The Life and Times of Bob Cratchit

NAMED TO KIRKUS REVIEWS' BEST BOOKS OF 2015 The Life and Times of Bob Cratchit is a compelling, inspirational back story to the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, focusing primarily on the life of Robert Cratchit, Scrooge’s clerk. As he grows up facing poverty and hardship in both rural England and a squalid section of London, young Robert puts to practice the lessons learned from his insightful, coal mining father, Peter, to eventually become the man countless millions have loved to watch in the old and the new movie versions of A Christmas Carol, trotting about town with Tiny Tim on his shoulder. In The Life and Times of Bob Cratchit, we witness Robert’s own personal odyssey and evolution, and follow him in his encounters with both challenging and inspiring circumstances, ultimately bringing him to be a key player—if not an unsung hero—in Ebenezer Scrooge’s miraculous transformation on that special Christmas morning.

"A well-drawn exploration of the untold-stories of A Christmas Carol."
- Kirkus Reviews

"Distler has crafted a note-perfect companion volume to the well-known tale."
- Historical Novel Society

"Although Bob Cratchit is arguably a key component to Ebenezer Scrooge's Christmas transformation, so far Bob's story has remained in the background. Until now."
- Portland Book Review