The NYMAS Review
"An excellent, often moving read."
ARGunners.com
"...this fabulous book focuses almost entirely on Christmas 1942 and the range of man’s conduct toward fellow man, reflecting the extremes of behavior, good and bad, that WWII gave rise to."
Military Review
"This is book which will resonate with every reader. Its ability to capture and articulate the human dimension of war is powerful. Traveling through the numerous World War II offerings is certainly difficult for a potential reader. However, the uniqueness and quality of Darkest Christmas make this one you want to stop for."
Journal of Military History
"This book is of interest to any scholar of World War II, particularly those focused on bridging culture and war. Highly readable, this text is suitable for undergraduate and popular audiences as well. Many should find its analysis to be a refreshing take on the well-trodden field of World War II histories."
Paul French
One single, crucial 24 hours—Christmas Day 1942. A world hanging in the balance. Peter Harmsen masterfully reveals the raging war across the globe through the hopes and fears of its inhabitants whether soldier, civilian or prisoner. A broad canvas, yet one that repeatedly becomes incredibly personal and often heart-wrenching. Among the vast library of books on World War II Darkest Christmas stands out as uniquely poignant and original.
Joe Perry
In his sixth book, best-selling author Peter Harmsen provides a profound account of human resilience at Christmastime in December 1942, in the midst of World War II. An artful storyteller with a sharp eye for revealing details, Harmsen takes us on a wide-reaching holiday tour that spans continents and embeds intimate, personal experience in the context of broader wartime developments … In eminently readable prose, and amply illustrated with contemporary images, Darkest Christmas offers new insights into the history of World War II and one of the world’s most popular and important holidays alike."
WWII History Magazine
"...provides an interesting look at one of the war's lesser-known facets. It is well researched and organized, with a good selection of photographs highlighting the author's narrative."
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society
"By the time you end the book, you'll have a greater understanding for the often conflicting emotions that surrounded Christmas Day 1942 and perhaps Christmas Day 2022. It's a great concept book well executed."
