Review: The King and the Christmas Tree

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.

• Review
• A.N. Wilson