Men met as men, and as comrades-in-arms. They exchanged addresses for post-war visits and letters. Christmas carols rang out that brought the two sides even closer. They played soccer games. And, of course, some commanders protested against the frivolity and celebration. They were, for the most part, disregarded. Weintraub notes that this truce, ignored in history as an anomaly of little importance, was so emotionally consequential for those who participated that their letters home were filled with their disbelief that it happened. The author gives a chronological account, from small events in December to Christmas Eve and following to the end of the truce, which in some cases, did not really end until sometime after Christmas. It is a moving book, especially when Weintraub, a former Penn State professor emeritus, biographer, and historian, uses the soldiers' own words to tell the story.

Weintraub never really discusses why the truce happened, though he thoroughly explains how it began. It did not seem to this reader...

Though somewhat engaging it did not seem realistic nor relevant to close such a "factual" and authentic account with one man's thoughts about an unrealistic, improbable future. It seemed an example of a writer who didn't stop writing when the great story was finished. And, a failure of omission is not completely looking into the fear the generals must have had that "peace" might break out as a result of the truce and what they did to make certain there were no more "treaties."
I recommend the book as an account of the hope for humanity and the miracle of Christmas.

Bibliography

Weintraub, S. (2002). Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce. New York: Plume.