
The Christmas Hirelings
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Narrated by:
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Richard Armitage
Richard Armitage modernizes a classic hidden gem of Christmas Past… Sir John Penlyon is planning to spend Christmas at his estate with his niece and his friend Danby, the closest thing he has to family since disowning his daughter years ago. (She eloped with the parson, who was, of course, penniless.) Danby suggests that at Christmastime the estate needs the presence of small children, and offers to find some - the “hirelings” - despite Sir John’s skepticism. Three children duly arrive, and the youngest, precocious four year-old Moppet, quickly endears herself to Sir John. The season takes flight with merriment, warmth, and even affection, until Moppet - as young children are wont to do in Victorian holiday tales - falls deathly ill. With her life hanging by a tinsel-thin thread, how will the makeshift family cope?
Listeners who smile ironically at the antiquated juxtaposition of The Christmas Hirelings might be surprised by the contemporary feel of a blended family, income inequality, and the power of togetherness to heal past sorrows. Richard Armitage’s stellar voice makes each scene as rich as a plum pudding dotted with the raisins of tradition (party favors, carols, and more!), and the entire performance feels like a trip to bygone England…just in time for the end of this year.
Public Domain (P)2018 Audible, Inc.Behind the Scenes of The Christmas Hirelings
"A Christmas story that warms the heart. A great reminder of not only what Christmas is about but also why family can be such a big part of it whether you realize...or want it to be that way."
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Our favorite moments from The Christmas Hirelings

About the Performer
Richard Armitage is an actor widely known for his array of television, film, and theater work, including his roles in the BBC drama Spooks, The Hobbit trilogy, Ocean’s 8, and the acclaimed production of The Crucible at The Old Vic in London. His trademark baritone voice has earned him recognition, too, through his performances on many notable audiobooks as well as in TV and radio show narration. This experience shines through in Armitage’s masterful performance of The Christmas Hirelings, where he plays host to a plethora of characters.
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Sir John Penlyon is spending Christmas with his niece, Adela, and his friend Thomas Danby, a makeshift family for the aging man with no closer family left to him. Long widowed, his older daughter died just a few years after her own marriage, with no children. His younger daughter married a penniless curate, in defiance of her father, and was of course disowned.
Adela mentions how dull a Christmas with no children is, and Sir John, a bit of a curmudgeon, says Christmas is pointless for a household without children. In short order, Danby has persuaded Sir john to agree to his scheme to hire some suitable young children to enliven their holiday.
In time for Christmas, Danby brings two little girls and a young boy, sweet, endearing children who do indeed enliven the holiday. The younger girl, Moppet, in particular, charms Sir John and endears herself to him.
But this is a Victorian Christmas tale, and Moppet, inevitably, falls dangerously ill. Sir John begins to think he made a mistake in opening his home and his heart. Also, of course, the origin of these children becomes a far more urgent matter. The question of whether a wounded and broken family can be healed becomes the center of this story.
It's very well done, and very moving. Recommended.
I received this audiobook as part of Audible's Audible Originals program, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
A warm and lovely Christmas story
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Light Story, Beautifully Narrated
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Charming
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Second Chances are scarce
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Much better than last year
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So Dreamy...
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If you love Dickens you'll love this story!
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Perfect for the Holidays
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Beautiful story!
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A wonderful Christmas present
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