MARLEY

Yes, this Marley is THAT Marley. Dickens's perennial staple, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, gets a fascinating prequel with this audiobook, performed with a perfect blend of authenticity and over-the-top caricature by Matthew Lloyd Davies. While this portrait is rendered in darker tones, and Clinch's considerable authorial skill is uniquely his own, the Dickensian touches of quirky names, ruthless villainy, and thoughtful details make this a rich listen. Davies's pacing, accents, and distinctive voices are spot-on; each colorful presence comes alive to provide an imaginative backstory for Scrooge and his partner, Marley. Rather than visits from Christmas ghosts, Davies voices the complex relationship of two greedy men--and the lives they impact--with a performance that is very alive and often no less chilling. L.B.F. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2019]