The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge
The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge is a delightful sequel to Dickens’ A Christmas Carol that is imaginatively woven together by the author of The Bookman’s Tale, Charlie Lovett. The novella is a summary of the decades following Scrooge’s remarkable Christmas transformation.
Scrooge’s adoration for humanity has remained intact but drained his bank accounts –though not his ability to bounce a charitable cheque. He has stayed a merry, jovial soul, sharing his cheer with every citizen young and old, furry or flying, much to their vexation! It is this discontent that spurs Scrooge on to meet with the spirits which so changed his life in order to transform the lives of his family, his partner Bob Cratchit and others all the year long. Nephew Fred, an irritable government employee, and Cratchit, a scrappy workaholic, are vehicles for Scrooge and the spirits to work with.
Lovett has written a lovely Dickensian novella which hits the right notes and temperament. It lurches with joy and a wordiness fitting for its era. The author finds his own style while paying tribute to a writer who has greatly influenced him, while still delivering his message about kindness and charity and the season of Christmas living on for more than one day. It’s truly a gentle, charming and recommended read.
