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jesikasbookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this little book a lot!
It is essentially a prequel to A Christmas Carol. We see Scrooge becoming who we know him to be alongside his business partner Marley - who, it turns out, isn't as redeemable.
The author has imagined a backstory for Marley that explains how he ends up as the ghost with endless chains in the well known story. It is well done, well written and heartfelt. Marley becomes a fully fleshed out character in such a way that it makes you wonder why Dickens didn't pay more attention to him.
I enjoyed the nod to the original in the dream sequence and I thought the slow changes in Scrooge were well done to give him a character development that goes some way to explaining his ultimate willingness to change in the original story.
This is a well done companion novel and I was amazed when I realised it was essentially written in two halves by two authors. I liked the fact that it is a novella - it isn't longer than the story needs which keeps this an interesting read.
It is essentially a prequel to A Christmas Carol. We see Scrooge becoming who we know him to be alongside his business partner Marley - who, it turns out, isn't as redeemable.
The author has imagined a backstory for Marley that explains how he ends up as the ghost with endless chains in the well known story. It is well done, well written and heartfelt. Marley becomes a fully fleshed out character in such a way that it makes you wonder why Dickens didn't pay more attention to him.
I enjoyed the nod to the original in the dream sequence and I thought the slow changes in Scrooge were well done to give him a character development that goes some way to explaining his ultimate willingness to change in the original story.
This is a well done companion novel and I was amazed when I realised it was essentially written in two halves by two authors. I liked the fact that it is a novella - it isn't longer than the story needs which keeps this an interesting read.
flourishwithrose's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book, I don’t often give 5 stars but I really enjoy A Christmas Carol so this book was just perfect.
emmkayt's review against another edition
2.0
A Christmas novella - A Christmas Carol fan fiction, essentially - about Jacob Marley and his sister. Orphaned, they escape the workhouse, and Jacob grows increasingly hard hearted as a businessman, to the detriment of his sister’s dreams. It’s a sweet little story and was a pleasant accompaniment to a day of tree trimming, though, when measured against Dickens, it’s obviously not.
roary47's review against another edition
3.0
A prequel to the Christmas Carol. The story of Jacob Marley’s sister and how she tried to help Jacob.
belbookandacuppa's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
anaia_baker's review against another edition
4.0
I have always been a big fan of the Christmas carol. So I knew I had to read this book. Its a relatively short and quick read that you could finish in less than a day if you would like. Its a beautiful and well written book that was really enjoyable!
nightresplendent's review against another edition
4.0
Originally posted at www.instagram.com/p/Bq0bUfQnG84/
For as long as I can remember, A Christmas Carol has been one of my favourite festive stories, so when I saw that @hqstories were publishing a prequel written by the late Vanessa Lafaye I was beside myself with excitement.
The story of Jacob & Clara Marley is told in three parts; the beginning, the middle, & the end; & each part is as wonderfully written & as captivating as the last.
The author, Vanessa Lafaye wrote 9 of the 12 chapters before her passing earlier this year. The final chapters were written by her friend, Rebecca Mascull, & without the disclosure in the author's notes, I never would have realised where the transition took place. The change is flawless.
I honestly loved this book & I am already planning to read it again when I read A Christmas Carol in late December.
Thank you @hqstories for sending me this free book!
For as long as I can remember, A Christmas Carol has been one of my favourite festive stories, so when I saw that @hqstories were publishing a prequel written by the late Vanessa Lafaye I was beside myself with excitement.
The story of Jacob & Clara Marley is told in three parts; the beginning, the middle, & the end; & each part is as wonderfully written & as captivating as the last.
The author, Vanessa Lafaye wrote 9 of the 12 chapters before her passing earlier this year. The final chapters were written by her friend, Rebecca Mascull, & without the disclosure in the author's notes, I never would have realised where the transition took place. The change is flawless.
I honestly loved this book & I am already planning to read it again when I read A Christmas Carol in late December.
Thank you @hqstories for sending me this free book!
kiwi_fruit's review against another edition
3.0
Ever thought what Jacob Marley, the business partner of Scrooge (of "A Cristmas Carol" fame), was like? This little book, told from Clara Marley (his young sister) perspective, presents a plausible story of how he became the haunting chain-bound ghost.
Young Jacob and Clara were raised in a well-to-do family, until suddenly they become orphans. Their unscrupulous uncle, sells their house to clear their father’s debts and without money left nor family support, they find themselves in the London streets to fend for themselves. Jacob feels responsible for Clara’s welfare and vows to work hard to have a better life and become prosperous again. In time, Jacob builds a thriving business and a reputation as a harsh money lender, but at what cost?
This is a sad but charming read, it would be a nice choice for the Christmas season.
charlielovesbooks's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0