This is not a book for the casual history reader or designed to be read through quickly. This a very dry read packed with a lot of information which the author does his best to liven up. My personal difficulty with the book was not being as well-versed in all of the events unfolding in Europe in the lead-up to WWII. My high school history courses tended to focus solely on the American experience during the 1930s with a sprinkling of what was happening elsewhere. I often felt like I was trying not only to piece together events but also keep straight all of the players on the Allied side. This is also why I found the book so interesting, it was taking me through these historical events of which I had very little awareness and giving me a more thorough understanding of what had happened during these years. I would recommend this book to any readers who want to know more about this time in history, especially high school students with an interest in WWII history who want to do more of a deep dive into history than they will get in any of their Social Studies classes.

A fantastic 'deep dive" into the diplomacy of the allied Big Three. Bouverie masterfully reveals the personalities, egos, rivalries, and machinations that characterized the tumultuous relationship between the Allied leaders. This text also does an excellent job illustrating the work of lower level diplomats carrying out the policies handed down to them. Essential reading for an understanding of the diplomatic history that shaped the course of the war, and its aftermath

An interesting top-down approach of the relationships and politics between the major Allied leaders of the Second World War. This book illustrates the war being played at the highest levels, with often no regard for those beneath them. It's eye-opening and fascinating.