The Christmas Hirelings

By: Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Narrated by: 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.

A warm and lovely Christmas story

This is a Victorian Christmas tale, and it's a good one.

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.

Light Story, Beautifully Narrated

I enjoyed this short Christmas story of Victorian England although often I find novels of this era tedious. This one is light and fit the upcoming holiday. It was beautifully narrated by Richard Armitage which probably enhanced it significantly. This was a free offering from audible for the holiday to its members. I found it a pleasant surprise.

Charming

The story is a little predictable; however, it is a simple Christmas story that Richard Armitage does an excellent job bringing the different characters to life. Rating it is challenging because some of the opinions toward women are outdated and lean towards the intellectually weaker sex nonsense. If these notions are set aside as reflections of the time period, the story is about forgiveness and what Christmas is about - family, friends and giving

Second Chances are scarce

What a great little nostalgic Christmas tale! Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book & the narrator is a perfect fit for this sweet tale!

Much better than last year

This is the kind of Christmas book I may actually keep downloaded for another listen.

So Dreamy...

First of ALL Richard Armitage is my Dream Voice thank you! The story is incredible and filled with JOY.

If you love Dickens you'll love this story!

I loved this Christmas story from 'old ' English times. It definitely has the feel of a Dickens' tale.

Perfect for the Holidays

Loved the English performance and the story. A great listen while I was Christmas shopping.

Beautiful story!

It’s a beautiful story about love, but not the romantic kind, perfectly narrated by Richard Armitage!

A wonderful Christmas present

Interesting from a historical perspective (Christmas at the turn-of-the-century!), this already heart-warming story is gilded by Richard Armitage’s soul-stirring performance.