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Ebenezer: The True Life Story of Ebenezer Scrooge
Ebenezer Scrooge is one of literature's most iconic redeemed villains. But all we know of him comes from Charles Dickens' glimpse into only a few extraordinary days of his life. What if Dickens, while not getting the story wrong, didn't get the story entirely right? And what happened to Ebenezer that caused him to become the man to whom Dickens introduced us? What did Ebenezer actually experience that so profoundly changed his life? What happened to him after his ghostly encounters? If you have ever wondered about these questions and more, read on for the amazing true story of this complicated and fascinating man whose tale transformed not only a season, but changed nothing less than the world.
- GenresChristmas
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2017
8 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 16, 2019
Enjoyed this retelling of Dickens' classic. It provides a plausible explanation for why Scrooge ended up the way he was at the beginning of A Christmas Carol. It does draw the reader into the life of this complex character and explores his motivations, his painful childhood, and his rise to the top of the business community. There is quite a bit to reflect upon here as all people in varying degrees have a little bit of Scrooge in them. It does provide some degree of portrayal of changes and hardships occurring during the industrial revolution. There are lessons for parents in the way that they should relate to their children, as the relationship that he had with his father seemingly was at the root of what he became later in life. Only issue for me here is that things just were resolved a little bit too neatly in the latter parts of the book. As we know, real life is messier, and sometimes(not always) some things cannot be made up for or sufficient restitution made. But it was an enjoyable read, and although it started a bit slowly, once I got into the book, it was difficult to stop.
March 27, 2022
This review was originally posted at https://bit.ly/3qHfxI6.
While the story of Ebenezer Scrooge is one we all know and love it is by no means the full and truthful account. From Ebenezer's birth through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood there are many things that molded him into the man he became. Through these instances we can see led to his meeting with the ghosts and how his life changed there-after. Join me in traveling through the ages and getting a deeper understanding of this man made myth.
I received this audiobook from the narrator in exchange for an honest review. While I received it before Christmas it took me a while to get through it. Not that I don't enjoy scrooge, I think it is just so frequently told that for the most part we all know a great deal of this man's life already. As always, I enjoyed listening to the narrator, Benjamin Fife. My only regret in regards to the audiobook was when it entered the singing portions. Each time it happened I left the audiobook to play as I walked out of the room because it wasn't pleasant to listen to and I didn't know how far ahead to skip for the song to be over.
After listening to this audiobook I know a great deal more about the events in his life that made Scrooge the way he was depicted by Dickens so long ago. In fact, this story is one told by Tiny Tim as an old man where he recounts "Uncle" Scrooge's life. We learn more about the woman who held Ebenezer's heart, Miss Anabelle, and that it was not nearly as much her fault as we previously believed. We learned of his parents and what happened there. Most importantly we learned more of his sister, Fan.
Fan was easily my favorite character in the book, although her choice in a husband was quite lacking. I wish that she could have seen how Ebenezer's story played out, but his life was one rife with loss, hers counted among the greatest. I enjoyed being able to see the story a bit more clearly and the fact that Dickens was in the book made it all the better.
While the story of Ebenezer Scrooge is one we all know and love it is by no means the full and truthful account. From Ebenezer's birth through childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood there are many things that molded him into the man he became. Through these instances we can see led to his meeting with the ghosts and how his life changed there-after. Join me in traveling through the ages and getting a deeper understanding of this man made myth.
I received this audiobook from the narrator in exchange for an honest review. While I received it before Christmas it took me a while to get through it. Not that I don't enjoy scrooge, I think it is just so frequently told that for the most part we all know a great deal of this man's life already. As always, I enjoyed listening to the narrator, Benjamin Fife. My only regret in regards to the audiobook was when it entered the singing portions. Each time it happened I left the audiobook to play as I walked out of the room because it wasn't pleasant to listen to and I didn't know how far ahead to skip for the song to be over.
After listening to this audiobook I know a great deal more about the events in his life that made Scrooge the way he was depicted by Dickens so long ago. In fact, this story is one told by Tiny Tim as an old man where he recounts "Uncle" Scrooge's life. We learn more about the woman who held Ebenezer's heart, Miss Anabelle, and that it was not nearly as much her fault as we previously believed. We learned of his parents and what happened there. Most importantly we learned more of his sister, Fan.
Fan was easily my favorite character in the book, although her choice in a husband was quite lacking. I wish that she could have seen how Ebenezer's story played out, but his life was one rife with loss, hers counted among the greatest. I enjoyed being able to see the story a bit more clearly and the fact that Dickens was in the book made it all the better.
March 25, 2023
BOOK:-EBENEZER: THE TRUE LIFE STORY OF EBENEZER SCROOGE BY DOUGLAS A. BASS, AUDIO BOOK READ BY BENJAMIN FIFE.
This three part audio book mirrors climate and weather change and the partiality by world government in abuse of atomic and nuclear weapons on the human body: a use of nuclear weapons for scening.Ebenezer tells of a hope of a world that will escape from scene to the peaceful seas from where we came.In this story there is an inference of an untoward meaning being attached to the Christmas season as we see portrayed by Ebenezer's uncle.The story questions whether dearth by sexual adventure or intercourse was an economic boom or short fall for family members and businesses using the life of Elizabeth and Elias whose sex and child birth led to business failure and seeking solace in alcohol;the life of Fan and Fredrick and the downward effect of their child birth on their business; Ebenezer's relations with Bell and Mr Tiller relations with Bell and the effect on the Ferguson business;the competition and partnership between two persons of same sex and business as seen of Jacob Marley and Ebenezer;amongst others.This reflection of Ebenezer Scrooge on his life looks at the past,present and future generations fight against the greed of man( as in the maning of a machine or in sex) and effect on children(chilled reign).It looks at movement with a breadwinner and whether Children (chilled reign ) should move along.A look at the book questions lightly political decamping even though one can not clearly State who a breadwinner is in a democracy where we are all supposed to be bread winners and which such decamping could be harmful to the political system creating a one party State.The book looks at the saving of Ebenezer to commune with fellow man amidst importation hitches in cultivation of cash crops and agriculture and the breach of work ethics and the passing of the righteous as in the Bible book of wisdom.
This three part audio book mirrors climate and weather change and the partiality by world government in abuse of atomic and nuclear weapons on the human body: a use of nuclear weapons for scening.Ebenezer tells of a hope of a world that will escape from scene to the peaceful seas from where we came.In this story there is an inference of an untoward meaning being attached to the Christmas season as we see portrayed by Ebenezer's uncle.The story questions whether dearth by sexual adventure or intercourse was an economic boom or short fall for family members and businesses using the life of Elizabeth and Elias whose sex and child birth led to business failure and seeking solace in alcohol;the life of Fan and Fredrick and the downward effect of their child birth on their business; Ebenezer's relations with Bell and Mr Tiller relations with Bell and the effect on the Ferguson business;the competition and partnership between two persons of same sex and business as seen of Jacob Marley and Ebenezer;amongst others.This reflection of Ebenezer Scrooge on his life looks at the past,present and future generations fight against the greed of man( as in the maning of a machine or in sex) and effect on children(chilled reign).It looks at movement with a breadwinner and whether Children (chilled reign ) should move along.A look at the book questions lightly political decamping even though one can not clearly State who a breadwinner is in a democracy where we are all supposed to be bread winners and which such decamping could be harmful to the political system creating a one party State.The book looks at the saving of Ebenezer to commune with fellow man amidst importation hitches in cultivation of cash crops and agriculture and the breach of work ethics and the passing of the righteous as in the Bible book of wisdom.
December 17, 2021
Wonderful BackStory- lots of Sad before it Lightens Up
Ok, so I love the Christmas Carol and I knew going into this book that Scrooge must have had a terrible backstory but I guess I wasn't fully prepared. This is a really well written book with relatable characters and details that really bring the story to life. I really think that's why I struggled with the amount of strife and trials that Scrooge lived through. I do really like the book but be warned all but maybe 3 hours worth of the book is on the heavy/sad side of reading... for me I had to break it up into sessions of listening to this one and then switching to something happy and fluffy to lift my mood. I definitely recommend it for those who love the Christmas Carol, I do feel this book is an asset to the story and more fully brings the miracle of change into a new perspective.
The narrator does a fantastic job with all the differentiations, acting and is simply a lot of fun to listen to.
Parents- PG13- Overall this is a pretty clean read, very little language, no graphic violence. Mostly clean romance but there is one bedroom scene that is not described in detail but is lightly skimmed over towards the end of the book.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Ok, so I love the Christmas Carol and I knew going into this book that Scrooge must have had a terrible backstory but I guess I wasn't fully prepared. This is a really well written book with relatable characters and details that really bring the story to life. I really think that's why I struggled with the amount of strife and trials that Scrooge lived through. I do really like the book but be warned all but maybe 3 hours worth of the book is on the heavy/sad side of reading... for me I had to break it up into sessions of listening to this one and then switching to something happy and fluffy to lift my mood. I definitely recommend it for those who love the Christmas Carol, I do feel this book is an asset to the story and more fully brings the miracle of change into a new perspective.
The narrator does a fantastic job with all the differentiations, acting and is simply a lot of fun to listen to.
Parents- PG13- Overall this is a pretty clean read, very little language, no graphic violence. Mostly clean romance but there is one bedroom scene that is not described in detail but is lightly skimmed over towards the end of the book.
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
February 23, 2022
**OUTSTANDING** I don't think I have every called a book outstanding before, this story as told by Benjamín Fife is justly so!
I finished the story of Ebenezer's life with tears on my cheeks and thoughts of how unusual to feel so moved when during his life story he was, at times ,a tyrant and a cad. But he was also an undeservedly unloved and badly treated child by most, except the shining light of his sister. With probable dyslexia ( my thought ) and a willing and easy nature he blossomed from a kind act and you will find exemplary characters in this book to gladden your heart but also scoundrels of temptation as you will see. Along the way there are many many tales which make up his life, love, dreams, goals, realizations, friendships and acquaintances, spirits and a specific ghost, before he comes to terms with himself and lives a good life. I was also fascinated of the historical glimpses of Old England throughout the story.
This is a clean, long (audio 17hrs), well told, good value, well written book that I wholeheartedly recommend.
I finished the story of Ebenezer's life with tears on my cheeks and thoughts of how unusual to feel so moved when during his life story he was, at times ,a tyrant and a cad. But he was also an undeservedly unloved and badly treated child by most, except the shining light of his sister. With probable dyslexia ( my thought ) and a willing and easy nature he blossomed from a kind act and you will find exemplary characters in this book to gladden your heart but also scoundrels of temptation as you will see. Along the way there are many many tales which make up his life, love, dreams, goals, realizations, friendships and acquaintances, spirits and a specific ghost, before he comes to terms with himself and lives a good life. I was also fascinated of the historical glimpses of Old England throughout the story.
This is a clean, long (audio 17hrs), well told, good value, well written book that I wholeheartedly recommend.
January 8, 2022
I cried so much as I listened to this book. Granted, I do tend to be a cryer, but it was so heartbreaking to hear all that poor Ebenezer Scrooge went through in his growing up years and all that happened to make him the hardened man he became. The things we do to protect our hearts! At the same time, the ghosts showed him that he was an unreliable narrator, remember only the bad (and there was much), and not knowing so much of the good, of which there truly was a great deal. He had been loved for his entire life, despite the many hardships, and the truth of this was incentive enough for him to turn his life around. This is a fantastic retelling, down to the detail of how Charles Dickens heard the story in the first place. I highly recommend this story. I also highly recommend the narrator whose love for A Christmas Carol shines through his reading.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator and have reviewed it wilingly.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator and have reviewed it wilingly.
October 9, 2025
I didn’t expect to be moved this deeply by a retelling of Scrooge’s life, but Ebenezer surprised me. It’s not just a reimagining of Dickens’ classic; it’s a full-bodied portrait of a man shaped by pain, love, regret, and redemption. The emotional weight of his childhood, the complexity of his relationships, and the slow unraveling of his hardened heart felt incredibly real.
What I appreciated most was how the story didn’t rush the transformation; it earned it. You see Ebenezer not just as a miser, but as someone who was deeply wounded and misunderstood. The writing is thoughtful and layered, and the historical backdrop adds richness without overwhelming the narrative.
This book reminded me that even the most closed-off hearts carry stories worth hearing. A beautiful, sobering, and ultimately hopeful read.
What I appreciated most was how the story didn’t rush the transformation; it earned it. You see Ebenezer not just as a miser, but as someone who was deeply wounded and misunderstood. The writing is thoughtful and layered, and the historical backdrop adds richness without overwhelming the narrative.
This book reminded me that even the most closed-off hearts carry stories worth hearing. A beautiful, sobering, and ultimately hopeful read.
June 18, 2022
This was my first experience with Douglas Bass' work, and I enjoyed it a lot. The author wrote a creative novel based on the short story titled "A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being A Ghost Story Of Christmas" written by Charles Dickens. Although the author doesn't deviate from the original writing, the author put his own unique spin to it and made the story his own. I found the tale to be expressive and heartwarming. I recommend it to others who enjoy this genre. Benjamin Fife's narration was stellar. I thought that Benjamin's narration skills were awesome. He provided various voices for the different characters, and he engendered an array of emotions in the listener during his performance. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
January 3, 2022
A totally enjoyable account of the life of Ebenezer Scrooge. Based on Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the author fills in the details, expands on the story, and imaginatively creates a wonderful chronicle of Scrooge's life. Despite his life's early traumas and challenges, Mr. Scrooge is a well-loved philanthropist by the story's end. This is a fun story to enjoy after reading Dickens' famed Christmas story!
November 4, 2021
When the truth gets told.
Many of us have heard or read one story of Ebenezer Scrooge, here we read an entirely different story. This one by Douglas Bass explains things and brings things to light that makes the original story make more sense. I found it to be a great read that sent me into my memory for a little more thought!
Many of us have heard or read one story of Ebenezer Scrooge, here we read an entirely different story. This one by Douglas Bass explains things and brings things to light that makes the original story make more sense. I found it to be a great read that sent me into my memory for a little more thought!
August 10, 2022
As I first listened, I was confused. ... Trying to fit it into the paradigm if A Christmas Carol. Within a chapter, I was hooked. A very plausible fleshing out of Ebenezer Scroofe’s life and character. Marvrllous! And beautifully narrated by Benhsmin Fife. I received a free copy, with no obligation.
November 22, 2021
Douglas has written a remarkable book. Ebenezer came to life in a way that escaped me in the Charles Dickens original version.
August 17, 2024
I enjoyed the creative way in which Douglass Bass imagines how Ebenezer became Scrooge and then how he redeemed himself.
January 8, 2025
Fabulous and brilliantly written portrayal of the life of Ebenezer Scrooge, pre and post A Christmas Carol. A must for all fans of A Christmas Carol.
February 16, 2025
A clever retelling of the life of Mr Scrooge. Gives you a lot to consider in how we view others in the world. The perfect example of why we don't judge a book by its cover!
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February 21, 2022
A delightful story. Read during the Advent/Christmas season. A great companion to Dicken's classic.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews