A review of Jim Murphy’s exciting and thought provoking 2009 book titled Truce
What would happen if soldiers on both sides in a war just refused to fight? Jim Murphy addressed this question in his book Truce by opening a window into an important event in World War I that we should ponder today. I began reading this book with my children and was so captivated that I read ahead and finished without them! (Though the cover makes it look like a kid’s book, I would not recommend it for those under 12. However, it would be great for parents to go through and discuss with their teens or for any adult to read.)
I was impressed by the details Murphy researched to paint a clear picture of the events leading up to the Great War (as it was originally called) and who was involved. Both young and old will appreciate that this book does not read like a history text, but like the exciting true story that is. Murphy also did a really good job explaining how the war might not have happened except for the egos and ambitions of Europe’s national leaders. He even cited evidence that ordinary people were looking for a fight after “years of such government propaganda on each side conditioned European people to distrust and hate their enemies, many of whom longed for war.” (p. 6)
I appreciated how Murphy struck a perfect balance in his facts and analysis. The book was not filled with blood and guts, neither was it idealized into taking sides to promote propaganda. The book should make readers think critically about how they view other nations and cultures, propaganda in media and politics, and romanticizing away the terror and misery of war. This is because once the soldiers realized their enemies were human, conditions were set for a Christmas miracle.
On Christmas Eve 1914, the Germans lit candles on Christmas trees. With light snow on the ground and a beautiful moonlit night, they sang “Silent Night”. Allied troops responded with a song and eventually they sang together in Latin “Adeste Fideles”. (p. 59) Both sides held religious services and no cannons were fired to interrupt.
“In a few places, something remarkable took place. Soldiers from both sides got out of their trenches and cautiously walked into no man’s land. Meeting in the middle, they would shake hands, exchange cigars or tins of food and chat.” (p. 61) In spite of different languages they promised to continue peace on Christmas Day. Truces were arranged among low level officers so quickly that the higher ranks could not stop them. However, the day after Christmas, the generals make the soldiers start killing again.
As a skilled writer, Murphy adeptly illustrated the fact that, when people step beyond propaganda and cultural hate, fighting can stop. While not a Christian book, my key take away was, that when people pause to consider Jesus came to be the Savior of the world, peace has a chance.
Murphy pointed to the goodness in man which showed in the short truce. However, history has proven that there is no lasting peace without Jesus, because mankind is not good. If we want real peace, we must accept God’s gift of Jesus Christ, who is the Prince of Peace, and allow Him to rule in our hearts. Otherwise, “There is no peace,” says the LORD, “for the wicked.” (Isaiah 48:22)