We had a lively discussion this past month with Bethany’s pick of The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. One of the main themes of this story was about forgiveness and choosing to be happy regardless of surrounding circumstances. The choices made by the characters (they are fictional!), show that we are all flawed and that there is always two sides to a story. This wasn’t about right or wrong because we all have good in us but our choices can cause heartache in others while seeming to be good for us. The writing was beautiful and the symbolism of light throughout the book was masterfully done. Thanks Bethany for a delightful evening. We also welcome our new friend Simona. We could tell you enjoyed yourself and hope you will come back.
A note for next year: We will be moving our day to Tuesday for next year so plan on getting together on the first Tuesday of each month starting in January.
Our next gathering will be on Thursday Dec 6th at 7pm. Diane will host at her home with the book Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett.
Goodreads review says:
Marley was dead to begin with . . . These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge s miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn t he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge? Or had he? Written with a voice reminiscent of Dickens, Jacob T. Marley is to A Christmas Carol as the world-famous Wicked is to The Wizard of Oz as this masterfully crafted story teaches of choices, consequences, and of the power of accountability. It is sure to become a Christmas favorite.
A goodreads reader writes:
"Jacob realized that he was no more than an entry in Scrooge's ledger-in an account that was now being closed.
What a wretched man, Marley thought. Whatever in the world made him?
Whether it was seconds or minutes, Marley did not know, but he paused so completely he thought his heart ha stopped beating.
I did, were his own words that came to him.
I did, I made Ebenezer Scrooge."
These are some of the final thoughts of Jacob T. Marley as he lays on his deathbed in front of Scrooge. While we all know of Dicken's famous story of Scrooge's second chance, what of Marley? Why didn't he get a second chance, or did he? This beautifully written story in the style of Dickens tells of what happens to Ebenezer Scrooge's business partner before, and after his death.
Readers see as the warm-hearted, deeply loved Jacob Thelonius Marley is changed into the cold, unforgiving Marley we knew in A Christmas Carol. The story depicts Marley's life as well as his journey in heaven and his well-known, ghostly meeting with Ebenezer. As Scrooge's heart is changed through his meetings with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, so is Marley's perspective expanded. This masterfully written story entwined the two's paths so creatively,that it will keep you eating up each page while warming the heart and teaching of compassion, sacrifice, and forgiveness. This new tale is sure to warm your heart during the Christmas season, as well as throughout the whole year.
Be thinking about which month you would like to host next year and if possible which book you would like to discuss.
Happy reading!!
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