I recently read Lady Clementine a book about Winston Churchill’s wife, so I was EXTREMELY excited and grateful that Rachel @penguinrandomhouse gifted us a copy of Erik Larson’s new book The Splendid and the Vile!❤️
Erik Larson’s ability to write nonfiction like I’m reading a novel, is why I’ve always loved his books.
In 1940, Recently elected Prime Minister, Winston Churchill fully understood how important his role was to make the tough decision to stand up to the Nazi’s, when the rest of Europe was conceding.
This book focuses on the Battle of Britain and the Blitz during WW2 where the Nazi’s focused their attack on Britain for a year.
Erik Larson brings history to life and gives so much depth, that I worried right along with the people who are going through this devastating time. Churchill is very aware that if he can’t get the US and President Roosevelt on board with supporting Britain, they will not survive this war. He then enters a delicate dance where he slowly tries to woo Roosevelt into understanding their need for help, but not wanting him to think they are too desperate. I found the anticipation of waiting for Pearl Harbor knowing the US would finally join the war almost breath taking.
Churchill is truly quite a character, he is a determined and true leader. He’s easily brought to tears but also loves to have a bit of fun. When he finally met Roosevelt in person, the president was quite surprised to find Churchill stark naked, Churchill wanted Roosevelt to know, that he had nothing to hide.
This book included a lot of personal stories about the people surrounding Churchill using their own journals, I loved and appreciated learning about his family, friends and secretaries.
If you are interested in WW2 history, I highly encourage you to read this 5 star book!
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