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The Christmas Hirelings

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The Christmas Hirelings

By: Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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About this listen

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.
Classics Celebration Christmas Heartfelt Funny Winter British Fiction

What listeners say about The Christmas Hirelings

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The Christmas Hirelings

A bit overly sentimental but excellent narration. Not quite Dickens or Austin but happy ending.

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Loved it

Loved it, made me feel festive, Richard Armitage voiced the characters beautifully. I didn't know the story but it had me captivated straight away.

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Delightful story of love pushed away but found again at Christmas.

Thank you Audible for the Christmas gift. Lovely simple Christmas story which given the season had an appropriate ending and was read by the beautiful voice of Richard Armitage - by far one of your best narrators.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Grump Old Baron meets Children hirelings

Light, sweet but not too sweet, beautiful descriptions and use of language, and amazingly well read. This is a great holiday read. Perfect for those who enjoy what children can bring to the lives of others. Utterly predictable but thoroughly enjoyable.

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  • Overall
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Easy listening

A lovely little story. Very easy to listen to and a step back in history.

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The reader

I needed more development of the female. Character it was just a story o selfish mate egos and how used women for their needs


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listened from start to finish in one sitting

Well written and a lovely story that captures the imagination and the Christmas spirit. It does remind me of the classic Christmas movies - A Christmas Carole and It's a Wonderful Life.

a really nice gesture from Audible too. Thank you

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Oh this was average

If it had been longer than 3 hours I would have stopped listening. It was rather old fashioned and a bit twee. Still it did bring a tear to my eye. Odd that.

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A perfect Christmas story

I loved it and I have already listened to it twice and will enjoy it next year again too!
Thank you Audio books this was a perfect present for me!

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really enjoyed it couldn't wait to get back to it

Great story Had me completely invested in all the characters and thinking about what would happen next when I had to put it down.

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