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Scrooge, The Year After
It has been almost a year since Ebenezer Scrooge was transformed from a ruthless miser into a paragon of virtue and joy, but he is not yet perfect. He can still be bull-headed and brash, but his new personality includes a lively sense of humor, generosity, insight, and the willingness to take risks. He is also a bit of a Romantic, which is fitting, since women now find him attractive – even though he is out of practice when it comes to courting. It is another new dimension for Scrooge – one that brings unique challenges and rewards. He faces other, darker challenges, as well.
In November 1844, Scrooge embarks on a quest to discover the truth of his sister Fan’s death, which occurred in 1819. He needs only a few suggestions of foul play and he is driven to uncover the painful facts, particularly since he feels overwhelming guilt and regret where she is concerned. He also has one business enemy, in particular, who will do everything in his power to ruin Scrooge.
Thankfully, the ghost of Jacob Marley continues to play a role in his old partner’s life, and Scrooge needs all the assistance he can get if he is not to revert to his former withdrawn and miserable self.
In November 1844, Scrooge embarks on a quest to discover the truth of his sister Fan’s death, which occurred in 1819. He needs only a few suggestions of foul play and he is driven to uncover the painful facts, particularly since he feels overwhelming guilt and regret where she is concerned. He also has one business enemy, in particular, who will do everything in his power to ruin Scrooge.
Thankfully, the ghost of Jacob Marley continues to play a role in his old partner’s life, and Scrooge needs all the assistance he can get if he is not to revert to his former withdrawn and miserable self.
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2012
60 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 22, 2017
Those of you who know me, or follow my reviews, are aware that Charles Dickens A CHRISTMAS CAROL is one of my all-time favorite works. Not only do I read everything I can get my hands on as to the historical context behind the creation of this novel but also have gone out of my way to read other authors interpretations as to what happened next for Ebenezer Scrooge.
SCROOGE--THE YEAR AFTER by Judy LaSalle reads more like a police procedural or murder mystery than classic literature. The case in this novel is the possibility that Scrooge's sister Fan had not died in childbirth but may have been poisoned by someone. Dangerous territory to attempt walking through, especially when handling all-time beloved characters like Fan and Ebenezer --- but LaSalle makes it work.
I had some difficulty at first wrapping my mind around this concept, but once I had bought into it I was taken on a unique ride --- and one that had a lot more heart and respect for the source material than I expected. A worthy read for all Dickens fans out there!
SCROOGE--THE YEAR AFTER by Judy LaSalle reads more like a police procedural or murder mystery than classic literature. The case in this novel is the possibility that Scrooge's sister Fan had not died in childbirth but may have been poisoned by someone. Dangerous territory to attempt walking through, especially when handling all-time beloved characters like Fan and Ebenezer --- but LaSalle makes it work.
I had some difficulty at first wrapping my mind around this concept, but once I had bought into it I was taken on a unique ride --- and one that had a lot more heart and respect for the source material than I expected. A worthy read for all Dickens fans out there!
December 19, 2015
I found this book to be an interesting, believable storyline and a great follow-up to the classic book, A Christmas Carol. A must read, I highly recommend it!
July 13, 2023
“Scrooge, the Year After” was a welcome surprise find for me. I think that it is daring for any modern author to write a before-or-after to a Dickens book. Judy La Salle, you are brave and accomplished writer!
I had read “Marley” by John Clinch in 2020, a prequel and it was excellent but very dark and somber. I could not even imagine where this story might go….
However I was pleasantly taken on a one year adventure with a changed but by no means perfect Ebenezer Scrooge.
An aside: while about half way through the book my weekly “New Yorker” arrived and I was immediately drawn to piece by Zadie Smith entitled “Killing Dickens: Why I Wrote a Historical Novel”.
In her short piece she offers a case for the overarching influence of Dickens in his writing and in his life lived large.
This overlapping of the book I was reading and the current magazine article made me again realize Dickens presence over western literature whether we laid him or dismiss him.
I had read “Marley” by John Clinch in 2020, a prequel and it was excellent but very dark and somber. I could not even imagine where this story might go….
However I was pleasantly taken on a one year adventure with a changed but by no means perfect Ebenezer Scrooge.
An aside: while about half way through the book my weekly “New Yorker” arrived and I was immediately drawn to piece by Zadie Smith entitled “Killing Dickens: Why I Wrote a Historical Novel”.
In her short piece she offers a case for the overarching influence of Dickens in his writing and in his life lived large.
This overlapping of the book I was reading and the current magazine article made me again realize Dickens presence over western literature whether we laid him or dismiss him.
December 15, 2024
Not The Heavy Scrooge of Dickens
Just a light reminder how easy we can trap ourselves in the business of others, only to hurt ourselves. Was Marley really back or was it Scrooges own mind trying to hang on to the lessons from the year before. The who done it part helped us to remember just how involved we can get in others lives and allow them to turn us in the wrong direction. I enjoyed this little novel. I’m not sure I will read another but, maybe next Christmas.
Just a light reminder how easy we can trap ourselves in the business of others, only to hurt ourselves. Was Marley really back or was it Scrooges own mind trying to hang on to the lessons from the year before. The who done it part helped us to remember just how involved we can get in others lives and allow them to turn us in the wrong direction. I enjoyed this little novel. I’m not sure I will read another but, maybe next Christmas.
December 24, 2022
This book was soooooo boring! It goes on and on all about the original Scrooge story. How is this original?! I don’t really care what happens anymore. This book has been shelved. So disappointing.
December 11, 2016
Poor Scrooge. He has embraced the spirit of Christmas and has become a delight to all that know him. But, life being life.. He finds out that his sister may have been murdered. Scrooge and his nephew, Fred.. follow the clues.. one after another.. Only to find that those that surrounded Fan did not take care of her as Scrooge thought. Scrooge finds himself on a perilous journey of discovery.. And, begins to lose all that he had gained over the year. He sinks deeper and deeper into despair the more he learns. His old pal, Marley warns Scrooge not to seek the truth. To clear his conscience.. Scrooge just cannot honor that request.
What a fantastic story! It flows just as easily as Dickens original novel. All of the old familiar characters are in the story. We finally get to learn a great deal more about Fred and the Scrooge family. The reader will find that Scrooge's father was much meaner than even Scrooge knew him to be. Toss in a love interest.. and the story is complete!
I was able to read this story in one day. It will have you kindle swipin' the pages as fast as you can!
What a fantastic story! It flows just as easily as Dickens original novel. All of the old familiar characters are in the story. We finally get to learn a great deal more about Fred and the Scrooge family. The reader will find that Scrooge's father was much meaner than even Scrooge knew him to be. Toss in a love interest.. and the story is complete!
I was able to read this story in one day. It will have you kindle swipin' the pages as fast as you can!
December 23, 2020
Scrooge: the year after
267 pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It has been almost a year since Ebenezer Scrooge was transformed from a ruthless miser into a paragon of virtue and joy, but he is not yet perfect. He can still be bull-headed and brash, but his new personality includes a lively sense of humor, generosity, insight, and the willingness to take risks. He is also a bit of a Romantic, which is fitting, since women now find him attractive – even though he is out of practice when it comes to courting. It is another new dimension for Scrooge – one that brings unique challenges and rewards. He faces other, darker challenges, as well. In November 1844, Scrooge embarks on a quest to discover the truth of his sister Fan’s death, which occurred in 1819. He needs only a few suggestions of foul play and he is driven to uncover the painful facts, particularly since he feels overwhelming guilt and regret where she is concerned. He also has one business enemy, in particular, who will do everything in his power to ruin Scrooge. Thankfully, the ghost of Jacob Marley continues to play a role in his old partner’s life, and Scrooge needs all the assistance he can get if he is not to revert to his former withdrawn and miserable self.
I have to stop reading sequels by different authors expecting them to be at the same level as the first. This wasn’t terrible, and it was an interesting year after, but the story didn’t go in the direction I expected. I probably won’t read this again but I will donate it to someone who might.
267 pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It has been almost a year since Ebenezer Scrooge was transformed from a ruthless miser into a paragon of virtue and joy, but he is not yet perfect. He can still be bull-headed and brash, but his new personality includes a lively sense of humor, generosity, insight, and the willingness to take risks. He is also a bit of a Romantic, which is fitting, since women now find him attractive – even though he is out of practice when it comes to courting. It is another new dimension for Scrooge – one that brings unique challenges and rewards. He faces other, darker challenges, as well. In November 1844, Scrooge embarks on a quest to discover the truth of his sister Fan’s death, which occurred in 1819. He needs only a few suggestions of foul play and he is driven to uncover the painful facts, particularly since he feels overwhelming guilt and regret where she is concerned. He also has one business enemy, in particular, who will do everything in his power to ruin Scrooge. Thankfully, the ghost of Jacob Marley continues to play a role in his old partner’s life, and Scrooge needs all the assistance he can get if he is not to revert to his former withdrawn and miserable self.
I have to stop reading sequels by different authors expecting them to be at the same level as the first. This wasn’t terrible, and it was an interesting year after, but the story didn’t go in the direction I expected. I probably won’t read this again but I will donate it to someone who might.
January 5, 2019
Enjoyed seeing what happened after
This is a well written extension of the frequently read and beloved tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. The author explains her motivation for writing this story in her notes. I thinks she succeeds admirably in demonstrating how Scrooge my have continued to fight to remain a changed and benevolent man. Very enjoyable and we'll-thought out.
This is a well written extension of the frequently read and beloved tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. The author explains her motivation for writing this story in her notes. I thinks she succeeds admirably in demonstrating how Scrooge my have continued to fight to remain a changed and benevolent man. Very enjoyable and we'll-thought out.
December 21, 2024
If you love “A Christmas Carol”, this book will not disappoint. The author has created an interesting picture of Scrooge after his transformation and also created an interesting little mystery that has Scrooge having to deal with “how he used to be”. Don’t expect too much talk about Tiny Tim. The story really centers around Scrooge and his attempt to solve an old mystery. A very good book.
February 23, 2017
Excellent
A bit more histrionic than the original in places but marvellous characterization. True to the period. All in all, I think Charles Dickens would have gladly written a forward to this book.
A bit more histrionic than the original in places but marvellous characterization. True to the period. All in all, I think Charles Dickens would have gladly written a forward to this book.
December 22, 2019
Great Story for Fans of Dickens' Holiday Tale
Enjoyed reading about "what came after Scrooge's reclamation." The story is clever and has a mystery with a twist at the conclusion. I recommend to other fans of the original.
Enjoyed reading about "what came after Scrooge's reclamation." The story is clever and has a mystery with a twist at the conclusion. I recommend to other fans of the original.
December 24, 2019
Great Story
Unlike the author I never thought about what Scrooge’s life might be like after the visits of the Christmas Spirits. This book is based on that intriguing idea. It also carries us into the life of his beloved sister. A well written story and well worth reading.
Unlike the author I never thought about what Scrooge’s life might be like after the visits of the Christmas Spirits. This book is based on that intriguing idea. It also carries us into the life of his beloved sister. A well written story and well worth reading.
January 25, 2020
Wonderful story!
Looking forward with great expectations for the continuing saga! Dickens would be delighted to read this most excellent continuation of his beloved Scrooge and his new adventures.
Looking forward with great expectations for the continuing saga! Dickens would be delighted to read this most excellent continuation of his beloved Scrooge and his new adventures.
January 13, 2024
Enjoyable
Very interesting fast pace and easy to read. The writer has a great intellectual experience with words. This story is inspiring enough to make you think about how you see life and how to live not just for yourself but to help others.
Very interesting fast pace and easy to read. The writer has a great intellectual experience with words. This story is inspiring enough to make you think about how you see life and how to live not just for yourself but to help others.
February 15, 2025
I love Dickens and have read so many of his book I was unsure of another author picking up his characters but this was just fantastic…far enough away from the original to allow you to accept another author’s input but still with the same characters and feeling.
A great read. X
A great read. X
August 7, 2018
Fun, Fun, Fun!
December 2, 2018
3.5/5 stars
January 10, 2019
Scrooge renewed
Very enjoyable. Wondered what happened to him. So glad he could face life and all that was in his path,
Very enjoyable. Wondered what happened to him. So glad he could face life and all that was in his path,
July 23, 2019
Interesting take on a beloved story. I love backstroke and alternative thinking. The "wonder if" are full of possibilities.
January 12, 2023
Really enjoyed reading this..especially after Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. It truly reminded me that it is never one change and done. We always have to be mindful of our heart and actions
January 4, 2016
A wonderful continuation of the Scrooge / Christmas carol story.
Its nearly a year later from the miraculous transformation of everyone's favourite miser, Ebeneezer Scrooge.
But another visit from Marley unsettles the mind and good humour of Scrooge over the festive season, there are hints that his beloved sister whom he did love deep down but at the time gave little heed to was murdered and did not die in childbirth as everyone once thought.
With the help of his nephew Fred as his sidekick and also some help from his employees they set off into a delve of the past to find out what truly happened and if possible could Scrooge if he had paid more attention maybe prevented this from happening.
Scrooge is determined to find the truth as the guilt is eating him, was he an unfeeling brute who did not pay enough attention to the problems in Fan's life or was it something that could not be changed with hindsight and more care?
A fascinating look into the Scrooge story and "what happens next" and in the absence of any extant information or sequel to the original novel the author though different in writing style of course to Dickens has done a wonderful and worthy follow up to the novel and written in a sympathetic way including many of even the lesser characters of Dickens work.
The story makes us think and gives a satisfactory follow on to all the unanswered questions and loose ends not dealt with and as probably most people will agree that the story was a little "too perfect" and his metamorphosis from miser to philanthropist was alarmingly quick it gives an overview of how he lived his life after.
A brilliant and inventive read that drags to the surface, scandal, family secrets and mystery within a well devised plot.
Its nearly a year later from the miraculous transformation of everyone's favourite miser, Ebeneezer Scrooge.
But another visit from Marley unsettles the mind and good humour of Scrooge over the festive season, there are hints that his beloved sister whom he did love deep down but at the time gave little heed to was murdered and did not die in childbirth as everyone once thought.
With the help of his nephew Fred as his sidekick and also some help from his employees they set off into a delve of the past to find out what truly happened and if possible could Scrooge if he had paid more attention maybe prevented this from happening.
Scrooge is determined to find the truth as the guilt is eating him, was he an unfeeling brute who did not pay enough attention to the problems in Fan's life or was it something that could not be changed with hindsight and more care?
A fascinating look into the Scrooge story and "what happens next" and in the absence of any extant information or sequel to the original novel the author though different in writing style of course to Dickens has done a wonderful and worthy follow up to the novel and written in a sympathetic way including many of even the lesser characters of Dickens work.
The story makes us think and gives a satisfactory follow on to all the unanswered questions and loose ends not dealt with and as probably most people will agree that the story was a little "too perfect" and his metamorphosis from miser to philanthropist was alarmingly quick it gives an overview of how he lived his life after.
A brilliant and inventive read that drags to the surface, scandal, family secrets and mystery within a well devised plot.
April 6, 2016
It's been a year since the Ghost of Jacob Marley and his 3 spirit accomplices turned Ebenezer Scrooge away from his evil, curmudgeonly ways. Scrooge has spent the past 12 months making up lost time. He has been kind, generous and dedicated to blessing all those around him. He is in business with his nephew Fred now, and the Cratchit family is much better off as well.
Then disaster strikes......
An enemy begins trying to discredit Scrooge, and information surfaces that his sister, Fan, may have been murdered. The ghost of Marley and the rest of this classic band of characters come together again to sift through clues to discover who is responsible.
I love a good mystery, and A Christmas Carol has been my favorite book for almost 40 years. So, this continuation of the classic story was perfect for me! Although the writing style differed greatly from Dickens, I thought the characterizations kept fairly true to the original. I think that difference is actually a good thing as too many continuations of classics get bogged down in trying to copy the original antiquated style. I enjoyed the addition of a mystery element. The story kept my attention clear through to the twist at the end.
If you are a fan of Ebenezer Scrooge, then definitely read this book!
My rating: 8/10
Then disaster strikes......
An enemy begins trying to discredit Scrooge, and information surfaces that his sister, Fan, may have been murdered. The ghost of Marley and the rest of this classic band of characters come together again to sift through clues to discover who is responsible.
I love a good mystery, and A Christmas Carol has been my favorite book for almost 40 years. So, this continuation of the classic story was perfect for me! Although the writing style differed greatly from Dickens, I thought the characterizations kept fairly true to the original. I think that difference is actually a good thing as too many continuations of classics get bogged down in trying to copy the original antiquated style. I enjoyed the addition of a mystery element. The story kept my attention clear through to the twist at the end.
If you are a fan of Ebenezer Scrooge, then definitely read this book!
My rating: 8/10
June 26, 2017
Judy was the speaker and special guest of my club for Republican Women before Christmas of
2012. She autographed my copy, hoping I would enjoy. I did so much. What a great follow through of the Christmas Story.
2012. She autographed my copy, hoping I would enjoy. I did so much. What a great follow through of the Christmas Story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews