The Churchills: In Love And War (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
This was a very enjoyable read. Of course it was mostly about Winston, but it was also an interesting account of the famous ancestors and other,lesser known, family members. There is adequate coverage of the military and political careers of the main characters, but the story of their personal lives and family relationships is what makes this fun to read. The way the British upper classes intermarried, and produced off-spring from extra-marital affairs, causes a lot of confusing connectedness within families. and this author does a good job of sorting most of it out. Winston and his wife appear to have been exceptional in their devotion to each other, maybe because they spent so much time apart. This was my first experience with a "Churchill" book and I quite enjoyed it. There were far too many people for me to keep proper track of, so a more extensive family tree may have helped, but it was okay. The layout was good - chronologically covering what happened in each of the main "characters'" lives. The only downside for me was that I just simply could not believe the sheer volume of divorce and adultery that went on. Honestly, even the people who married for love couldn't keep it in their pants. But a true story is what it is, so that's not at all the author's fault. Apart from that, my only other gripe would be that I was getting to the "just die already" feeling by the time I was finished. I was well and truly ready for it to end. Though I cried when it did.Left me feeling much more informed and very sympathetic towards Winston in particular, though I can't say I'd want to have known the man personally.
What do You think about The Churchills: In Love And War (2011)?
gossipy and light for the subject matter but as interesting as the characters it portraits
—hanstupu
Such a great read! Not dry like most history either.
—Alzira
Fascinating especially if you like Downton Abbey.
—merrie_maggie
