Play Book Tag discussion

The Splendid and the Vile / Erik Larson
2.25 stars

This book follows Winston Churchill during the Blitz (WWII) in London during 1940-1941. It not only looks at what is happening, politically and in the war, but also follows his family: his wife, Clementine; his daughter, Mary (17 in 1940, I think), who was sent outside London at this time; his son, Randolph, who married, but continue to cheat on his wife, despite having a new baby, gambled, drank, and just generally behaved badly.

From my description, you can guess that I found the personal/family stuff much more interesting in this book. It’s unfortunate, because Erik Larson is probably one of my favourite nonfiction writers, but this one just did not get my attention (I was NOT listening to the audio, either). I’m sure I missed even much of the personal stuff, but of what I did take in, that was the stuff that did keep my attention, even if briefly. One of the “stories” that I liked was Mary out dancing with friends when a bomb hit the club they were in (there is more to it – I just don’t want to give it away). There were bits and pieces of info from Germany, and from the U.S., as Churchill really wanted the help of the Americans. This one, obviously not for me (unfortunately).

Sorry to hear you didn't care much for it. I absolutely loved it. I think readers of WWII history will enjoy it. The personal parts about Churchill and his family (and how they spent time outside London) aren't often covered in other histories of the period.

Joy D wrote: "Sorry to hear you didn't care much for it. I absolutely loved it. I think readers of WWII history will enjoy it. The personal parts about Churchill and his family (and how they spent time outside L..."

I do enjoy WWII history, too, though. Not sure why it didn't draw me in, I know it did most people.

I got stuck about a third of the way through this one, even though I've enjoyed this writer's other books.

Robin P wrote: "I got stuck about a third of the way through this one, even though I've enjoyed this writer's other books."

Thanks, Robin. I feel better that I'm not the only one! I thought I might be!

LibraryCin wrote: "I do enjoy WWII history, too, though. Not sure why it didn't draw me in, I know it did most people ..."

I know what you mean. I am often out of step with the majority of readers. It happens. I have also enjoyed Larson's other books. He has a nice approach to narrative non-fiction.

One of the mods, perhaps it was BNB, had this as a five star read on her shelf. I also noticed it on the top 100 non-fiction books. This is what happens when you catch me a few days after a deep dive.

5 star read for me too and in my top ten that year (2020 I think)

Joanne wrote: "5 star read for me too and in my top ten that year (2020 I think)"
Me,too!

Amy wrote: "One of the mods, perhaps it was BNB, had this as a five star read on her shelf. I also noticed it on the top 100 non-fiction books. This is what happens when you catch me a few days after a deep dive."

LOL! No worries! I'm sure there are LOTS of people who gave this 5 stars!