Humbug

Scrooge Before the Ghosts

De: Sarah Whelan

Narrado por: Charles Robert Fox

A Christmas Carol shows us one terrible day in Ebenezer Scrooge’s life, but have you ever wondered what came before his fateful encounter with the ghosts of Christmas time? What happened to turn him into the scowling, penny-pinching old man we think we know so well?

There is so much more to this character—possibly more than Charles Dickens himself could ever have imagined.

Scrooge has compelling reasons for hating Christmas, for rejecting his fiancée and his precious nephew, and for employing Tiny Tim’s father, despite his obvious incompetence. He is a doting uncle, beloved brother, successful businessman, and passionate lover, but a dark secret puts both him and his loved ones at risk. Scrooge struggles to embrace his true self and live in defiance of the Victorian era’s repressive moral standards. Soul-crushing losses and his own destructive choices shape his fate into a twisted path of sorrow, frustration, and uncertainty—but also happiness, fulfillment, and love.

Scrooge’s own words sum it up best: “How delightfully queer life is.”

©2023 Sarah Whelan (P)2023 Sarah Whelan

Scrooge fleshed out as a complex character

Scrooge’s character development draws you in immediately. Love relationship with Marley unexpected, but well done and adds depth to the story, as does the plot development of Scrooge’s relationships with the Fizzywigs and his sister. Scrooge as the narrator of his own story give the plot complexity and reality. Loved this novel.

Answers I never knew I needed

I teach A Christmas Carol every year. To have questions about Scrooge, Marley, The Cratchits, etc. that I didn’t know I needed, was mind blowing! Sarah Whelan did an amazing job. Kudos!

My new favorite Christmas story.

I loved every part of Humbug, from the clever plot twists, which now seem completely appropriate in the context of A Christmas Carol, to the narrator’s smooth voice. A satisfying read!

A Different View of Scrooge

This story definitely gives you a different view of Ebenezer Scrooge and what lead to him being the person most readers are used to seeing him as before his ghostly visits. This story is so interesting and captivating. It had me hooked throughout especially when I listened to the audiobook. The narration by Charles Robert Fox was perfect for bringing this to life.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

good Carol rendition

This is historical and a mm rendition of the Scrooge. It starts out with a reaper coming for scrooge and he asks for time and remininces about the past and that's how the story unfolds
I found it an intriguing rendition of one of my favorite Christmas stories.
It is bittersweet.
Interesting characters and plot.

The narration at first I wasn't sure but it grew on me. It did fit with the theme and era of the story.