dreamsngr 's review for:

Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett

5.0

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I used to read A Christmas Carol every few years. I enjoyed the brevity and rhythm of the story. I haven't read it in several years, but Bennett's book (especially with Vance's performance) felt just as comforting as the original. You have the familiar characters of Scrooge and the ghosts, but, as the title implies, the story follows Scrooge's business partner. We see a little of Marley's life and the event that turned him into the greedy wretch that very much influenced Scrooge's miserly path. As Dickinson told us, Marley does wander, bound in the chains he forged by his wicked deeds, but in Bennett's version we are given insight into why he was allowed to offer Scrooge redemption and what that offer might cost him. Vance's depiction of the characters easily draws you in and gives you the same kind of experience I imagine Dickinson gave when he read his story to audiences. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys the original story and highly suggest listening. This may become a new favorite to revisit year after year.