The Splendid and the Vile by Erik Larson-5 stars(POLL)

[Booknblues]

It seems especially fitting in this time of COVID 19 to read Erik Larson's latest The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz to remind ourselves that the world has gone through other hard times and what a true leader looks like.

Those who have read other Larson Books are aware of both his research and readability which makes his books exceptional among historical nonfiction. I am a fan to begin with and a student of World War II history, so I couldn't help being enthralled with this book. Larson has used many direct quotes so the book reads much like a novel. We are introduce to many characters which peopled Churchill's life thereby giving it a fullness.

I loved being reminded of things which Churchill said that gave comfort and strength during this difficult time for the United Kingdom:

“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.”

“It would be foolish to disguise the gravity of the hour,” he said. “It would be still more foolish to lose heart and courage.”

“In these dark days the Prime Minister would be grateful if all his colleagues in the Government, as well as high officials, would maintain a high morale in their circles; not minimizing the gravity of events, but showing confidence in our ability and inflexible resolve to continue the war till we have broken the will of the enemy to bring all Europe under his domination.”

“We shall go on to the end,” he said, in a crescendo of ferocity and confidence. “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—” As the House roared its approval, Churchill muttered to a colleague, “And…we will fight them with the butt end of broken bottles, because that’s bloody well all we’ve got.”

“Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few.”

Reading The Splendid and the Vile, I was again reminded about how difficult and tenuous life was in England in 1940 to the end of 1941 when they were essentially fighting the battle against Hitler alone.

I encourage all who are fans of Larson or World War II history buffs to read this.

[Nicole R]

I have not read much by Larson, but what I have I really enjoyed! He seems to be that author that is perpetually on my TBR but rarely filters to the top...I need to remedy that.

[Booknblues]

Nicole R wrote: "I have not read much by Larson, but what I have I really enjoyed! He seems to be that author that is perpetually on my TBR but rarely filters to the top...I need to remedy that."

I really think that you would enjoy this one. It did take me a bit longer to read. I'm glad I did, because I learned a lot about Churchill and those around him, as well as life in London and England under the blitz.

[Jgrace]

Booknblues wrote: "Nicole R wrote: "I have not read much by Larson, but what I have I really enjoyed! He seems to be that author that is perpetually on my TBR but rarely filters to the top...I need to remedy that."

..."

Once again, you beat me to it. My son gave me a 6 month Book-of-the-Month subscription for Christmas. This is one of three books still waiting for me... and waiting....

I think this will be up next when I'm done with The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism.

[Booknblues]

Jgrace wrote: "Once again, you beat me to it. My son gave me a 6 month Book-of-the-Month subscription for Christmas. This is one of three books still waiting for me... and waiting....."

There are some books< which I can't resist and I end up preordering them, this was one of them. When I do that, I feel like I need to read them ASAP to justify that.

I don't always manage.

I adore Theodore Roosevelt, but I haven't read that and I have a couple which have been on my TBR for years.

[Joanne]

I am at the top of the list for this one...when the library re-opens*heavy sigh* Great review

[Booknblues]

Joanne wrote: "I am at the top of the list for this one...when the library re-opens*heavy sigh* Great review"

This is one time I don't regret my overly large real TBR.

[Joanne]

Love that 2nd quote-posting it to my FB page

[Booknblues]

Joanne wrote: "Love that 2nd quote-posting it to my FB page"

I was so impressed by what he said and what he did during this time. He was an amazing man.

[Joy D]

I loved this book! Glad you enjoyed it too, Booknblues!

[Booknblues]

Joy D wrote: "I loved this book! Glad you enjoyed it too, Booknblues!"

It was very good and I think helped me to develop some perspective of earth shattering events.

[NancyJ]

Great review. I like Larsen, and after reading Life After Life, I want to read more about this time in England's history.

[Booknblues]

NancyJ wrote: "Great review. I like Larsen, and after reading Life After Life, I want to read more about this time in England's history."

It is an amazing time. I am in awe of those people.