My full review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3062342180 Excellent and highly recommended.

Erik Larsen is one of my favorite storytellers. He makes historical nonfiction read like fiction, but you don't feel like you are reading a sensationalized and fictionalized version of events. In this book, the tackles the early career of Winston Churchill as the Prime Minister. It's honestly something I had really never thought about - when you hear about Churchill, you just think of one of the most significant leaders of the 20th century, not someone who is a new leader trying to navigate the course.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who is interested in this time period, or just those who are fans of a really good work of historical nonfiction. It really is an excellent book!

Meticulously researched and relayed, this is the first year of Churchill’s service as Prime Minister of England. I believe this covers the same period of history as the recent movie, “Darkest Hour,” but it gives much more information such as letters, office notes, conversations and so forth. It’s very informative and engaging.

Those who enjoyed the movie and want much more information will love this book. Those who are simply interested in this critical period in our history will enjoy it.

I am thankful to NetGalley and the publisher, Crown Publishing, for a preview copy in exchange for an honest review.

Erik Larson is one of the few writers who can make history flow like a fiction novel and have the reader on the edge anticipating the ending like a mystery. He has accomplished this with every highly anticipated literary endeavor of his. Sit back and watch the magnificence of Winston Churchill .... what unfolds is an intimate glimpse into the first year of his position as the Prime Minister of England, during it's most harrowing time in history, surviving a relentless bombing campaign of Hitler's Germany killing more than 45,000 Britons. Through usage of diaries, original archival documents and recently released intelligence reports., Larson weaves a narrative with mounting tension and mystery worthy of the finest literary novel.. What unfolds is a moving account of not only the behind the scene look into the lives of everyday Britons, but also the inner workings and feelings of Churchill and those of his inner circle and family. A stark look and portrait of not only London under the Blitz, but also 10 Downing Street , and his weekend retreats, at Checquers and Ditchley. Churchill's main secretary, John Colville kept a diary chocked full of operational secrets and insights to Churchill's behavior that would have been a prize if fallen into a German agents hand. This account is a testimony to Churchill's strange power to bring forth courage and strength in the most trying of circumstances. This is even more amazing in the light of today's rampant political dysfunction.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for providing an electronic proof in exchange for an honest review.
(at readers remains.com)

Really fantastic work. Erik Larson is a tremendous writer and an easy hand-sell for our target customers.

I have always been amazed at how the British survived the nightly bombings of World War II, and their ability to hang on and keep hanging on. Erik Larson details much of the reason this was so, in his very readable book about Winston Churchill. In the early years of WWII, as country after country fell to Hitler and the Nazis. The United States and Franklin Roosevelt, very reluctant to get involved in yet another war, stayed on the fence and chose not to involve the United States in what they saw as England's affairs.

Winston Churchill, whose cigar chomping was but one of his unique behaviors, who had energy enough for several men, was a marvel. His spirit and determination led a country to its ultimate goal, that of staying a free Britain. He made people believe they could achieve the unachievable. “Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the hard may be; for without victory there is no survival.” Working around the clock, he never stopped figuring out ways to get Britain to survive and to succeed, and he inspired and frustrated those people who worked with him.

An excellent look at not only Churchill as statesman, but also a look at his family and friends, as well as the entire population of Britain. There was never a question as to where he stood on issues.

I’m reviewing this at the 15% mark because it is going to take me many weeks to finish. A final review will follow.

In typical Erik Larsen fashion, this one is impeccably researched, and includes many quotes from a variety of first-hand sources (think personal correspondence, journals, diaries, etc.). Characters are written much like those found in fiction, including motivations, deliberations, and preferences, which it seems would be impossible to know about historical figures but for the primary sources. It’s fascinating to be included in Churchill’s inner circle as the events of WWII unfold for him and the rest of Europe.

Not quite biography of Churchill himself, it is, like Erik Larson's previous books, the biography of a moment in time and the player at the heart of it. I know far less about the second world war than most history buffs, and this did a good bit to remedy that. The author shines in making the ordinary past seem extraordinary and the year leading up to Britain entering the war came alive for me. I learned so much about the ancillary figures in government too, especially as a non Brit. A five star read and one of Larson's best.

Erik Larson is a master non fiction writer and this book shows that in every way. The amount of research that went into this book is exceptional. He is able to take all that research and tell a story that flows like a fiction novel and leaves the reader wanting for more.

This book is about Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz. Starting with the day that Churchill became Prime Minister and through the next twelve months. The author takes you day by day, month by month and tells an amazing , harrowing story of what it was like to be bombed by Germany.... Not to mention the fear of being invaded. Thanks to this author I was able to put myself there and that is what makes this a great book!

Great book! Great writer! The only thing I wished for was that the story would continue! Thank you Netgalley and Crown Publishing for letting this history nerd have the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review!

Erik Larson never fails to draw his readers into the minds of those he writes about, and the places and time periods that fascinate him. Churchill during the early days of World War II is hardly a new subject, but Larson manages to successfully blend military history with the Prime Minister's personal life, and that of his family. This book is a perfect read for those who prefer both worlds as opposed to a straight military history or biography. Highly recommended.

Erik Larsen’s non-fiction never fails to deliver. This book explores Winston Churchill’s first year as the British Prime Minister amidst the ever growing Nazi threat. Larsen excels at creating a well paced history with fascinating and personal tidbits about his subject(s). This was a thoroughly captivating and intimate look at Churchill.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46741344

I am a huge fan of Erik Larson. His work reads like fiction, it draws you in and it leaves you wanting more. The Splendid and the Vile did not disappoint.

The book shows a very human side of Winston Churchill. Larson shows us his quirks, his faults, his detractors and his doubts in a carefully researched dive into his first year as Prime Minister. We also get a peek at his family life and life inside 10 Downing Street.

Larson's prose reads like fiction. This book is fast paced, gritty and suspenseful as we wait with England for aid from the US. This is impressive writing considering we all know what happened on December 7, 1941.

I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

This a fascinating and firsthand look at one of the most crucial times in world history - during World War II and Winston Churchill’s first year as prime minister of Britain from May 10, 1940 to May 10, 1941. Erik Larson describes the book as a “more intimate account” and that is so apt. This is quite an amazing feat - recreating the intensity, emotion, drive, stress, and leadership that all coalesced into Churchill the person - warts and all. At a time when Britain was virtually being boxed into a corner, pummeled by Hitler’s air force night after night, it is a miracle that Britain was able to survive. Plucky and courageous Brits with their stiff upper lip and understatement of “ carry on” found Churchill an inspiring, motivating, and fearless leader that propelled them into holding their own despite being the underdog for many reasons. Larson leads us through Churchill’s first year - from interactions with his family, Cabinet, the intrigues, attempts to get the U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt to help Britain - we see Churchill in all his glory and idiosyncrasies, which I won’t give away here. We also get the perspectives of his close colleagues, detractors, and family - particularly from his wife, Clementine and daughter, Mary. While the war swirled around him, he had to deal with the antics of his son Randolph who was rather an embarrassment with his constant debts - how that must have devastated Churchill, and yet he did everything he could to be supportive and help him. All in all, Larson does a jolly good job with his meticulous research bringing to light that first crucial year of Churchill’s prime ministership - a year that probably no one would have ever wanted to have but was dealt to Churchill. It’s hard to imagine anyone else but Churchill being able to rise to the occasion to lead Britain in one of the most crucial years in history. The book moves through at a good pace, is well written, and despite knowing the outcome of the year historically, is riveting and well delivered. I found the book to have a distinct edge over the many other books I’ve read on Churchill – really getting to know the very depths and range of Churchill – the person – the husband and father; politician and leader. This is definitely well worth the read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

There are a lot of books on World War II out there. There are a lot of books on Churchill. Do you really want to look at another? Yes, if it's this one! First of all, you know any story Erik Larson tells is going to be well written and told in a way that will hold your interest and keep you turning pages. Secondly, this volume concentrates of the first high pressure year of Churchill's ministry when England basically defied Hitler alone and looks at the events from multiple perspectives of Winston himself, his family members, personal staff, political and military staff, American interests, and Nazi leaders as well. Never have I felt such a clear, well rounded vision of what took place during that crucial year. This is a must read for any history enthusiast and a book that will turn any reader into a history enthusiast!

I recieved an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book and will recommend it often!

A unique perspective of Winston Churchill's first year as prime minister, including the events leading up to and during the bombing of England by the Nazis. This is the fourth work of Larson's that I have read and each time he has had the ability to make a work of nonfiction read like a story. Larson pulls from diaries, letters and other records that allows us to experience the mood and life during this time. 

Thanks to Crown Publishing and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

Erik Larson is a master. He finds extremely interesting historical subjects and creates a narrative that you hope never ends. The Splendid and the Vile is the next release from Mr. Larson (out 2/25/2020) and it is outstanding. This book chronicles the leadership of Winston Churchill during WWII from 1940-1941. I have never read anything on Churchill and Larson shows how amazing his leadership was during a pivotal time in history. I cannot recommend this book enough. I believe anyone interested in history should read all of Larson's work, including this one. However, if you typically do not read history because you find it dull, I promise you will enjoy this one. He is such a wonderful writer and storyteller that you will be drawn in with interest. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.

I have always been an Erik Larson fan, and each time I read one his books I am reminded about the power of storytelling. Larson's new book, "The Splendid and the Vile," takes a close look at Winston Churchill and London during the Blitz and WWII. Every paragraph is important. There is no such thing as "too much information" or "boring" when it comes to Larson and his work. You get swept away in his writing, and while you are reading historical nonfiction, it reads like fiction because of Larson's ability to craft a story. Larson fans will not be disappointed.

It is a poignant portrait of Winston Churchill and his experience as Prime Minister. It transports readers and you feel like you are reading a thriller novel. I recommend The Devil in the White City to everyone...and now I will be recommending The Splendid and the Vile. Thank you for this book.

An interesting snapshot of one year in Churchill' s multi faceted career. The details of the mechanics of the planes and ships and the meetings are very readable. Made me want to read something more character driven.

Copy provided by the Publisher and NetGalley

This is a gripping and vastly entertaining look at Winston Churchill and those in his circle in Churchill’s first year as wartime Prime Minister. Neville Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement toward Hitler and Nazi Germany had failed spectacularly. Chamberlain’s 1938 Munich Agreement with Hitler was supposed to bring “peace in our time,” but in September, 1939, Hitler invaded Poland and war was declared. The first several months of the war went badly and Chamberlain had to go. Churchill became PM in May, 1940, at a time when prospects looked grim. Germany and Poland were already lost, Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium were occupied and France was falling. An invasion of Britain was expected at any time.

Of course, we know how it all turned out, but just imagine being in Churchill’s position in 1940. He knew that if Britain were conquered, it would be the end of freedom and he would likely be executed. He had to work like mad to get fighter planes and bombers built and defenses organized, and exerted every effort to cajole the US into the war, or at least to provide material aid.

We read about Churchill’s work and the men he recruited to help him; men like Lord Beaverbrook, who was tasked with aircraft production, an eccentric known as “the Prof,” and Harry Hopkins, President Roosevelt’s envoy, who spent a memorable month with Churchill that turned the two of them and everybody Hopkins met (from aristocrats and government ministers to hotel employees) into a mutual admiration society.

Even when facing the fear of invasion, and while the Luftwaffe dropped deadly bombs nearly nightly, Britons still lived their lives. Churchill went to the PM’s country retreat, Chequers, nearly every weekend. Yes, to work, but also to socialize. He could be seen in flamboyantly colorful dressing gowns, or wearing a “siren suit” over his regular clothes. After dinner, music played on the gramophone and Churchill might dance or march around the room.

Mary, Churchill’s eldest daughter, was 18 and chafed at her parents’ insistence she stay in the country, away from bombing raids. She eventually managed to wheedle her way to London sometimes. On March 8, 1941, she went to a debutante ball at Grosvenor House and planned to go on afterward with her set to the famous nightclub the Café de Paris, but they went to a different club when fire and rescue vehicles blocked the street to the Café. That night, as nearly every night, there had been bombing raids while the debutantes and their partners danced at Grosvenor House, and two bombs dropped straight down into the Café de Paris, killing dozens of young people. Can you imagine what a strange time it must have been to be young and living it up, while knowing that death is such a near thing?

Pamela was almost as young as Mary, and was married to Randolph, Churchill’s ne’er-do-well son. Randolph had enlisted, and Pamela lived with Winston and Clementine Churchill while expecting Winston’s namesake and after he was born. She often dined with and charmed influential men at 10 Downing Street and Chequers. After Randolph’s gambling debts forced her to move to a London flat and get a job, these social (and more) meetings continued. Readers are in on the beginning of what would be a storied romantic and political life for Pamela, ending with her death at 76 while serving as the US Ambassador to France.

Larson’s gift for turning history into story is on full display here, making this fateful year come vibrantly to life. I just wished the Larson treatment could have covered the whole war.