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The Splendid and the Vile chronicles the first year of Winston Churchill’s role as British Prime Minister from May 1940 to May 1941, and gives a detailed account of life in London during the Nazi air campaign, known as “The Blitz”.

Churchill realized that “only the industrial might and manpower of America would ensure the final eradication of Hitler and national Socialism.” But Britain stood alone against Hitler in June 1940 when the Prime Minister gave his most famous speech. "We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender." At that point in time, Great Britain had no allies as the German Luftwaffe bombed the island for a month, killing 45,000 Britons and destroying one million homes.

Churchill was quirky and flamboyant, often holding meetings while wearing colorful silk underwear and robes, or even naked, working from his bathtub. He was also 66 at the time he took over as Prime Minister, and considered too old to lead Britain's war efforts.

There are so many Churchill biographies out there, including many by Churchill himself. I wasn't sure what Erik Larson could add that hadn't already been written about multiple times. Larson’s book is not all Churchill. Other figures emerge who tend to be ignored by Churchill scholars and become like characters in a novel.

We witness Churchill's relationship with his wife Clementine, their daughters Sarah, Diana and the youngest, Mary who loves to go to parties and resists her parent’s wartime protectiveness. Churchill is appalled by his son, Randolph, who had "a gift not just for spending money but also for losing it gambling". Randolph was also a serial womanizer and we see how it affects his marriage to socialite wife, Pamela. Another main character is the Canadian-born newspaper owner, Lord Beaverbrook, Minister of Air Production. Churchill heavily relied on him, rejecting Beaverbrook’s resignation 14 times.

While Larson focuses heavily on Churchill and his family, he also provides a vivid account of the Blitz, the German bombing campaign that caused the British to live in fear for several months. Larson explores the reactions to the bombings from the prime minister and the royal family, but also from ordinary Britons.

Larson’s writing is electrifying and his research is impeccable. It is a more than worthy addition to the long list of books about World War II and shouldn't be overlooked. It is easily my favororite book of 2021. Whether or not you are a fan of World War II nonfiction, read this book and savor the in-depth, multilayered, intimate exploration of one year in the life of Winston Churchill and those close to him.

I loved this book to! There was so much in it that was new to me, although I have read a lot about Churchill. I think Larson really brought forward how Churchill singled handily rallied Briton and the other leaders of his country.

I also enjoyed learning more about Clementine and their children. I do have to admit though, no matter where I see it, the name Lord Beaverbrook makes me laugh.

I loved this one, too.

I will add another love to this book, it made it to my top ten last year, I think.

The scene at the White House with FDR and Churchill was priceless.

This one was a five-star rating for me. I would have loved history in college if I had a teacher skilled in storytelling like Erik Larson