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Jacob T. Marley  By  cover art

Jacob T. Marley

By: R. William Bennett
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Publisher's summary

"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. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn't he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge?

Or had he?

Written with a voice reminiscent of Dickens, Jacob T. Marley is a masterfully crafted story of remorse and redemption, sure to become a Christmas favorite.

©2011 Burgess Adams Inc. (P)2011 Shadow Mountain

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What listeners say about Jacob T. Marley

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I Save My Five Stars for Books like This!

Would you listen to Jacob T. Marley again? Why?

I would, and I have listened to this again. And I'm looking forward to listening to this again next Christmas. Though there have been other books from Jacob Marley's perspective, this is so creative, so well-structured, creates strands that are weaved together so well, I can't imagine how his story could be any better.

What other book might you compare Jacob T. Marley to and why?

If you haven't listened to Simon Vance's interpretation of "A Christmas Carol," do so right after listening to this. You'll find yourself delighted and thinking, "Aha! But REALLY what's going on is...!"

What does Simon Vance bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Simon Vance brings such a sensitivity to the words, with excellent pacing and a heightened sense of drama where it works best. This is such an emotion-packed journey, truly, you'll be glad you listened to both books together.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I sobbed like a baby. Hopelessness, redemption, suspense that makes you wonder what the hell is going on/is going to happen. Really, it doesn't get any better than this. And the "T." that stands for his middle name? Well, there's a GREAT story that goes with it!

Any additional comments?

I sent this book to my mom as a gift because it's a story and delivery that just need to be listened to. This was her first audiobook ever, and I told her to keep tissues handy. Her response was the same as my own: this is a Christmas book, a wonderful story for the ages. Bravo to author and narrator!

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90 people found this helpful

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This is my favorite book! I listen to it all year

this is the book that lifts my spirits when I am feeding down. it reminds me of the blessings I have and the Joy that is mine if I will open my heart to it.

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69 people found this helpful

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MANKIND IS INVOLVED IN MAN'S LIFE

LOVE CAN NOT PERSECUTE
This was a good idea, but not they way Bennett did it. 95% of the story is telling, like in a history text book. The rest is lectures and touchy feely gobbledygook. Such a waste of a good idea and of a great narrator.

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53 people found this helpful

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I kept thinking I was listening to Dickens

This book was beautifully written with the style and flair of Charles Dickens himself. The story gives some back story to the beloved classic “A Christmas Carol”. A beautiful message of redemption and giving is timely for the holiday season. The narrator was absolute perfection with a British accent, perfect articulation, and just the right amount of heart and enthusiasm. I listened to the entire book in one afternoon while I worked. One of my top three all-time Audible favorites!

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41 people found this helpful

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Must read for all A CHRISTMAS CAROL fans!!

If you're a fan of every version of Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL as I am, you will be as thrilled with this book. Bennett has thoroughly captured Dickens' writing style and story line within the wonderful little Christmas tale.

Rather than beginning with the night that Marley returned in death to tell Scrooge of the impending spirits that would change Scrooge's life, this story begins at the start of Jacob's life. We hear of a kind and loving family that Jacob had to begin his life, but he managed to become an old skinflint anyway. How he managed to return to elicit a change in Scrooge's life makes up the majority of this expanded version of an old classic. It was done exceedingly well too.

This is a great version of the classic which tells of compassion and redemption and a life well lived. Though this is just a story, and a superb one at that, I would be remiss, as a Christian, if I did not point out that only Christ can bring about a person's eternal salvation. That said, I believe the message in these stories of doing good to your fellow man, is something that Christ does expect from his people too. A new favorite has been added to my Christmas traditions!

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26 people found this helpful

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The untold half of Dickens's "A Christmas Carol"

Where does Jacob T. Marley rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I love Simon Vance as a narrator, and was ecstatic when I learned he had done this book. It met my expectations perfectly, and was a delight to listen to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jacob T. Marley?

I'd already read the book so there were no surprises as far as plot went, but Vance's narration made all of the emotional scenes come to life, so much so that I had tears in my eyes at certain points. I couldn't pick just one that stands out, unless it's the final scene where Marley offers himself to balance the scales for Scrooge.

Which scene was your favorite?

Marley's crossing over and meeting The Man.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, and I did.

Any additional comments?

For any fans of Dickens' original novel, this is a must-read. It adds so much to the story, and does not detract from the version we all know and love. This is the story of Marley, who, as Bennet points out, is in the story very briefly for such an important character who changed Scrooge's life...in ways we didn't realize.

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14 people found this helpful

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wonderful book. I would recommend it to anyone.

I love the story that Charles Dickens wrote, and this was true to that and added upon it in a great way. Makes me want to be more kind and giving.

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12 people found this helpful

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Absolutely fantastic!

It's a Wonderful expansion to the fantastic Christmas Carol. A shift in perspective that we could all do well to remember anytime of year but it's especially a treasure to remember this time of year. I would highly recommend it, you won't regret it.

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Perfectly captures the essence of Dickens.

The original A Christmas Carol is one of my all time favorite works of literature and as such holds a special place in my heart. I debated whether I would listen to R. William Bennett’s novella as I feared it would pale from the original and leave me disappointed but my reservations were proved decidedly unfounded. Jacob T. Marley is a wonderfully crafted tale that seamlessly starts where Dickens would later continue and so beautifully blends the two stories into a cohesive whole that I could believe that this was the vision Dickens himself saw and wrote. Mr. Bennett’s retelling of the story as seen through the perspective of Jacob Marley is first rate narrated by the marvelous Simon Vance. Prepare for a treat and give yourself an early holiday present I know you will love as much as do I.

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A Christmas Carol and more from the perspective..

...of Jacob Marley beautifully narrated by Simon Vance. It is today's Audible Daily Deal for $1.95. Just get it and listen to this wonderful book.

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8 people found this helpful