The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larsen

genre: history

While I cannot actually imagine having to be in Churchill's shoes during the early years of World War 2, I know have a much better idea.  This LOOONNNGG book is a detailed look at Churchill and his close family and confidants during his first year as Prime Minster.  We experience with the horrors of the Blitz and the genuine unknown of if America would ever enter the war and given Britain the help it so desperately needed.  We see the world through the wide eyes of his 18 year old daughter Mary, both her desires to serve the county as well as to flirt and dance and live the big life any other 18 year old wants.  I liked that we were reading primary source material and while sometimes I didn't care about the love life of such and such minister - overall I appreciated remembering that war happens ON TOP of life - not instead of it.

I learned to much.  This part of the war was always a little vague in my mind but now I feel far more educated.  I found myself reading parts of this book out loud to my husband (also a history buff) because I was constantly being surprised.  I had to keep reminding myself that THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW THE WAR WOULD END.  These people did not have the blessed gift like we do to start this story and know that it all turns out ok.  I am so grateful to these world leaders - quirky as they were - for bringing down Hitler's fascism and creating a safer world for us to live in.  May it continue for my children's children to enjoy.