Book Review.

The title of this book is from a diary entry by John Colville about the peculiar beauty of watching bombs fall over London. 

Never was there such a contrast of natural splendor and human vileness. How do you think a tragedy like this could be considered beautiful? 

If you have an appreciation for narrative non-fiction this book is a moment by moment chronology of Winston Churchill and his family and close confidants during his first year as Prime Minister. The setting is the German Blitz in the skies over Britain. 

As a historic figure there are volumes of material to be read on Winston Churchill. I had previously known that Churchill was a quirky personality but this book both humanizes him and demonstrates that the man had nerves of steel. The world has seen few individuals that could lead a country through a dreadful year of death and destruction as the Nazis attempt to bring Britain to her knees in surrender. 

Today we know the outcome of these events - the conclusion of which was the defeat of the Axis Powers.  We already know how the story ends.  Nevertheless, Larson’s excellent use of personal diaries and public documents of the period beginning May of 1040 thru May of 1941 along with little-known factoids create a tension in the mind of the reader over the nerve-shattering impact of the Battle of Britain.   Frequently I had to put the book aside for a moment so I could look-up the bio of another character in the unfolding story – all of whom are real historical personalities. 

Admittedly, I am a fan of Erik Larson and if you enjoy history and a compelling read you will likely enjoy this slice of time.