Christmas Eve, 1914

by Charles Olivier, Cameron Daddo (Narrator), Xander Berkeley (Narrator)

In 1914, the war which was to have been wrapped up by Christmas had - in reality - only just begun, as all sides entrenched themselves deeper into the Great War. Christmas Eve, 1914 follows one company of British officers as they rotate forward to spend their Christmas on the front lines, a mere 80 yards from the German guns. Upper- and working-class men and boys are thrown together into one trench and struggle to survive. Beyond the exploding shells and artillery, the merciless freezing cold, extreme hunger, and crushing exhaustion, these young men - both British and German - discover a miracle of grace, as enemies becomes friends and an impossible Christmas finally arrives.

Written by Emmy Award winner Charles Olivier and produced by Dawn Prestwich (The Killing) to commemorate the Christmas Truce's centennial anniversary, this astonishing moment of peace in the midst of total war is brought to life as a vivid and immersive audiodrama, featuring a full-cast performance, elaborate sound design, and an original musical score. Listeners will also enjoy a classic Christmas carol, "Il Est Ne", performed by Tom Tom Club, at the conclusion of the story.

The full cast includes Damon Herriman, Cameron Daddo, Xander Berkeley, James Scott, Lance Guest, Nate Jones, Cody Fern, John Beck, Gabe Greenspan, and Heiko Obermoeller.
©2014 Audible Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Christmas, Fiction, Historical, War, Holiday

2 pages, Audible Audio

First published December 16, 2014

Reviews

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 An audible original, one of two freebies a month, and a perfect reminder of the strength of Christmas and its memories. Men in dugouts, dirty, wet, filthy, lined up across a no mans land littered with bodies of both sides. On the other side of this body dtrewn field, the Germans, all waiting to see who will strike next. They had names for their various dugouts, for some reason the one that stuck with me was called, Lavender Lane. Such a strange name, just didn't seem to fit, but maybe that was the idea. First a tragedy, and then an unplanned miracle. The day the war took a rest.

Well done, a whole chorus of narrators, accompanying sounds. Got to know a few of the men. Really brought home how young these men, so many just boys, that we continually send to war, really are. Pitiful really.

[Iris P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas Eve, 1914


"Maybe war takes a holiday today"
From the Audio drama Christmas Eve, 1914

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Even if one accepts the notion that war is sometimes a necessary evil, the image of soldiers engaged in warfare on Christmas, all of days, is heartbreaking and disconcerting.

I listened to this very moving audio drama while cooking our Christmas dinner yesterday. It's a fictional account of what has come to be known as the Christmas Truce of 1914.

The high quality of the audio production and narration was indeed a pleasant surprise. Most importantly though, this short story offers a glimpse into the horrors of WWI and the indescribable mental and physical suffering soldiers faced during this long and many believed, unnecessary military engagement.

If you are not familiarize with the facts of this story, here's a brief summary, as detailed on the History Channel's website:

"During World War I, starting on Christmas Eve, 1914, many German and British troops sang Christmas carols to each other across the lines, and at certain points the Allied soldiers even heard brass bands joining the Germans in their joyous singing.

At the first light of dawn on Christmas Day, some German soldiers emerged from their trenches and approached the Allied lines across no-man’s-land, calling out “Merry Christmas” in their enemies’ native tongues. At first, the Allied soldiers feared it was a trick, but seeing the Germans unarmed they climbed out of their trenches and shook hands with the enemy soldiers. The men exchanged presents of cigarettes and plum puddings and sang carols and songs. There was even a documented case of soldiers from opposing sides playing a good-natured game of soccer."

English and German soldiers meet in No Man's Land on the Western Front

Arthur Conan Doyle called it “one human episode amid all the atrocities” but to this day historians have plenty of disagreements over what exactly happened that day. Some people believe the details of the story have been greatly distorted and exagerated.

Many have pointed out this was hardly a unique occurrence and that many more truces were negotiated during the war. Others suggest the motivations behind this particular ceasefire were born out pretty mundane, practical matters: mental and physical exhaustion, allowing time to bury the dead, or simply the need to take a respite on a special holiday.


Battlefield enemies: A British and German soldier share a cigarette

In any case, even allowing for some propaganda to be at play here and that oral accounts are, by nature, unreliable and tend to romanticize historical events, there's plenty of evidence that the truce in fact took place. For one, many soldiers sent letters to their loved ones describing similar accounts of what happened on the trenches that day.

As it turned out this would only be the beginning of the war. Unbeknownst to these soldiers, Europe would be immersed in this conflict far longer than many expected and by the time an Armistice was signed (at the end the only ceasefire that really mattered), millions more would had perished. But I'd like to think that the Christmas Truce of 1914 provided a day of solace, especially to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice.

This sculpture called "All Together Now" by artist Andrew Edwards was unveiled in Liverpool in 2014, it symbolizes the 1914 Christmas truce.

For me what happened 102 years ago in an open battle field at the Western Front is a reminder that, even in the midst of the most barbaric of our human endeavors, once in a while a little ray of humanity shines through. I find this to be an inspiring message this Christmas day.

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To my dear Goodreads friends, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Merry Festivus, a fabulous Winter Solstice, and a Happy New Year!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect reminder this year that others have suffered through far worse on the Christmases of the past.

We typically associate Christmas with joy, the gathering of friends and family, the hugs and mistletoe and an abundance of food and drink, and not the image of men - soldiers - who spent days in dugouts, cold and wet and in pain. Soldiers, some barely old enough to shave, on both sides, believing (or not) in what they were fighting for, Christmas on the horizon, and surrounded by death.

At one point, the newest recruit begins to sing Silent Night and the German soldiers join in a little at a time. Nine voices narrate this extremely moving story, with the sounds of war in the background at times, until one side requests a ceasefire in order that both sides may bury their dead.

Beautifully, and subtly rendered, this was one I doubt I’ll ever forget.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my Audible Originals for the month of December, this literary performance takes us back to that first Christmas during WWI. A veteran composes a letter to the mother of a solider that he has never forgotten. In it, he relates the atmosphere in Belgium and the united comradeship of the men he served with. At times, I busted out with laughter at the conversations between the men and I shed a tear or two in the end. A heartwarming Christmas story in the midst of a horrific war.

[Cori · Rating 4 out of 5]

My eyes aren't sweating. Yours are.

This was a moving Audible original, one of two free selections for December . The story begins as a letter being written to the mother of a deceased WWI soldier. The narrative evolves into a radio theater production of Christmas Eve, 1914, where the opposing armies called a cease-fire, crossed the no-man's-land, and celebrated Christmas together.

My one complaint which ultimately dropped the rating a star was the quality. In terms of radio theater productions, I've heard several that were noteably better. Unfortunately, the sound quality was very inconsistent. At times I strained to hear and others I jumped for the volume to turn it down. A few other things jumped out as well that could have been improved upon. In terms of radio theater quality, Focus on the Family still holds the gold standard. And if you've never had the opportunity to listen to their rendition of The Chronicles of Narnia, weh-heeeehll my friend, treat yoself.

I'd rate this a PG-13 for war scenes and violence.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come tonight. This was an enjoyable read with a solid cast of voice actors.

[* A Reader Obsessed * · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fitting audio production that shows the spirit of Christmas can bring together enemies if for just one night, that war hasn’t defeated honor nor humanity despite how hard it tries.

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audible audio, Audible original
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Narration and sound effects really brought you into the story (had to rewind a handful of times when listening to it in the car 🚗 because it was sometimes tough to hear over the rain and road noise).. couple parts especially were very moving.

I wish more time had been spent on what happened during the temporary truce 😕. It was interesting getting to glimpse what it would have been like for the men though.

Learning more looking up history on my own 👍🏼. Definitely gonna read more about this event soonish.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audio performance is just stellar. It's done by a full cast and completely puts you right in the center of the story.

The story is one that happened during WWI, when the Germans and Allies put down their guns for a day and celebrated Christmas together. A remarkable thing. It is an epistolary novella and quite poignant.

[Rachel Aranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 stars

A nice Audible Original about when there was a pause on WW1 at a certain location for Christmas. It was a good buildup and getting to know characters. The last 30 minutes of this audiobook was emotional as fudge. War hurts everyone and leaves lifetime effects on soldiers and their families. It’s touching to know that for one day in 1914 “war took a holiday” and peace was had.

(Tis the Damn Readathon: Book #5 completed. Read a book that is Christmas-related to collect a blank space. Couldn’t find anything for Taylor Swift’s “Folklore” so this may replace it.)

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook #235

Don't mind me! I'm just going to be curled up over here in the corner with this box of Kleenex and my blanket

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Audible freebie is set during the Christmas Truce in WW I. It is rather powerful and wonderfully acted.



BTW - Audible gives the bestest presents. (Yes, I know bestest isn't really a word, but when you get an English degree, you also get the power to make up words).

[Karen’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that really touched my heart! I listened to this on Audible and it was performed by a full cast with all the sound effects including a beautiful Xmas song. Well done!

[Kelly_Hunsaker_reads ... · Rating 5 out of 5]

Break out the Kleenex; you will find your eyes filling with tears. The story was not new to me, but it didn't matter. My heart was touched and it made me think about how we humans can touch one another. We can fight a war for the worst of reasons, and we can lay down our weapons and bury our dead for the best of reasons. This will be a Christmas tradition for me from now on.

[Deb✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Maybe war takes a holiday today."

I listened to this audible freebie novella while I was wrapping some gifts. It was very touching to listen to and well done.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, short Audible story about a temporary wartime truce called while on the battlefield during Christmas Eve.
🎄
The hero is unlikely and there was a cast of characters of about a dozen bringing the story to life with voice-overs and wartime sounds in the background. As much as I enjoyed it it’s also a stark reminder that those who serve often sacrifice greatly.

[Rafael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful story, one of my audible originals of the month, a take on the hard psychological horror that the war gives to young brave soldiers, tiered, living among mud and snow on an uncertain Christmas night in the middle of the battlefield. Really liked it great voice acting, highly recommend it.

[Dem · Rating 3 out of 5]

. 3.5

[Cindy Rollins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short, free Audible giveaway which I thoroughly enjoyed. It put a touching, realistic story to the well-known Christmas Eve episode of 1914.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brief, heart-touching story of the WWI Christmas truce. Through the young men of one company, one hears about the incompetence that worked its way from the top down and how men's lives were sometimes wasted as a result. In its dramatic format, this book allows the listener to feel the frustration of nonsensical orders that could send a man to his death, the fear of the next barrage, and the wonder of the proposed truce.

Told through a letter/flashback, this free Audible production brings this fateful night to life when, 100 years ago, fighting men put aside their weapons to celebrate Christmas together.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent drama. I’m not exactly certain it’s historically accurate (I thought crossing no-man’s-land was a mutual endeavor?) and then also it was hard keeping track of the characters, so I knocked a few stars off for both of these.

Ages: 14+

Content Considerations: sh*t was used once. Bl**dy was used a couple of times. D*mn and blasphemies were used a couple of times. A main character dies. A character copes with loss and guilt. A man sees some dead men - barely described. A man relies heavily on morphine for his nerves.

[Gilbert Stack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to a full dramatized version of this story on Audible. This is a story of an unnecessary Christmas tragedy and the unexpected good that came out of it. It’s almost too bleak to be a Christmas story. The setting is the day before Christmas in the trenches of World War I where most of the men have given up hope that any of them will see the end of the war. People respond differently to their feelings of despair and one of them takes all of his anger out on a newcomer who dares to remember that Christmas is the next day. What happens next is absolutely amazing. This could easily become one of the books I read every Christmas season.

[Nancy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow, this is dreadful. Totally lacking in verisimilitude. It was free, but I can't get the time back I wasted before I pulled the plug.

[Mahlon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not capture my interest at all, which is a shame considering the subject matter. It was just too cluttered and noisy for me, should've been much better.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Christmas Truce of 1914 occurred early on in the war, only 5 months after it began on July 28th. It has become famous because it was so widespread among troops of both sides. I listened to this story on Audible Originals. It is a truly heartwarming Christmas story and shows how we all belong to the same family (human), and how bickering and differences (unto death) can be put aside to remember the best of us (our warmth, love, and ability to put aside our differences). A screaming proclamation of the futility of war, Olivier shows how men are at the mercy of their governments, but for one day they remembered that folks in the opposite trenches were much like themselves. Of course, there may be times when war is necessary, to save other lives, or for the sake of survival, but as most know, generally, people are at the disposal of their governments and the media to know what is really at stake, what is really the truth. Whereas, the troops on the front lines always know what is at stake, albeit, not always the truth. In this story, the fog of war is cleared, as if in a miracle. For one day, they are all young men with hopes and dreams and missing home and the traditional ways they would celebrate a Holy Holiday. For one day, many would play games with the enemy, sing songs, and enjoy camaraderie. I particularly liked the author's use of the song, 'Silent Night' to invoke the magic of the season, a song written by Joseph Mohr, with music composed by Franz Xaver Gruber. Both these men were from Austria, an irony not lost among the soldiers. In Olivier's story, it is the words of the song, 'Silent Night' sung by a seventeen year old soldier that float out over the night to melt hearts along the trench-lines. The Audible Original is a wonderful rendering of this story.

[ChopinFC · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a rather lackadaisical entry in the genre of WWI stories. I listened via audiobook, and it was a 'dramatization' voice-over acting, with 'battle sounds', 'sound effects of soldiers dying', etc... The production value appeared decent, but the story was short, more like a 'novella', with very poor exposition of the event and its characters. The story itself was very popular known as The Christmas truce (German: Weihnachtsfrieden; French: Trêve de Noël) was a series of widespread but unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front of World War I around Christmas 1914

Soldiers ended up allowing each other to bury their dead, and in the end they actually engaged in a soccer match. The historical tale is awesome in it of itself, but the book faltered in its rushed approach with lack of character development.



'Christmas Truce of 1914'

3 Stars

[Amy | Foxy Blogs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book takes a real event, a Christmas truce during the First World War and brings it to life with a fictional story about the British soldiers. One thing, in particular, is a letter one of the soldiers wrote to his mom.

We also learn that the Christmas carol Silent Night was originally a German song.

Here is a quick article about the event: click here.

Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Full cast
Length: 1H 13M

[Lindsay Lemus · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wick listen with a full cast on audible about the Christmas Eve truce of 1914 during the WWI. I thought it was well done, and it definitely makes me more interested in finding some more books on this event.

[Andrew “The Weirdling” Glos · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sentimental and schmaltzy story. It dramatizes an actual event from World War I where the German and British troops called a personal cease fire for Christmas and engage in acts of kindness and carol singing across "no man's land". The actual event is very compelling. This story was not. It is populated by stock characters going through the motions established for them from a hundred war stories, books, and movies. It is one cliche after another. The dialogue must have nearly written itself. That said, it is a bunch of cliches that work. There is a reason they are used over and over again as a part of our stock images for war stories. While somewhat perfunctorily written, the archetypes are still able to perform the magic required of them.

This is a story which - if you're in the right mood for it - is heartwarming. The trick is you have to strike while the iron is hot. If not, it will come off as overly corny, even annoying.

[Yodamom · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This short book is about a letter written to a mother years after her son was lost during the war on Christmas Eve. The story relives the day, the sounds the fear and the heartbreaking moment when monsters became human again.
Beautifully done, with many voices, sound effects, and perfect timing. It felt as if I had be transferred to this terrible time and was sitting on the cold ground with them. A reminder of what Christmas and humanity really is.