particularly enjoy stories that re-interpret the classic tale just a bit, and Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett provides yet another delightful twist.
We all know Ebenezer Scrooge's tale. His name has become a byword for miserliness due to the genius of Charles Dickens' storytelling. But A Christmas Carol is the tale of Scrooge's redemption. Ebenezer becomes a better man because Jacob Marley has spent his afterlife repenting of his sins. Jacob Marley has c...more
We all know Ebenezer Scrooge's tale. His name has become a byword for miserliness due to the genius of Charles Dickens' storytelling. But A Christmas Carol is the tale of Scrooge's redemption. Ebenezer becomes a better man because Jacob Marley has spent his afterlife repenting of his sins. Jacob Marley has c...more
This is a magnificent book. I just finished it, and am still somewhat overwhelmed by the ending, so I'm not quite certain how I'm going to feel in a few months.
At this point, it seems the book is amazing. It is not only a very clever twist on a famous story, it is more allegorical and uplifting than the original. The writing takes us back to the era when "A Christmas Carol" was written, and the depiction of the life of Marley, as well as the meeting of Marley and Scrooge was so well done, I alm...more
At this point, it seems the book is amazing. It is not only a very clever twist on a famous story, it is more allegorical and uplifting than the original. The writing takes us back to the era when "A Christmas Carol" was written, and the depiction of the life of Marley, as well as the meeting of Marley and Scrooge was so well done, I alm...more
Let me preface this with a disclaimer. I totally meant to read the during the holidays. Maybe that would have helped put me in the right spirit for this book.... but alas, it waited till January, and here we are. I wanted to like this book. It's cute and small, and such an interesting twist on the Scrooge concept. It started out good for me. The clever way Jacob and Ebenezer met. But by Chapter 6, I wanted to be done. But, I had been warned that my Mom didn't like it at first, but then she reall...more
Really, I'd probably give this book 3.5 stars. There were some things I loved about it, somethings I liked, and some things I thought were just not well done.
I was quite disappointed with the first half of the novel. I felt like Jacob Marley had no separate personality from Ebeneezer Scrooge. There was nothing to differentiate his character from that of his partner. Not only that, but Bennett just goes ahead and tells me about Marley's issue of pride instead of letting the story tell me instead...more
I was quite disappointed with the first half of the novel. I felt like Jacob Marley had no separate personality from Ebeneezer Scrooge. There was nothing to differentiate his character from that of his partner. Not only that, but Bennett just goes ahead and tells me about Marley's issue of pride instead of letting the story tell me instead...more
An interesting story about what became of Ebeneezer's partner, Jacob Marley. Although the writing isn't quite in the style of Charles Dickens, it approaches it tolerably well. Half of the book was setting the stage for the real story, but I could understand why most of it was considered necessary in the end. I held me interested, especially when we started to get to parts of the story that are already familiar from A Christmas Carol. It was fascinating to see how the author imagined Mr. Marley e...more
I wanted to read this almost as soon as I was aware of its existence. Normally, I am not a fan of books that are piggy-backed onto the efforts of others, particularly when it involves the classics (like Dickens "Christmas Carol"). I was not disappointed by the time I finished this short offering (I read it in 3 days) from the pen of Mr. Bennett.
J. T. Marley makes a brief appearance in Dickens novel. In this offering he is the central figure in this story. The questions answered in this tale are...more
J. T. Marley makes a brief appearance in Dickens novel. In this offering he is the central figure in this story. The questions answered in this tale are...more
Christmas is coming and what would the holiday be without a really good, uplifting story to get us in the mood. For me, like so many others, that story is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It is full of wonderful characters which have remained in our collective psyche since its publication - Scrooge, Tiny Tim, the three spirits. And, of course, Jacob Marley.
Jacob is a minor but very important character in Dickens' novel . In life, he was Scrooges' partner and just as greedy, grasping, and ca...more
Jacob is a minor but very important character in Dickens' novel . In life, he was Scrooges' partner and just as greedy, grasping, and ca...more
Nov 26, 2011
Amber
added it
"Jacob realized that he was no more than an entry in Scrooge's ledger-in an account that was now being closed.
What a wretched man, Marley thought. Whatever in the world made him?
Whether it was seconds or minutes, Marley did not know, but he paused so completely he thought his heart ha stopped beating.
I did, were his own words that came to him.
I did, I made Ebenezer Scrooge."
These are some of the final thoughts of Jacob T. Marley as he lays on his deathbed in front of Scrooge. While we all know...more
What a wretched man, Marley thought. Whatever in the world made him?
Whether it was seconds or minutes, Marley did not know, but he paused so completely he thought his heart ha stopped beating.
I did, were his own words that came to him.
I did, I made Ebenezer Scrooge."
These are some of the final thoughts of Jacob T. Marley as he lays on his deathbed in front of Scrooge. While we all know...more
I am going to admit something to you, dear readers: I have never actually read the book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (I have seen multiple movie version of the story, most often the Mickey Mouse version) I am not really sure why, to be honest, but after reading Jacob T. Marley, you can be certain that I will be reading the classic Dicken's tale this December.
Jacob Marley is the ghost who ushers in Scrooge's night of redemption, by visiting and warning him of the fate that awaits Scrooge...more
Jacob Marley is the ghost who ushers in Scrooge's night of redemption, by visiting and warning him of the fate that awaits Scrooge...more
Jacob T. Marley
by R. William Bennett
Publisher Shadow Mountain
publication date 10/12/11
received from NetGalley for review
Have you ever wondered why Scrooge became the (pardon the pun) Scrooge that he was? Why Jacob Marley became such a mean spirited miser? This wonderful book answers those questions and many more. Written in a style Dickens himself would have liked, this book will enchant and entertain adults and children alike.
This heartwarming story will make you feel happy and hopeful for the...more
by R. William Bennett
Publisher Shadow Mountain
publication date 10/12/11
received from NetGalley for review
Have you ever wondered why Scrooge became the (pardon the pun) Scrooge that he was? Why Jacob Marley became such a mean spirited miser? This wonderful book answers those questions and many more. Written in a style Dickens himself would have liked, this book will enchant and entertain adults and children alike.
This heartwarming story will make you feel happy and hopeful for the...more
Find the enhanced version of this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
If there is a truly tragic character in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, it is Jacob Marley. Ebenezer Scrooge gets a second chance at redemption but Marley is condemned to shoulder the weight of his transgressions for all eternity. Not a whole lot of justice in that is there? Now apparently, I’m not the only who feels this is a serious offense. Author R. William Bennett also concluded Dickens treat...more
If there is a truly tragic character in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, it is Jacob Marley. Ebenezer Scrooge gets a second chance at redemption but Marley is condemned to shoulder the weight of his transgressions for all eternity. Not a whole lot of justice in that is there? Now apparently, I’m not the only who feels this is a serious offense. Author R. William Bennett also concluded Dickens treat...more
The very first thing I loved about this book was how the author, Benett, attempted and succeeded at writing the novel in a similar style to the original Dickens classic. This novel does not change anything about the original story, but rather focuses the camera, if you will, at the character of Jacob Marley.
I truly enjoyed learning more about Marley’s past, and how he played an even bigger role in the change that occurred that night for his partner Ebenezer Scrooge. I also loved that Bennett con...more
I truly enjoyed learning more about Marley’s past, and how he played an even bigger role in the change that occurred that night for his partner Ebenezer Scrooge. I also loved that Bennett con...more
It’s dangerous to toy with a beloved classic. When dealing with Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the ice could be dangerously thin. R. William Bennett has written a companion book answering all the questions that readers were too happy with the ending of the original to ask. And it works.
Jacob T. Marley is Ebenezer Scrooge’s partner in business. Seven years after his own death, Marley arranges for the visit of three spirits who show Scrooge a better way. We all know the outcome – Tiny Tim is saved, S...more
Jacob T. Marley is Ebenezer Scrooge’s partner in business. Seven years after his own death, Marley arranges for the visit of three spirits who show Scrooge a better way. We all know the outcome – Tiny Tim is saved, S...more
"There are three realisations mankind 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. These three missions make up our cause"
It's hard for a lot of us to imagine Christmas without some iteration of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, be it re-reading the novella itself or singing along to...more
It's hard for a lot of us to imagine Christmas without some iteration of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, be it re-reading the novella itself or singing along to...more
This is a re-telling of a holiday favorite from a different perspective. However, the point-of-view is not necessarily unique and shares much the same that readers already know about the story from the Scrooge. I was disappointed that nothing knew or a fresh twist was put on the tale and that I learned little that was different from what has already been written. The promise of insight is limited and fails to reveal much about Marley that isn't already cast out by the original Scrooge. Readers w...more
I didn't think I would like this book. Reading the cover didn't really convey what the story was about. I loved, loved this book. I have known the story of A Christmas Carol my whole life, seen many different movies retelling it, and read the book. You wouldn't think it possible, but this book, Jacob T. Marley, gives the story even greater depth and meaning. I was touched by Marley's story and will recommend this book to others.
The cover said this story was to A Christmas Carol what world famou...more
The cover said this story was to A Christmas Carol what world famou...more
We all know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, right? Well, this new book tells the story of Jacob T. Marley both before and after he met Scrooge as well as what happened after he died and his side of the story familiar to us in A Christmas Carol.
When I first this book, I was a little nervous and unsure how good it would be. In recent years, there has been a wealth of books acting as sequels, prequels or retelling of classic tales (how many new versions of Pride and Prejudice do...more
When I first this book, I was a little nervous and unsure how good it would be. In recent years, there has been a wealth of books acting as sequels, prequels or retelling of classic tales (how many new versions of Pride and Prejudice do...more
A tradition I have is watching A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens every year. My favorite is the one with George C. Scott as Scrooge - although I also really enjoy the 1951 version with Alastair Sim as old Ebenezer. So when I saw this title coming out, I thought - "Yes I always wanted to know a little more about Jacob Marley!" and Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett did not disappoint. The writing is very "Dickenish" -- and when looking at Marley's life with the aid of some "spirits", it cau...more
First of all, to even attempt to add a literary work to that of an author like Charles Dickens is a noble venture, and Mr. Bennett deserves a great deal of applause just for trying! (Clapping erupts). However, while it is an honorable venture, it is relatively futile, and I think Bennett knew that before he even began writing this story.
Jacob T. Marley is a beautifully brief twist on the Christmas Carol given through the fresh perspective of Marley himself. This book quickly explains Jacob's ch...more
Jacob T. Marley is a beautifully brief twist on the Christmas Carol given through the fresh perspective of Marley himself. This book quickly explains Jacob's ch...more
You can also see my review at http://the-bookaholic.blogspot.com
In all honesty, the only Dickens I could ever really get into was A Christmas Carol. It’s one of my all-time favorite classics, and I tend to find myself picking it up often-- most particularly around the holidays. I had tried other Dickens’ novels in the past, and just couldn’t really get a grasp or enjoy it much truthfully. A Christmas Carol was masterful, though.
In Jacob T. Marley we get a whole new light, set in the same style,...more
In all honesty, the only Dickens I could ever really get into was A Christmas Carol. It’s one of my all-time favorite classics, and I tend to find myself picking it up often-- most particularly around the holidays. I had tried other Dickens’ novels in the past, and just couldn’t really get a grasp or enjoy it much truthfully. A Christmas Carol was masterful, though.
In Jacob T. Marley we get a whole new light, set in the same style,...more
I think that after you are so familiar with a particular tale, it's fun to visit it again from a different point of view. Similar enough to the original as to bring back all the familiar feelings of the holiday season; the hope, the joy, the peace and generosity, but also just different enough to keep you from sliding into a long winter's nap.
I liked the rounding-out that this seemed to give to Dickens' spare tale while still holding to the example of the masterpiece; short, sweet and to-the-po...more
I liked the rounding-out that this seemed to give to Dickens' spare tale while still holding to the example of the masterpiece; short, sweet and to-the-po...more
Dec 14, 2011
Becky
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
anyone who knows and enjoys a Christmas Carol
I've never read a Christmas Carol (gasp) but I've seen almost every version there ever was on TV. Maybe I will now. I felt like this book really stayed true to the story and message of the classic we all know. Obviously it's more than just about being Christian around Christmas time. I really enjoyed the ending for both Scrooge and Marley (specifically that it gives a picture of the 25 years after that life changing night). I think I will add this to my yearly Christmas reading list.
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I'm always a bit skeptical when modern authors want to revisit classic works, but this book sounded interesting, and I was looking for a Christmas read, so I thought I'd take a chance. I'm glad I did. This was a really enjoyable book told very much in the style of Dickens.
The story told is that of Jacob T. Marley, partner and ghost visitor of Scrooge. It tells of his life before the events in 'A Christmas Carol' begin and his involvement in the life of Scrooge.
Like the original, it's all about t...more
The story told is that of Jacob T. Marley, partner and ghost visitor of Scrooge. It tells of his life before the events in 'A Christmas Carol' begin and his involvement in the life of Scrooge.
Like the original, it's all about t...more
In Charles Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol, Ebeneezer Scrooge is first visited by the ghost of his business partner, Jacob Marley, who tells him of the three ghosts who will be visiting him over the next few days. In the new novel Jacob T. Marley, R. William Bennett brings us deeper into the story of this man ~ who he was, how he came to be Scrooge's partner, and why he became involved in Scrooge's transformation that one Christmas Eve.
I absolutely loved this story! Bennett weaves such a wond...more
I absolutely loved this story! Bennett weaves such a wond...more
Jan 08, 2012
Travis
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone
Recommended to Travis by:
Judy Cash
Shelves:
fiction
This book is a wonderful companion to Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." While I've enjoyed the story of Scrooge in the past, I've always wondered what happened to Scrooge after that fateful Christmas. Did he live only one more Christmas, or did he live many? How was his change of heart received?
This book first backs up, and examines how Jacob Marley became the miser he was, then follows him out of this world, into the next, and finds out how he received his punishment of endless wandering, a...more
This book first backs up, and examines how Jacob Marley became the miser he was, then follows him out of this world, into the next, and finds out how he received his punishment of endless wandering, a...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coffee Talk: December BOM | 24 | 71 | Dec 14, 2011 03:41pm | |
| Coffee Talk: Discussion December Book of the Month- Spoilers | 18 | 14 | Dec 08, 2011 06:16pm |
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10 trivia questions
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“Remorse is a heavy burden, but in its weight, it has great power to awaken men's souls.”
—
2 people liked it
“Are spirits so involved in men's lives? Marley asked.
Mankind is inolved in men's lives. We only help them know how.
...Jacob, all around you, every day, as you walk the miles of earth, there are calls to your spirit and to all others' spirits as well. They come from your fellow beings and from life itself: the way the sun highlights a tree, a bird song lilting across the morning, the smell of flowers. All these are for your joy, but also for more. They call you.”
—
1 person liked it
More quotes…
Mankind is inolved in men's lives. We only help them know how.
...Jacob, all around you, every day, as you walk the miles of earth, there are calls to your spirit and to all others' spirits as well. They come from your fellow beings and from life itself: the way the sun highlights a tree, a bird song lilting across the morning, the smell of flowers. All these are for your joy, but also for more. They call you.”
