Trump’s Christmas Carol
by Lucien Young; Watt T. Dickens
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Pub Date 2 Nov 2017 | Archive Date 12 Dec 2017
Penguin Random House UK, Ebury Publishing | Ebury Press
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Description
‘I have the best ghosts, everyone says so’
President Ebenezer Trump is a rich old fool, whose heart is as small as his hands and whose words are as false as his hair. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by three spirits, all intent on changing his evil ways: Bill Clinton, the jovial Ghost of Christmas Past; Barack Obama, the big-eared Ghost of Christmas Present; and the terrifying Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who shows him how abolishing Obamacare will finish off Tiny Tim…
'This Scrooge is gonna be yooooge...'
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781785037863 |
PRICE | £7.99 (GBP) |
PAGES | 112 |
Featured Reviews
This is a well written and funny parody of Dicken's "A Christmas Carol,"
Ebenezer Trump is visited by three ghosts (none of whom are actually dead yet, but why not) who reveal the causes of his current hollow emotional neediness, and the long term outcome of his approach. Who knew Donald Trump's father had 'Christ' as his middle name; I fact checked that on wikipedia, so its just possible the publishers are playing an extended joke.
Will Ebenezer Trump recognise the needs of anyone other than himself, is redemption possible for him?
The book pulls no punches, Donald Trump is clearly identified in both prose and picture. Recent events and rumours are alluded to and the presidents much reported ignorance, pomposity and narcissism clearly portrayed. The usual topics are all here, Crooked Hillary, a literal gold-plated shower and links to Moscow, including that tape. Trump is portrayed as being a selfish toddler, and having ADHD. "Though much alarmed by this vision, Trump was soon able to put it out of his mind (such is the advantage of a three-second attention span)."
I laughed out loud several times, particularly enjoying the descriptions and the cartoons.
I'm not sure which the author should fear more; President Trump's twitter filled rants and likely litigious response to this wonderfully scurrilous picture of him as a thin-skinned, boorish ignoramus, or President Putin's swift retaliation for portraying him as a murderer. Just don't travel to Moscow alone Lucien.
My review as posted on Goodreads:
Having recently read and been mildly amused by Lucien Young's satire 'Alice in Brexitland', I was keen to see what he made of the Donald Trump situation.
I liked the clever use of aspects of the Charles Dickens classic ' A Christmas Carol'.
I liked the use of the now infamous Trump Tweets within the book. This intermingled with the ghostly guidance offered by the ex-presidents makes this a short but entertaining piece of modern satire.
Well worth a read, this is one the few books which has made me laugh out loud this year.
At 112 pages it is in reality a long short story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Penguin-Random House UK (Ebury Press) for a copy in return for this review.
Lucien Young has a real gift for parody and comic writing. I really enjoyed his first book, Alice in Brexitland and was delighted to be offered an early review copy of his latest, timely offering, Trump's Christmas Carol.
Trump takes centre stage as Ebenezer Trump with guest ghost appearances from Nixon, Clinton and Obama. Little Bob Cratchit offers him a few home truths and without giving anything away, this doesn't all end as one may expect.
It remains difficult to believe that the odious Trump is President and Lucien Young really nails his vanities, sexism, sleaze, prejudices and above all, total lack of intellect or humour in throw away one liners on almost every page. There's the bonus of line drawings and this little tome is laugh out loud funny, clever and well written. Brilliant! I loved it. A hardback copy would be a very welcome stocking filler.
A short, but easy, quick read. I enjoyed Alice in Brexitland by the same author and this take on Christmas Carol does not disappoint. I liked the line drawings depicting the characters very true to the era that the original Christmas Carol was published and also in context with this new text. There some of Trump's Tweets in between the story text as President Trump is taken on a Dickensian journey to Christmas, past, present and future as all the 'ghosts' try to get him to see the error of his ways and the possible future if he continues. With all the publicised traits of this leader about of his way of life, it is all there in this well written short parody. A funny and very topical book which would make a good stocking filler. Whoever Lucien Young chooses to target next will also be an funny and interesting read as this second book by the author is.
Alice in Brexitland was amusing and so was this one. The President is woven into the story of Dickens' Christmas Carol and even the Watt t Dickens author alias made me chuckle. Certainly Trump gets a personality bashing. I must confess I was surprised when I noted he was a candidate and surprised the Americans voted for "a bit of rough" with an impossible agenda. As Maggie Smith (Lady Violet in Downton Abbey) might comment in her quavering voice "That man has no breeding." The pen & ink sketches were brilliant and I liked the infamous Trump tweets. I wonder if Putin will be next on the block???
LOL at the parody between Trump and Scrooge! Can we hope for a change in heart/direction from the US President?!
Lucien Young has done it again. I think Watt T. Dickens perfectly describes the mental state of many people today. The writing is witty, the descriptions hilarious and so well thought out. There isn't an extraneous word anywhere or an opportunity missed to make a poignant reference. And the ending... well of course it would end that way. This is another little gem to brighten an evening even while the truth of events fills you with despair.
Deliciously funny and satirical view of the world under Ebenezer Trump at Christmas and more disturbingly at any time. A great fun read and follow to Alice Brexit land.
'Trump's Christmas Carol', as the title suggests, is a parody on Dickens' novel, with Trump as Ebenezer Scrooge. Marley's ghost becomes Richard Nixon, with Ghosts of Christmas Past and Present represented by Clinton and Obama. The author, Lucien Young (pen name for this title is Watt T. Dickens) crafts a clever tale for our times which loosely follows the original while making references to current events in the USA. I did wonder if the author would suggest a happy ever after ending but in fact realism does kick in at the end of this short novel. As with Young's last novel (Alice in Brexitland) the text is enhanced by illustrations which fit well with the tale. The story is also punctuated by Trump's tweets. Young does a good job of fitting the excesses of Trump's behaviour into this story and he pulls no punches in representing him as a misogynistic, power-crazy racist. I recommend this book to all wishing a brief humorous escape from the harsh realities of today's world and I look forward to Young's next parody.
I was offered this book by Netgalley after reading Alice's Adventures in Brexitland and like that book it does not disappoint.
We all know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his redemption at the hands of three ghosts sent to warn him to mend his miserly ways? Well, this novella is about Ebenezer Trump the evil tweeting president of the USA small hands, weird hairdo and all. He is visited by the ghosts of past presidents who show him his awful ways. Does it work? Will Ebenezer Trump mend his ways?
Read this hilarious book and find out.
From 'Tricky Dicky' Nixon to Obama 'Big Ears' all the characters are recognisable with all the mannerisms they have in real life. I enjoyed this retelling of the famous Christmas Carol and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a satirical slant on present - day politics.
This book based on a Christmad Carol made me laugh out loud. I loved the style of writing and it was a joy to read. I'd happily buy this book as a stocking filler for anyone who loves to see Donald Trump just being himself! Loved it. 10:10
I couldn’t help laughing out loud at some of the descriptions of the characters. A great little book.
Charles Dickens first gave us the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge way back in 1843. We all know the story of this mean man who has a heart of stone and needs to be taught a few lessons by the ghosts of Christmas. Up until the present day, there has been no necessity to change or alter any of the characters in A Christmas Carol but, then again, there has never been a character like Donald Trump becoming President!
We’ve all grown up with A Christmas Carol, watching it year after year on television (along with The Sound of Music). However, Watt T Dickens (I love his name) has “Ebernezered” Trump to re-write the story with Nixon being the spirit who first appears to warn Trump that he will be visited by three ghosts; Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and The Ghost of the Future.
Neither Bill Clinton (the Ghost of Christmas Past) nor Barack Obama (The Ghost of Christmas Present) makes any difference to “Ebenezer” Trump’s mindset. In fact, poor Obama must hear for the umpteenth time that he was not born in America. Will the Ghost of the Future change his mind?
This book is going to be a great party entertainer. It will keep your guests amused and might even possibly cause some annoyance leading to the question being asked, “Do we really have to discuss Trump on Christmas day?”
It is a funny, quick read to keep one entertained. Will Donald Trump change into this nicer, kinder character? To quote the man himself. “HUMBUG”.
Treebeard
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
After reading Lucien's "Alice in Brexitland" earlier this year, I was looking forward to reading this book because of Lucien's quirky sense of humour.
I was not disappointed.
In this book, readers can see the similarity between Ebenezer Scrooge's story in 'A Christmas Carol' and this story about Trump. Alas, this is indeed a parody of Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol' book.
Lucien brilliantly critiques Trump's presidential term. He highlights the petty moments President Trump indulges in (especially his Twitter Tantrums) and his desire to be seen as a bigger deal than he is.
This will make a good Christmas gift...the recipient will laugh heartily.