This book was a joy to read. I have found that generally, books that are written as sequels, prequels, or additions to classic stories tend to disappoint. They seem to try so hard to equal the original, but just can't accomplish the goal, and leave the reader feeling disappointed. Not so with this good book. It blended perfectly with "A Christmas Carol", and felt almost as if it could have been written by Dickens himself. It is full of beautiful insights and inspiring wisdom. It was a perfect Christmastime read. So glad I read it! I sometimes have a hard reading books like this that go back and take an original story and offer another take on it. But I found myself really enjoying this one. It's a very thought-provoking look at redemption and forgiveness and making choices that lead us to become what we do. Jacob T. Marley let his pride and greed get the better of him at great harm to himself and everyone he came in contact with. And when he and Scrooge met up they had the same flaws and they fed off each other making things worse. And until the day he died Marley never once stopped to think about how his choices had shaped his life. As he lay dying, he watched Scrooge manipulating his way into Marley's house, he realizes for the first time how much harm he has done.Obviously we don't really know why Marley does what he does in the original story, A Christmas Carol, something changes that leads him to want to prevent Scrooge from ending up in the same sort of situation. Bennett gives the reader a look at what might have been. I found myself thoroughly enthralled with the portrayal of Marley as he seeks to help Scrooge take a different path. And in the end he does something that during his mortal life he would never have done. Frankly it had me in tears. The story is so well told and beautifully highlights the joys of serving those around us and that the true treasures in life don't revolve around money. A story of bad choices, remorse, and change that becomes possible through the sacrifice of our Savior. A novel truly worthy of the Christmas season.
What do You think about Jacob T. Marley (2011)?
The surest way to torture me would be to strap me into a chair and force me to read this again.
—reesha
Loved this book. It is a great tale of redemption and the love mankind is capable of.
—graciee
A delightful and thought-provoking Christmas read.
—JohnMnD
