This book is exactly what the title states-- a portrait of the intimate side of Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill's friendship.

The story itself chronicles their relationship and provides some insight into their personalities, strengths and weaknesses, and how their interactions were unique. Interesting insight into two people who helped shape the world as partners through World War II. Meacham looks behind the masks to the very human men underneath-- shows how often they were tired, sick, run-down. He also provides insight into what motivated them, their common ground as friends and the way they weathered their differences. They both had their quirks-- Churchill would wander into Roosevelt's room late at night in his multi-colored bathrobe and slippers to talk about an idea that has just occurred to him, and one sees an unsightly part of Roosevelt-- a deceptive and egotistical side.

While it is interesting reading, I was having troubles with the fluidity of the book because Meacham uses so many direct quotes! The best parts were when Meacham put things in his own words, such as in the Epilogue.