Javier Centellas’s Reviews > The Last Great Frenchman: A Life of General De Gaulle > Status Update

Read another chapter ("Who is Fighting Whom?"). I know I'm reading this in retrospect, but good god, the in fighting between the British and French was so stupid. How did they possibly manage to win the war with so much childish squabbling? I do like how this section gave some context for the Vichy regime, I would like for more though in future chapters. I only have about 3 pages so far.

Final update from the snow shutdown, read a bit about de Gaulle's adventures in Africa. I kinda forgot about Mers el-Kébir, glad this book went into it. Surprised how naïve the British were when it came to diplomacy with Pétain's Vichy regime. I would have liked a chapter about how the Vichy government was set up and operated, even if it breaks from de Gaulle's story.

Final update from the snow lockdown,

Finished the final chapter ("Is he the new Napoleon?") of the second section ("Soldier"). Surprising to me how short the ~30 years of WW1, the Polish-Russian war, the interwar years, and WW2 are covered. (Although I suppose the rest of the war is still to play out). Surprising how cinematic his relationship with Pétain was. Comparing de Gaulle to Robespierre is interesting. Shocking how cowardly the rest of France is

French politics are so stupid

Mrs. Wiltcher is NOT A FAN of de Gaulle.

A little surprising to see how about half of this chapter is just dedicated to describing the Fashoda & Dreyfus affairs. I suppose it does give proper context for the young Charles’ upbringing. Surprising to see how much of a conservative/monarchist Charles’ father was.

Got this book for free from the school library. I knew a little about Charles de Gaulle, but only when it comes to World War II. I like how this author openly says he’s going to tell de Gaulle’s life like a story. Interesting to read about a period of French strength & security at a time when France seems on the brink of collapse & failure, since this book was written in 1993.