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The Christmas Hirelings
- Narrated by: Jennifer Saunders
- Length: 3 hrs and 57 mins
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Summary
A heartwarming festive tale of redemption and cheer, The Christmas Hirelings is the story of a lonely widower who reluctantly invites a group of children to his manor for Christmas. It showcases the benefits of opening your doors and hearts during the holiday season.
About the Book
First published in 1893, The Christmas Hirelings is a delightful short tale of compassion and redemption. With his sole surviving daughter Sybil estranged, and his wife passed away, there is a deficit of Christmas cheer in the near-vacant country mansion of Sir John Penlyon. In an attempt to improve the festive mood, Sir John’s good friend Mr Danby suggests that three children be 'hired' over the Christmas period in the hope of brightening the mood. After overcoming his initial reluctance, Sir John soon opens the doors of Penlyon Castle to Lassie, Laddie and little Moppet. Their arrival does more than signal the coming of Christmas however, as Sir John finds himself re-evaluating his past actions.
About the Author
Mary Elizabeth Braddon was a popular English author who earned success in the Victorian era with her sensation novels. Born in London in 1835, she was raised by her mother Fanny after her parents’ separation. She began working as an actress as a teenager, but after eight years, and with declining popularity and waning interest, she instead turned to writing. Her prolific output resulted in over 80 novels, 150 short stories, as well as plays and articles. Braddon is best known for her novel Lady Audley’s Secret, which combined elements of the detective novel, the psychological thriller and the romantic comedy to become one of the most successful novels of the 19th century.
About the Narrator
Jennifer Saunders is a national comedy icon and a much loved TV star. She has a host of awards to her name including five BAFTA Awards, two International Emmy Awards and four British Comedy Awards, to name a few. She is most well known for her French and Saunders comedy duo, Absolutely Fabulous and her work with Comic Relief. Jennifer’s voice credits include Shrek 2, Minions, Stick Man, Sing and Moominvalley.
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Jennifer Saunders
- Audible Sessions: FREE Exclusive Interview
- By: Robin Morgan-Bentley
- Narrated by: Jennifer Saunders
- Length: 12 mins
- Original Recording
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Joining us in the Audible Studios to talk about her narration of Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s The Christmas Hirelings is BAFTA Award-winning British actress Jennifer Saunders. Appearing on our screens since the '80s, Jennifer has written numerous scripts for film, television and stage as well as appearing in many of them. Known for her starring roles in Absolutely Fabulous and French and Saunders, Jennifer Saunders has had an incredible career to date.
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Brilliant
- By Amazon Customer on 18-12-18
An interview with Jennifer Saunders
In this exclusive Audible Sessions interview, Jennifer Saunders introduces us to the story of the Christmas Hirelings and the emotional connection she had with it. She also shares her love for an overlooked Christmas food and her thoughts on what Edina from Absolutely Fabulous would make of audiobooks.
Download the interview for free.
Behind the scenes with Jennifer Saunders
The actress and accomplished voice artist talks about recording this year's Christmas GiftWhat listeners say about The Christmas Hirelings
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Nic
- 17-12-18
Very charming festive story!
This was an incredibly charming heartwarming story. Easy to listen to and over too quickly (in a good way). Jennifer Saunders was a perfect reader.
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9 people found this helpful
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- Dan & Kim
- 16-12-18
A gem!
Thank you Audible for this Christmas gift I really enjoyed it. Jen Saunders is one of the best narrators ever, so even better for that too. The subtle nuances and humour makes this a great listen and was delightful.
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9 people found this helpful
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- Helen Martin
- 16-12-18
Delightful.
A delightful Christmas story about an old man who, found wanting of Christmas spirit, takes up a friend's suggestion to hire some children for the Christmas holidays to inject some life and laughter into his quiet, lonesome world. What follows is a truly wonderful, albeit a little predictable, tale of the true meaning of Christmas. This was a free download on Audible and you would be a fool to miss out. It was an absolute pleasure to listen to this.
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8 people found this helpful
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- S. Rifflart
- 16-12-18
Great Christmas Fare
Warm hearted story thoroughly enjoyable. Well told by J Saunders
Thank you to Audible and Merry Christmas
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8 people found this helpful
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- Ian Scott
- 17-12-18
Well read, ok story
It was a fine classic piece although predictable. Voice narration was excellent and overall I enjoyed it.
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6 people found this helpful
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- Helen SJ
- 17-12-18
Loved it! What a wonderful Christmas tale.
I really enjoyed this heartwarming Christmas tale. Jennifer Saunders brings each character expertly to life.
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6 people found this helpful
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- Rachael the FABULOUS!!
- 16-12-18
A sweet story
It was a sweet story, if a little predictable. What made it wonderful was the telling.
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6 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 16-12-18
exellent story
Loved it although you knew the end it was a lovely heartwarming story beautifully read
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5 people found this helpful
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- Linda
- 18-12-18
Well, it was free!
The story is old fashioned and a bit mawkish, but that's how it was supposed to be, plot telegraphed at every opportunity. I don't think I've heard the word 'tiny' as many times in my life as I have in this story. Jennifer Saunders read it with expression, but somehow rather slowly, which took away from the flow of the thing.
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4 people found this helpful
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- Lizzie Biscuits
- 16-12-18
Charming Christmas Tale
There are no surpises here but this is a lovely Christmas tale to warm the heart and embue one with a jolly feeling.
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4 people found this helpful