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Humbug: Scrooge Before the Ghosts
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 “How delightfully queer life is.”
- GenresHoliday
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2024
7 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Whelan
2 books19 followersUnlike Scrooge, SARAH WHELAN loves Christmas: the decorations, the music, the traditions—everything. She is excited to make her own contribution to the holiday with a new twist on Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Sarah is a fulltime professional writer, and her nonfiction has appeared in a variety of magazines. Her first novel, The Struggle Within, was published in 2018. She lives in Connecticut and loves spending time in her favorite city of Boston. You can reach her at sarahwhelanwriter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 19, 2024
An enjoyable listen. The narrator was new to me, he was great. The author was also new to me so I didn't know what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised, this was very well written. I did have to keep reminding myself this is was not set in modern day. This was an interesting retelling, listening to how Scrooge became Scrooge.
November 27, 2023
This timely released book for the Christmas 2023 season was very clever and unique. It was extremely well written. I listened to the book on Audible and the narrator provided the perfect voice for the Ebenezer Scrooge era. At times, the scandalous plot twists were shocking, but always throughly entertaining. I know the author and wish her the best of luck with this new twist on a Christmas classic.
November 16, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Knowing the author I was excited to read but did not really understand how much I would love the book.
November 5, 2024
Audiobook - a new to me narrator who did a superb job, and I hope to hear more from them. The voice really fit the style and period of the story.
Story - 4.5 stars. I was really curious about how the author would combine the classic story with a new queer historical addition, and they succeeded beyond my expectations. The writing style and historical context felt spot on, and I felt so much for Scrooge, suffering so many tragic losses. Beautifully done.
Story - 4.5 stars. I was really curious about how the author would combine the classic story with a new queer historical addition, and they succeeded beyond my expectations. The writing style and historical context felt spot on, and I felt so much for Scrooge, suffering so many tragic losses. Beautifully done.
December 26, 2023
Well written. Embraced the time period and the basic facts of the original story . Interesting take as a prequel. I enjoyed the story line on this beloved classic.
November 29, 2024
This book is absolutely fantastic. It is well written, and the story is intriguing. I couldn't stop reading. It is low on spice/heat scenes, some shy shared kisses, but it fits the characters perfectly. The feelings are incredible. This is a wonderful story, with a touching plot. Wow. Just wow. Guys, go and read it.
January 31, 2024
You thought you knew Scrooge, until Humbug! A great read that peels back the curtain into the life of the Christmas villain that we love to hate. A story of love, secrecy, and loyalty, you won't be able to put it down!
December 2, 2024
Indpendent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted the AUDIO version of this book.
Ok, 2 things: First I've read of this author, and first I've listened to of this narrator. These two things are intertwined.
I really enjoyed this reworking of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It takes us on a more indepth and more deliciously different path that follows Scrooge from the very beginning. I'm not going to go into the storyline too much, but for spoilers, but suffices to say, I really enjoyed the path this took.
The way Whelan builds the world around Scrooge, and gets over the descriptions of the places and the peoples he comes across, is astounding and I could see myself sitting there with Scrooge. Loved the descriptions of everything.
Charles Robert Fox narrates.
Now, for the most part, narrators have American accents, and there is nothing wrong with that but I am so very glad that this narrator was used for this book. His accent is very VERY English and fits in the Victorian England setting so beautifully! He uses a much OLDER voice for Scrooge, when talkignt ot he ghosts, than he does when he is telling his story, and I love that the voice ages as the story goes on.
It goes without saying, that my enjoyment of this book would be very different had I read it, or had a different narrator been used.
I'd like to read more of this author and listen to more of this narrator's work.
4 stars for the book
4 stars for the narration
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Ok, 2 things: First I've read of this author, and first I've listened to of this narrator. These two things are intertwined.
I really enjoyed this reworking of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It takes us on a more indepth and more deliciously different path that follows Scrooge from the very beginning. I'm not going to go into the storyline too much, but for spoilers, but suffices to say, I really enjoyed the path this took.
The way Whelan builds the world around Scrooge, and gets over the descriptions of the places and the peoples he comes across, is astounding and I could see myself sitting there with Scrooge. Loved the descriptions of everything.
Charles Robert Fox narrates.
Now, for the most part, narrators have American accents, and there is nothing wrong with that but I am so very glad that this narrator was used for this book. His accent is very VERY English and fits in the Victorian England setting so beautifully! He uses a much OLDER voice for Scrooge, when talkignt ot he ghosts, than he does when he is telling his story, and I love that the voice ages as the story goes on.
It goes without saying, that my enjoyment of this book would be very different had I read it, or had a different narrator been used.
I'd like to read more of this author and listen to more of this narrator's work.
4 stars for the book
4 stars for the narration
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
January 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this unique take on a classic character. So imaginative and compelling.
January 9, 2024
Interesting take of a classic story.
October 1, 2024
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
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
January 3, 2024
This fascinating novel takes the story of Scrooge and Marley to an entirely intriguing level. It will forever change the way you think of the traditional story. Sarah Whelan utilizes and transforms every minute detail of the iconic storyline and adds her own unique twists and turns. Who was Ebenezer Scrooge and what was his real story? Read “Humbug. Scrooge before the Ghosts” and find out!
January 1, 2024
Kudos to Sarah Whalen for her clever twist on this classic story of redemption. Beautifully written and poignant, Whalen sheds a new light on this age old character.
January 11, 2025
An insightful look into what happened before and after the ghosts visited Ebenezer. While at the beginning, I found myself resistant to the alternative narrative, by the end I loved who Scrooge was. The author did a really nice job of tying in parts from the original story and embellishing where there was space to do so.
December 21, 2025
I have no idea where I got this book. I have a signed copy so I'm guessing I picked it up from the author at an event. I really wished she would have warned me how emotionally destroyed I would be. Five big stars for breaking my heart, piecing it back together then shattering it all over again.
The author did an amazing job staying true to the time period and the beloved characters we know from Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Beginning in 1850 on his deathbed, 7 years after Scrooge was visited by the ghosts, and going back in time to 1795 when he was a child, we get a bigger brighter picture of what led up to that fateful night. Who Scrooge actually was and why he was perceived the way he was. I loved how each chapter gave a countdown of how many years were left until the ghosts would visit Scrooge.
This is a love story. A story of loss and loneliness. A story of family and loyalty. A story of regrets and redemption.
The love between Ebenezer and Jacob Marley was beautiful. A love story for the ages in a time when their love, if discovered, meant a meeting with the hangman. While neither Ebenezer or Jacob were perfect, they were perfect for each other. And that love survived death.
"The spirit of Jacob Marley, my partner in business, life, and love, must have paid a steep price in exchange for the visit. He did so you save me from the same tormented gate he suffered. He did it because he loved me."
If you want to read a book that will touch your heart, this will do just that. And you'll never think of Ebenezer Scrooge the same way again.
The author did an amazing job staying true to the time period and the beloved characters we know from Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
Beginning in 1850 on his deathbed, 7 years after Scrooge was visited by the ghosts, and going back in time to 1795 when he was a child, we get a bigger brighter picture of what led up to that fateful night. Who Scrooge actually was and why he was perceived the way he was. I loved how each chapter gave a countdown of how many years were left until the ghosts would visit Scrooge.
This is a love story. A story of loss and loneliness. A story of family and loyalty. A story of regrets and redemption.
The love between Ebenezer and Jacob Marley was beautiful. A love story for the ages in a time when their love, if discovered, meant a meeting with the hangman. While neither Ebenezer or Jacob were perfect, they were perfect for each other. And that love survived death.
"The spirit of Jacob Marley, my partner in business, life, and love, must have paid a steep price in exchange for the visit. He did so you save me from the same tormented gate he suffered. He did it because he loved me."
If you want to read a book that will touch your heart, this will do just that. And you'll never think of Ebenezer Scrooge the same way again.
December 20, 2025
This is an LGBT story where Scrooge and Marley are a couple. Being gay was illegal in 1800s England, so the concept had a lot of potential for some great conflict and a really interesting take on the character. However, the execution fell short. Scrooge ultimately fails to take the reins of his own narrative. The important events in his life happen to him rather than through him: he accidentally gets engaged to Belle because her father sets it up, 90% of his interactions with Marley are just Scrooge agreeing to whatever Marley has decided their relationship should be at that particular moment in time, and knocking over Mrs. Cratchit was also an accident. The characters also sometimes speak and think in a way that feels too modern and direct for the reserved Victorian time period, and sometimes even borderlines on "therapy speak". As a positive, the author clearly did a lot of research into the era, and this does show in the story events and setting descriptions, if not necessarily the characterization. The narration is also well-written, clear, and easy to read. It does tend to lean analytical at times, but since the framing device is Scrooge reflecting on life from his death bed, the choice makes sense. Overall, however, I think the book falls short of its potential.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2024
Unique (an audio review)
I was quite uncertain what to expect from this audiobook. Scrooge before the ghosts? What did that even mean? I’m very familiar with A Christmas Carol, having watched it numerous times as a child. I even stage managed a production back in the nineties. So I believed I knew the story.
According to Sarah Whelan, I clearly had no idea.
Which is why this is such a wonderful book. Ebeneezer Scrooge had an entire life…before the ghosts. A full and fulfilling life – until multiple tragedies struck.
I’ll admit I cried. The book is sad in that Ebeneezer dies – but that was an inevitability. We all die. What I didn’t expect was to feel so invested. Right from the start, I kept expecting bad things to happen to Scrooge. After all his name is so much part of modern-day lexicon that most people recognize it instantly.
Without giving too much away, I hope I’ve convinced you to give the book a try. I will also add that Charles Robert Fox was a delightful narrator and I’ll definitely grab something by him again. And Sarah Whelan’s fiction novels are going to the top of my TBR pile…
I was quite uncertain what to expect from this audiobook. Scrooge before the ghosts? What did that even mean? I’m very familiar with A Christmas Carol, having watched it numerous times as a child. I even stage managed a production back in the nineties. So I believed I knew the story.
According to Sarah Whelan, I clearly had no idea.
Which is why this is such a wonderful book. Ebeneezer Scrooge had an entire life…before the ghosts. A full and fulfilling life – until multiple tragedies struck.
I’ll admit I cried. The book is sad in that Ebeneezer dies – but that was an inevitability. We all die. What I didn’t expect was to feel so invested. Right from the start, I kept expecting bad things to happen to Scrooge. After all his name is so much part of modern-day lexicon that most people recognize it instantly.
Without giving too much away, I hope I’ve convinced you to give the book a try. I will also add that Charles Robert Fox was a delightful narrator and I’ll definitely grab something by him again. And Sarah Whelan’s fiction novels are going to the top of my TBR pile…
December 7, 2023
We all know the classic story A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. But, have you every wondered what came before? How Ebenezer Scrooge became the man we know in literature?
Sarah Whelan's Humbug: Scrooge Before the Ghosts does just that. Whelan masterfully weaves a beautiful and heartbreaking story of Ebenezer Scrooge's life before that fateful night. She captures Dickens' language with such care, it almost seems like he wrote this story himself. It's a pure delight to revisit these characters as if they were old friends - the Fezziwig's, Jacob Marley, etc. and to see them from a very different perspective that we did not get in the original story. The story also touches on some very important topics such as family, identity, and the impact of not having the ability to live your true authentic life and the toll that takes on a human being.
I was lucky enough to read an arc copy and I can tell that the second time through is just as wonderful as the first. This is a holiday read you won't want to miss.
Sarah Whelan's Humbug: Scrooge Before the Ghosts does just that. Whelan masterfully weaves a beautiful and heartbreaking story of Ebenezer Scrooge's life before that fateful night. She captures Dickens' language with such care, it almost seems like he wrote this story himself. It's a pure delight to revisit these characters as if they were old friends - the Fezziwig's, Jacob Marley, etc. and to see them from a very different perspective that we did not get in the original story. The story also touches on some very important topics such as family, identity, and the impact of not having the ability to live your true authentic life and the toll that takes on a human being.
I was lucky enough to read an arc copy and I can tell that the second time through is just as wonderful as the first. This is a holiday read you won't want to miss.
December 2, 2024
🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So both the author and the narrator were new to me. And because I love A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, I was really looking forward to the retelling.
The author did a really good job, because both the setting and the narrator fitted in wonderfully with Victorian England.
The beginning of the book dragged on a bit, but at some point I got to the point where the story began to captivate me. Scrooge's life and everything that happened to him was told convincingly and yes, it was also very emotional at times. Scrooge is a kind-hearted person who has had to deal with a few blows of fate. Very touching. And for me, it ended up fitting in well with the Scrooge I remember from Charles Dickens.
Charles Robert Fox was a new narrator for me, but he managed to convince me. I liked both his voice and his delivery. He conveyed the emotions well and I think he chose appropriate voices for the protagonists.
I can highly recommend this audiobook for the run-up to Christmas!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
So both the author and the narrator were new to me. And because I love A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, I was really looking forward to the retelling.
The author did a really good job, because both the setting and the narrator fitted in wonderfully with Victorian England.
The beginning of the book dragged on a bit, but at some point I got to the point where the story began to captivate me. Scrooge's life and everything that happened to him was told convincingly and yes, it was also very emotional at times. Scrooge is a kind-hearted person who has had to deal with a few blows of fate. Very touching. And for me, it ended up fitting in well with the Scrooge I remember from Charles Dickens.
Charles Robert Fox was a new narrator for me, but he managed to convince me. I liked both his voice and his delivery. He conveyed the emotions well and I think he chose appropriate voices for the protagonists.
I can highly recommend this audiobook for the run-up to Christmas!
December 16, 2024
I’m reviewing the audio edition.
I have never read nor heard any background story about Scrooge before I listened to this. Right from the beginning I was hooked. I normally listen to books as I’m doing something else so they don’t always get my full attention. This story demanded my attention. There are so many details that can’t be missed. Scrooge as a child was sad. His life was full of situations that almost forced him to become the sad old man he ends up being. His interactions with family, employers, fiancée, lover and others all play into the path he takes that makes him hate Christmas. These also state the big heart and feelings of taking care of others that is seldom acknowledged. I love this story and will revisit it again and again.
The narrator, Charles Robert Fox, is perfect for this story. He brings all the accents and tones needed to make this story so realistic.
Standout story
I have never read nor heard any background story about Scrooge before I listened to this. Right from the beginning I was hooked. I normally listen to books as I’m doing something else so they don’t always get my full attention. This story demanded my attention. There are so many details that can’t be missed. Scrooge as a child was sad. His life was full of situations that almost forced him to become the sad old man he ends up being. His interactions with family, employers, fiancée, lover and others all play into the path he takes that makes him hate Christmas. These also state the big heart and feelings of taking care of others that is seldom acknowledged. I love this story and will revisit it again and again.
The narrator, Charles Robert Fox, is perfect for this story. He brings all the accents and tones needed to make this story so realistic.
Standout story
April 15, 2025
Somehow I missed posting my review on GR when I finished the book on Dec 1, 2024 so here it is now:
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Review:
★彡 5 STARS 彡★
While this started out a bit slow for me (possibly my fault) I was eventually totally captivated and ended up loving it. I think it was a very inventive take on what could have happened to make Scrooge behave the way he did. I listened to this at the perfect time of year. By the time finished I had tears in my eyes which happens when a story really moves me.
Charles Robert Fox is a new to me voice actor and I think he did a wonderful job performing this story.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
Review:
★彡 5 STARS 彡★
While this started out a bit slow for me (possibly my fault) I was eventually totally captivated and ended up loving it. I think it was a very inventive take on what could have happened to make Scrooge behave the way he did. I listened to this at the perfect time of year. By the time finished I had tears in my eyes which happens when a story really moves me.
Charles Robert Fox is a new to me voice actor and I think he did a wonderful job performing this story.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
November 21, 2024
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!
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!
January 1, 2026
I met the author and bought the book as I was told this was the story before the ghosts came into bring at the Christmas Carol. As loving the story for Christmas Carol, I was intrigued by the prospect of this. I was not expecting Scrooge to be homosexual at all. The story line with Belle was not as expected either as he loved her at one time but loved his work and money more. However, not on this telling of the story. Just so wrong in so many ways. Very disappointing read.
October 1, 2025
Dickins is turning over in his grave knowing that Whelan has made Scrooge a gay man with a love affair with numerous characters including Marley in the book. Couldn’t just write it that everyone could enjoy a Christmas story. Nope. Have to include homosexuality into a story that did not need it.
November 29, 2024
I enjoy A Christmas Carol like everyone else, so when an LGBTQ+ version came up to read and review, I was most interested. This isn’t a romance but has romantic elements as Scrooge explores what he truly years for.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-cNB
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-cNB
January 10, 2024
I was unsure about this book but loved the last from this author so I figured I would try it.
It was an excellent twist on a story that I never would have expected. I loved it!
It was an excellent twist on a story that I never would have expected. I loved it!
March 13, 2024
Well written story!!
July 15, 2025
Ebenezer Scrooge has become so emblematic of miserliness that it’s hard to imagine that, in his younger days, he might have been anything else. This haunting and enlightening novel imagines just that by immersing us in the life and travails of a younger Scrooge, helping us see how grief, loss, and other difficulties transformed a kind, generous, and passionate young man into the withdrawn penny-pincher from Dickens’ famous Christmas story. With vivid writing, Whelan brings this previously unknown version of Scrooge to life and makes us care about him and his efforts to strike his own course in life, uncowed by Victorian moral standards. If you’re a fan of A Christmas Carol, or of Dickens in general, you won’t want to miss this book.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews