“Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few.”–Winston Churchill, quoted by Erik Larson in The Splendid and the Vile
This book by much acclaimed Erik Larson, is the story of the first year of Winston Churchill’s term as the Prime Minister of England. On Churchill’s first day in office, Germany invaded Holland and Belgium and two weeks later saw the British Dunkirk evacuation. Shortly thereafter, Germany began the bombing of Britain which lasted for a year. This was an extraordinary time and Larson’s extensive research brings to the fore the extraordinary leadership of Churchill during this time.
Larson focuses on Churchill and his family, as well as other close associates of Churchill. This is a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of the British government as they entered the war, determined to withstand the Nazi war machine, even if they stood alone. It also provides a close look at how Churchill provided hope and security to a nation which resulted in an amazing show of unity and strength by its people. It is refreshing to read about a true leader and this book by Larson does not disappoint.
Content Advisory: Language, bombings, references to sex