The King and the Christmas Tree

by A.N. Wilson

'An unlikely hero has a master storyteller to tell his tale. The King and the Christmas Tree is a poignant Christmas treat.' Lucy Worsley, historian, broadcaster and author

Every December, a huge Christmas tree arrives in Trafalgar Square. Bedecked in lights, it is a shimmering, festive beacon in the heart of London. But even more enchanting than the twinkling decorations and scented pine is the story behind the tree; a story of loyalty, friendship and resistance.

On a cold evening in 1940, German warships made their way towards Oslo. It seemed inevitable that Norway, like so many other European nations, would soon submit to the Nazi regime. But the country's indomitable King Haakon VII refused to surrender. Making his escape through his country towards the safe haven of Britain, King Haakon became an icon of hope for his people. And so, over seventy years later, the tree in Trafalgar Square remains as an enduring gift of thanks from Norway to the people of Britain.

In The King and the Christmas Tree historian A. N. Wilson artfully weaves together this tale of courage and friendship between nations. Richly illustrated and beautifully told, it is a delightful Christmas cracker for everyone, young and old alike.

Genres: Christmas, History, Nonfiction, Book Club, Audiobook

112 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 14, 2021

About the author

Andrew Norman Wilson is an English writer and newspaper columnist, known for his critical biographies, novels, works of popular history and religious views. He is an occasional columnist for the Daily Mail and former columnist for the London Evening Standard, and has been an occasional contributor to the Times Literary Supplement, New Statesman, The Spectator and The Observer.

Reviews

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay. Here's the thing. It should not have taken me - or, really, anyone - four days to read a 165-page book about a Christmas tree or about a king. And if that's what it had been, it wouldn't have taken four days.

I bought this book at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, where it was shelved in the children's section, primarily because I love Christmas and I love royal biographies, so the combination seemed a no-brainer! But it was either mis-shelved or incorrectly marketed, because while the writing is frequently whimsical and history seen in binary black-and-white the author presupposes certain existing knowledge on the part of the reader that (let's say) most children would not possess.

Take this passage, for example: "You only had to hear what Himmler was telling the young men who joined the SS to become aware that Nazism was not simply brutal and totalitarian. It was by way of being a weird cult of which its crazed anti-Semitism was just symptomatic" (160). This is the first and only mention of Himmler in the entire book, and I had to read the second sentence several times to comprehend it. Or this: "Professional historians long ago discarded the 'Great Man' theory of history" (148). I'm a thirty-year-old with a Bachelor's Degree in history and can figure out what the author is talking about, but there is no in-text explanation or real reason for this sentence. The book's final line is also a trip and a half, but I won't quote it here.

It is, however, very much a story worth telling. King Haakon the VII of Norway was clearly a man of outstanding moral fibre and the whole story of Scandinavia during WWII is fascinating and one not taught in American schools. To learn more I'll just have to find a different book than this one, because a military history parading as a children's book about a Christmas tree is not the ideal vehicle. Which is a shame.

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t want a blow by blow account of Norway and the second world war. I wanted the human story behind a long-standing tradition. Too many facts for me.

[Lisa Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a touching story, written in clear language with a few beautiful hand drawn illustrations telling of King Haakon and his part in the Norwegian resistance to Nazi invasion, bookended by that of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree.

The story itself is not easy and addresses (albeit with a light touch) some of the painful elements of the choices made by Kings, governments and individuals in troubled times. A short book about the power and importance of symbols with the simple, well recognised and well loved tree representing the relationship between Britain and Norway and the far more important and complex figure of the King as the embodiment of his people.

Lots of cheering and humbling detail including that the King slept in his uniform to avoid being captured by the Nazis and paraded in front of his people in pyjamas, that he would rather abdicate than put his government under pressure to do what he could not if they chose to accept Quisling in order to spare Norwegian civilians and that he sneaked back while he was supposed to be hiding in the woods to set the table for lunch.

The first tree was a wartime gift, cut by a Norwegian resistance fighter and sent via the Royal Navy to a homesick King in exile - but it was given by that King the people of London.

[ATLANTIC BOOK REVIEWS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picked up this book on a trip abroad in December and loved it from the front cover to the back. I expect it to be a re-read.

A wartime story with a difference. In 1940 when it seemed Norway would fall to the Nazis, the indomitable King Haakon VII refused to surrender. King Haakon became a beacon of hope and resistance for his people with his escape and shelter in Britain. I had never heard this story before and found myself moved to tears. So beautifully told the historical narrative contained in this 150 page story epitomizes all that I would hope to find in a country's King/leader.

Raised in Nova Scotia I was aware of the history of the Christmas tree for Boston a yearly, much celebrated, thank you to the people of Boston for their assistance to the people of Halifax after the December 1917 explosion. I was not aware that the tree in Trafalgar Square that has been erected there for the past 70 years, is an enduring gift of thanks from Norway to the people of Britain.

The illustrations are rich in detail and provide the perfect accompaniment to the story as it unfolds.

Children and adults will love to sit with this lovely little book year after year. I know it will be part of our Christmas book display each year from here on.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m just going to copy and paste from the book’s description:

On a cold evening in 1940, German warships made their way towards Oslo. It seemed inevitable that Norway, like so many other European nations, would soon submit to the Nazi regime. But the country's indomitable King Haakon VII refused to surrender. Making his escape through his country towards the safe haven of Britain, King Haakon became an icon of hope for his people. And so, over seventy years later, the tree in Trafalgar Square remains as an enduring gift of thanks from Norway to the people of Britain.

Every December, a huge Christmas tree arrives in Trafalgar Square. Bedecked in lights, it is a shimmering, festive beacon in the heart of London. But even more enchanting than the twinkling decorations and scented pine is the story behind the tree; a story of loyalty, friendship and resistance.

[Betty-Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A historical narrative of human courage and resistance” (Lady Antonia Fraser)
Said much more eloquently than I could.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long enjoyed AN Wilson’s writing, and this is no exception. It sets out simply and clearly the real value of the Norwegian tree, and we’d be a better society if everyone understood and adhered to those values and what makes good governance.

[Jilly (living via literature) · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75*
I did enjoy this book but it just wasn't what I was expecting when I started it. This is not really about Christmas (like, at all) but centred around Norway's efforts in WW2 and why Norway gifts a tree to the U.K each year (although that is a VERY small part of the story). I did find it interesting as I do like learning about history and WW2 but if you are expecting a festive-themed read then it might not be for you.

[Lorena · Rating 3 out of 5]

At a Christmas party in Brighton last month, we played a quiz game. One of the questions was: "Which city sends a Christmas tree to London every year since 1947?" All of the older Brits in the room knew the answer, but it made me wonder, "Why does Oslo do that?"

So when I saw this book at the checkstand of Waterstones, I bought it impulsively. I thought I would be reading a Christmas story, however, it was mostly a war story. Of course, the roots of the story lie in the war, so I see how it's necessary for the backstory, and I love WWII history, but ... I still felt like the book (title and cover) were misleading. Also, I dislike the author's very pointed political interjections throughout the book. It competes with the feeling of Christmas and extending love and mercy to everyone.

All of that set aside, I did learn about the Trafalgar Square tree tradition and also about the King of Norway, which is a fascinating tale that I've never come across before. I still can't believe that Norway imported a king! The historical component of the book is perhaps oversimplified, but provides a basic outline for those who would like to learn more.

My two favorite quotes of the book relate to religion, although the book overall was mostly devoid of religion (and it seemed, at times, even disparaging toward religion):

A Lutheran pastor was giving an address on the radio:
"I do not know if the King is listening to this broadcast, but if he is, I would like to say that over here we have been following our King with the greatest affection and sympathy. We know a little of the persecution and danger to which Your Majesty has been subjected in these evil days, and there are many among us who, when we pray for our homes and country, have also asked God to protect our beloved King. We who are gathered here today in a Norwegian church in London, Norwegian seamen the world over and all other true Norwegians wherever they may be, send out assurances of affection and loyalty to the royal house. We repeat the old saying, 'God Save the King and Our Fatherland.'" (pp. 82-3)

"Many, perhaps nowadays most, who gather round the tree to sing the traditional carols of Christmas have no belief, such as King Haakon had, in the actual truth of the Christian religion. Nevertheless, each year, the repetition of the story, of the Creator who declared the inviolable sanctity of every human life by taking flesh in the vulnerability of a human baby, is overwhelmingly powerful. It was, after all, this basically Christian idea -- that all human beings are made in the same divine image, that all are equal, that all have equal worth and equal rights -- which underpinned the resolve of those who fought and resisted the Nazis." (pp. 147 - 148)

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not what I expected which was a Christmas story about friendship between Norway and Britain. Rather it was the story of what happened to Norway when the Nazis invaded. At first, there were a lot of details about what was happening in Europe as the Nazis rampaged from country to country. But as I learned more about the history of Norway, a new country after its union with Sweden was dissolved. They reestablished the monarchy and a member of the Danish royal family became King Hassan VII of Norway.

The book tells the story of the King's remarkable dedication to keeping Norway a free country and resistance to Nazi and fascist ideology. Because the Nazis were intent on executing the King and those who surrounded him, he had to be smuggled out of the country. Aided by Britain, he was smuggled to Scotland and then was brought to London where he stayed for five years.

The story of Norwegian resistance in this book was a story I did not know. I had read a book about the "Shetland Bus", which was a special operation between the Shetland Islands and Norway which supported resistance against the Nazi with arms, and smuggling out people. Norway's resistance to the Nazis was remarkable for such a small country.

This was a book that greatly increased my respect for the Norwegian people and their fight against Hitler.

[Mae Leveson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered why the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square is gifted each year by the people of Norway? This little book gives a fascinating account of the events that led up to the invasion of Norway by the Germans in March 1940 and the small acts of resistance that kept the population hopeful of eventual victory, even when their beloved King Haakon VII refused to surrender and escaped with his son and his government to become a beacon of hope during the dark days of occupation.

In the dark days of war in 1942, a brave Norwegian resistance fighter cut down a Norwegian pine as a gift to his exiled King. The tree made its way to London and Haakon decided to give the tree to Londoners. It was erected in Trafalgar Square in the middle of the war as a defiant beacon of hope. No Christmas lights adorned it due to the blackout, though the sight of an evergreen tree in the depths of winter must have been a cheering sight to all who saw it.

A year after Haakon returned to Norway, he remembered the Christmas tree and it was from this memory that the tradition of gifting a tree to the people of London as a reminder of the friendship between Norway and Britain. The tradition has continued since 1947.

[Karoline Holm · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a Norwegian who’ve lived in London for many years, I’ve always felt a special connection to the
Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square and was excited to read this book. Although I knew the overall story of the tree’s origin and the Norwegian war story, I enjoyed reading this summarised version and learned some new, interesting details.

However, I’m giving this book a low grade because I think it’s very poorly written. The chapters have no theme, no system (they’re not even named) and it feels like the author just wrote whatever they could think of in that moment, and cut it to a new chapter at random. The story keeps jumping back and forth with one side-point after another and varies between listing historical facts, describing the Dee thoughts and feelings of historical characters (suddenly without adding sources) to randomly put in a LoR-reference towards the end (??). I checked several times whether this was a result of a bad translation, but apparently the original language is indeed English.

To me, this feels like a book that should have been a lecture (or a TED talk?) and I’m sure I would have enjoyed listening to the author speak more than I enjoyed reading the book

[Gaby Meares · Rating 4 out of 5]

The contents of this little book are not reflected in its packaging. Booksellers are shelving it with their children's books, but it is not a book written for children. Nor is it a book with much to do with Christmas. It's a potted history of Norway's response to Hitler's attempt to seize control of their country. In particular, it tells the story of King Haakon VII's refusal to surrender and his leadership of a country and its people in their resistance against the mighty forces of the Nazi regime. For a little book, it packs in a lot of detail about the advancement of Hitler's army across Europe. Wilson tends towards the didactic in regards to Hitler and his troops which I felt was unnecessary.

However, I didn't know about the history behind the tree in Trafalgar Square, and I love that Norway has never forgotten the role that Britain played in protecting and supporting their king during the second world war.

Special mention must be made of the delightful illustrations by Alexis Bruchon.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know that old saying, "never judge a book by its cover"? Yeah, that! TBF to me, it was located in the children's section of a well-known British book shop, and it does have a cover (and title) that suggests a cosy Christmas story aimed at younger readers!

What it is, in fact, is a historical account of Norway's experiences of WW2, focusing on the Norwegian Royal family, specifically King Haakon VII. It is well documented that Norway send a tree to England every year for Trafalgar Square, to say thanks for our help during the war - what I didn't know is that they also send one to Orkney, Edinburgh, Grimsby, Newcastle and Aberdeen. I found the book to be interesting and beautifully illustrated, but despite the back cover stating "...this is a delightful Christmas cracker for everyone, young and old alike.", I can't see this appealing to children at all, and I could imagine a few disappointed kids opening this on Christmas day!

[Emma Dargue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book telling the story of king hakkon of Norway who fought the Nazis in WW2 by fighting with fortitude from the UK when he had to go into exile and how he connects to the tradition that still exists between the UK and Norway of the sending of a christmas tree from Norway to the UK in thanks for the support given by the UK to the invaded Norway during ww2. A.N Wilson writes with verve and real thorough research about a christmassy tradition that I knew existed but didn't know the full story behind. The brilliant illustrations complemented Wilson's writing.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a Christmassy tale, and this wasn’t it. But what an inspiring story of good conquering evil and how a plucky small nation stood up to the might of the Nazi regime and endured when the Nazis collapsed.

And I got the story behind the Norwegian Christmas tree gifted to London each year to adorn Trafalgar Square.

This is a wonderful story of a humble monarch whose sense of duty to the people he served, made him hard not to admire - and like. It’s told so engagingly and is beautifully illustrated.

[Cozy_Livie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful, but at times dry, book about the war-history that is the birth of the Christmas tree at Trafalgar Square. As a Norwegian, I knew most of it already, but I found the book at sale, and wanted a simple and cozy Christmas read. Not sure this really fill that description, however, it left me feeling hopefull of the world we see today of turmoil. I also obviously feel a sence if pride knowing my grandfather lived through this story, and had part of the war efforts in his work as a fisherman.

[Lucinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would actually give it a 2.5. The writing style was not easy to read, often had to go back over a paragraph to get the gist. Way more Norwegian history than I needed. Needed more human interest.
I was actually in London during the holiday season some years ago, visited Trafalgar Square, saw the monuments, but have no memory of a giant Christmas tree. Did not know this story, so obviously did not take ant particular notice. Wish I had.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting premise, and I learned a lot about Scandinavia’s part in WWII. However, the book doesn’t seem to know what it is. The cover gives the impression of a heart warming Christmas tale. The interior layout and illustrations give the impression it is a children’s book. It is neither. Rather, it reads like the script to a war documentary, but with some moments of heavy didacticism. Good idea with interesting info, but pretty poorly conceptualized.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, informative little book about the Nazi invasion of Norway. I'm not sure why it appears to be marketed as a children's book, and I even bought this from the children's section at the shop. It reads like a non fiction history book for adults. I certainly couldn't imagine a child reading it. Nonetheless, it was a very interesting read.

[Jana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm... this is a hard one. This felt like a heart-warming story that could have been told in a handful of pages that was hidden among a hundred pages of a history textbook. I would like to research the story of Norway's King Haakon VII on my own, minus the history lesson. On the plus side, the cover of this book is very pleasing. Sadly, it just doesn't match the tone of the book.

[mélodie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Le premier et dernier chapitre était ce que j'attendais du livre. Tout le reste est un très grand recap de la 2nd guerre mondiale. Ce n'était pas ce à quoi je m'attendais, ni ce qui m'intéresse le plus. J'ai tout de même trouver plusieurs informations intéressante

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

NOT a cute Christmas story. This is a history book. And not a well written history book either. The story about the tree in Trafalgar Square is super interesting! I want the picture book version of the story.

[athomewithmylibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Benita Borrowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little historical fiction, if you like history.

[Collette · Rating 2 out of 5]

So not what I was expecting. I felt like I was deceived by the cute cover and title. Interesting history of the king of Norway during the war, but not what was advertised.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not at all what I was expecting. It’s based on an interesting story, but is very heavy on the history. Could have been a picture book IMO.

[Camile Doubtfire · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very rambly, couldn’t finish it though I liked the idea of the book, it was stuffed with too many facts and when I just wanted to read the story and look at the illustrations

[Shaitanah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, heartwarming read bolstered by adorable pictures!

[Yok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I read this year! Very festive