Humbug

Scrooge Before the Ghosts

By: Sarah Whelan

Narrated by: 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

A Heartbreaking Life Indeed

A beautiful story. How much torment can one man endure. Scrooge telling this story and seeing his life from his perspective is an incredible way to revisit the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, before the ghosts. This so easily explains why Scrooge was such a bitter man. Definitely, A story of loss and redemption. Listen to this book. You'll never think of Ebenezer Scrooge in the same way again. The narration is Incredible! and definitely makes this book a wonderful story. the character details, make you feel like your in the book itself. I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this story. It left me feeling very emotional.👏👏👏👏👏 Bravo Sarah Whelan. Bravo!!!

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

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.

Intriguing and insightful twist on the story of Scrooge.

A well written story that held me until the end! The story of why Scrooge became the crotchety miser in the Christmas story was so interesting and insightful. The story was well researched to add ornate, historical details to every page. I felt empathy, joy, anger, fear, and love for Scrooge throughout this well spun tale as it tied up the loose ends of this beloved classic. You will think about these well developed characters for a long time after the story has finished. The narrator was perfect for this story. The writer has given us a new masterpiece.

Outstanding.

This book was such a great read!
An insight into Ebenezer Scrooge’s life before he was visited by the ghosts. A surprising journey throughout Scrooge’s lifespan, from childhood to death, through loss of friends and family, adjusting to and finally embracing the fact of being a gay man in a time when this could cost him his life and every struggle he had to face.
The performance by Charles Robert Fox is superb and it definitely makes this great book into a work of art!