To give it its proper title “The Splendid and The Vile” - this book recounts with great detail the challenges faced by the UK in the early years of WW2 seen through the eyes of the Churchill family themselves.

It's a fascinating look at Winston Churchill - Englands brand new Prime Minister who replaced the appeasement policies of outgoing PM Neville Chamberlain.

It recounts the first harrowing years from late 1939 to December 1941 - when the USA formally entered the war.

During that time, the UK was subjected to relentless bombing (the blitz) and destruction by wave upon wave of German bombing missions.

Despite the nimbleness of the British Spitfire and Hurricane fighters - come night time they were unable to defend and engage with the German bombers.

As a result - full moon nights were feared -as there would be good light for the German bombers to find their targets ,but not enough for the British fighters to engage.

It’s a fascinating look at the history and events and not just a dry historical narrative.

Instead the parallel storyline shows Churchill and all his quirks - the pink silk underwear and kimono dressing gown…and debts and cashflow issues he incurred from his extravagant lifestyle and dinner parties.

We also see a wartime leader who galvanized public support with his rousing speeches of defiance in the face of adversity - as the USA dragged its heels in becoming involved in this European conflict.

Meanwhile the UK was subjected to 2 years of relentless bombing (and 45,000 civilian deaths) - and its the descriptions of the effect and internal dynamics of the Churchill family - who began to experience what ordinary Londoners experienced.

The descriptions are magnificent - especially describing the “dust from the age of Shakespeare and Cromwell”, as it rained down on survivors of the latest nights’ bombing.

Internal power dynamics are described inside the British cabinet- as well as the German side - with Gorings magnificent Luftwaffe unable to crush the British and incurring Hitlers displeasure.

Radar , parachute bombs and barrage balloons and other technology is wonderfully described - as well as foiling German navigation systems.

There are many parallel storylines that makes this book compelling and highly readable.

Highly recommended!

More info here:

https://eriklarsonbooks.com/book/the-splendid-and-the-vile/