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The Churchill Secret KBO
A story of great human triumph in the life of the much loved Winston Churchill on the fiftieth anniversary of his death.
1953 is synonymous in the British memory with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, but less well known is what happened in 10 Downing Street on June 23. With Anthony Eden vying for power, the elderly Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, must maintain the confidence of his government, the press and the public.
However, after a diplomatic dinner in which he is on typically sparkling form, Churchill's Italian dining companions are rushed out of the building and his doctor called. The Prime Minister has had a stroke. Churchill is bedbound throughout the summer, and while secrecy agreements have been struck with leading newspaper barons, the potential impact of his health on public life is never far from the minds of his inner circle.
With the help of a devoted young nurse and his indomitable wife, Clementine, Churchill gradually recoups his health. But will he be fit enough to represent Britain on the world stage?
'The Churchill Secret KBO' is to be made into a major ITV drama to be broadcast in the UK in autumn 2015.
1953 is synonymous in the British memory with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, but less well known is what happened in 10 Downing Street on June 23. With Anthony Eden vying for power, the elderly Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, must maintain the confidence of his government, the press and the public.
However, after a diplomatic dinner in which he is on typically sparkling form, Churchill's Italian dining companions are rushed out of the building and his doctor called. The Prime Minister has had a stroke. Churchill is bedbound throughout the summer, and while secrecy agreements have been struck with leading newspaper barons, the potential impact of his health on public life is never far from the minds of his inner circle.
With the help of a devoted young nurse and his indomitable wife, Clementine, Churchill gradually recoups his health. But will he be fit enough to represent Britain on the world stage?
'The Churchill Secret KBO' is to be made into a major ITV drama to be broadcast in the UK in autumn 2015.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2015
17 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Smith
292 books15 followersJonathan Smith was born in Wales in 1942 and went to Christ College, Brecon. He read English at Cambridge, taught at Loretto School, Edinburgh and in Melbourne, and from the late 1960s onwards at Tonbridge School, where he was head of English for 17 years. He is married and lives in Kent.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 11, 2015
On the 23rd June, 1953, Winston Churchill was entertaining guests at Downing Street when he suddenly collapsed. His hopeful successor-in-waiting, Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, was in America, having surgery to correct a previously botched operation. At a time when Churchill was supposed to be sailing to Bermuda to meet President Eisenhower for a summit, and the Cold War over-shadowed Europe, England had no leader. This is the story of how Churchill’s inner circle – with the collusion of the government, and even some of the press – conspired to keep the news of his health scare secret.
This book wonderfully re-imagines what could have happened during those months when it was touch and go whether or not Churchill would survive his stroke. We see things mainly through the eyes of Churchill’s wife, Clementine, who is desperate for him to retire, his old friend, and doctor, Charles, Lord Moran, the Prime Minister’s Private Secretary Jock Colville and a young nurse, Millie Appleyard, who arrives at Chartwell to care for her eminent patient, under strict secrecy. There are gentle power plays between Moran and Colville, secret meetings, intense secrecy and a stricken Eden waiting, in the wings, for Churchill to pass on the baton…
Churchill himself is just how you imagine him to be – irascible, difficult, a showman, opinionated, vulnerable, flawed and incredibly intelligent. Always with one eye on Clementine’s possible objections, Churchill really comes alive during his time spent with Nurse Appleyard. Their discussions of books and poetry allow his personality to flourish on the page. This book is a delight and I recommend it highly. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
This book wonderfully re-imagines what could have happened during those months when it was touch and go whether or not Churchill would survive his stroke. We see things mainly through the eyes of Churchill’s wife, Clementine, who is desperate for him to retire, his old friend, and doctor, Charles, Lord Moran, the Prime Minister’s Private Secretary Jock Colville and a young nurse, Millie Appleyard, who arrives at Chartwell to care for her eminent patient, under strict secrecy. There are gentle power plays between Moran and Colville, secret meetings, intense secrecy and a stricken Eden waiting, in the wings, for Churchill to pass on the baton…
Churchill himself is just how you imagine him to be – irascible, difficult, a showman, opinionated, vulnerable, flawed and incredibly intelligent. Always with one eye on Clementine’s possible objections, Churchill really comes alive during his time spent with Nurse Appleyard. Their discussions of books and poetry allow his personality to flourish on the page. This book is a delight and I recommend it highly. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
March 11, 2015
Excellent fictional imagining of the crisis faced by the UK in 1953 when the two most powerful men in the UK were incapacitated
Jonathan Smith has utilised the diaries of Churchill’s doctor and private secretary to produce a compelling fly on the wall fictional account of the political and personal machinations created by the simultaneous illness of Churchill and Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden in the summer of 1953. Churchill’s illness was kept secret and didn’ t reach the public domain until his doctor published his memoirs fifteen months after Churchill’s death.
The book describes the conflict between Churchill’s doctor and private secretary over how the news is handled and their prickly personal relationship. Smith’s words also seem to give us a great personal insight into Churchill’s personality away from the glare of the public, particularly in his personal dealing with his wife and staff, but more intimately with the nurse who is provided to look after him. Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not suggesting an affair between Churchill and his nurse , but it’s his closeness to this fictional character and his sharing of his previous exploits and experiences with her that for me is the highlight of the book.
All in all a quick, (only 224 pages), easy to read, fascinating and well constructed account of what might have gone on in the summer of 1953.
In case you were wondering KBO stands for “Keep buggering on” a famous Churchillian turn of phrase and the book is being adapted into a major TV drama.
Jonathan Smith has utilised the diaries of Churchill’s doctor and private secretary to produce a compelling fly on the wall fictional account of the political and personal machinations created by the simultaneous illness of Churchill and Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden in the summer of 1953. Churchill’s illness was kept secret and didn’ t reach the public domain until his doctor published his memoirs fifteen months after Churchill’s death.
The book describes the conflict between Churchill’s doctor and private secretary over how the news is handled and their prickly personal relationship. Smith’s words also seem to give us a great personal insight into Churchill’s personality away from the glare of the public, particularly in his personal dealing with his wife and staff, but more intimately with the nurse who is provided to look after him. Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not suggesting an affair between Churchill and his nurse , but it’s his closeness to this fictional character and his sharing of his previous exploits and experiences with her that for me is the highlight of the book.
All in all a quick, (only 224 pages), easy to read, fascinating and well constructed account of what might have gone on in the summer of 1953.
In case you were wondering KBO stands for “Keep buggering on” a famous Churchillian turn of phrase and the book is being adapted into a major TV drama.
July 27, 2015
Jonathan Smith makes the point that there were three important events in 1953: the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the ascent of Everest by Hilary and Tenzing and the recapture of the Ashes in the Fifth Test at The Oval.
He goes on to say that this is not to disregard such things as the terrible floods on the east coast of England, which killed over 300 and left 30,000 homeless, and the deaths of Stalin, Kathleen Ferrier and Dylan Thomas. But what was disregarded, chiefly because of the press embargo placed upon it, was what happened at 10 Downing Street on 23 June when Prime Minister Winston Churchill suffered a stroke.
Churchill was transported to his country residence at Chartwell and there the drama unfolded in the presence of his wife, Lady Clementine, Jock Colville, his secretary, Lord Moran, his secretary and, in this fictionalised account, Nurse Millie Appleyard. The other two principal characters in the drama were Anthony Eden and his American surgeon Dr Richard Cattell. Passing through are the three major newspaper magnates who are persuaded to keep the story under wraps.
The highly dramatic story tells of Churchill's fight to regain his health and his decision to continue as Prime Minister once he had recovered. This is set against the illness of Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, who finally recovered on holiday in the Greek Islands and the possibility of his being replaced as Prime Minister.
Nurse Appleyard is entirely fictional but the author blends her splendidly into the story with her caring and sympathetic understanding of her patient's demeanour one of the charming threads to Churchill's recovery. And her relationship with Churchill is one which develops and in which there is mutual respect. She is from quite a different background than Churchill and at one point she does make a
a point when she says, 'Never seen so many books. There are books everywhere, all over the house.' [I did wonder if she had visited my house, too!]
Once he had regained consciousness Churchill's impatience, his suffering from what he called the Black Dog, his relationship with his wife and also with his doctor and to a lesser degree his secretary plus his utter determination to carry on (KBO - Keep Buggering On) are explored in great detail. And it all climaxes with his decision, much against everyone's wishes, to deliver the Prime Minister's speech at the party conference in Margate. Needless to say, it was a great success.
It is an invigorating story, beautifully told, that captures a moment in history and (even though fictionalised) gives food for thought into the life and character of one of Britain's great statesmen.
He goes on to say that this is not to disregard such things as the terrible floods on the east coast of England, which killed over 300 and left 30,000 homeless, and the deaths of Stalin, Kathleen Ferrier and Dylan Thomas. But what was disregarded, chiefly because of the press embargo placed upon it, was what happened at 10 Downing Street on 23 June when Prime Minister Winston Churchill suffered a stroke.
Churchill was transported to his country residence at Chartwell and there the drama unfolded in the presence of his wife, Lady Clementine, Jock Colville, his secretary, Lord Moran, his secretary and, in this fictionalised account, Nurse Millie Appleyard. The other two principal characters in the drama were Anthony Eden and his American surgeon Dr Richard Cattell. Passing through are the three major newspaper magnates who are persuaded to keep the story under wraps.
The highly dramatic story tells of Churchill's fight to regain his health and his decision to continue as Prime Minister once he had recovered. This is set against the illness of Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, who finally recovered on holiday in the Greek Islands and the possibility of his being replaced as Prime Minister.
Nurse Appleyard is entirely fictional but the author blends her splendidly into the story with her caring and sympathetic understanding of her patient's demeanour one of the charming threads to Churchill's recovery. And her relationship with Churchill is one which develops and in which there is mutual respect. She is from quite a different background than Churchill and at one point she does make a
a point when she says, 'Never seen so many books. There are books everywhere, all over the house.' [I did wonder if she had visited my house, too!]
Once he had regained consciousness Churchill's impatience, his suffering from what he called the Black Dog, his relationship with his wife and also with his doctor and to a lesser degree his secretary plus his utter determination to carry on (KBO - Keep Buggering On) are explored in great detail. And it all climaxes with his decision, much against everyone's wishes, to deliver the Prime Minister's speech at the party conference in Margate. Needless to say, it was a great success.
It is an invigorating story, beautifully told, that captures a moment in history and (even though fictionalised) gives food for thought into the life and character of one of Britain's great statesmen.
wish-list
January 15, 2015Description: Nineteen-fifty-three is synonymous in the British memory with the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June. But less well known is what happened in 10 Downing Street on 23 June. With Anthony Eden vying for power, the elderly Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, must maintain the confidence of his government, the press and the public. But after a diplomatic dinner in which he is on typically sparkling form, Churchill's Italian dining companions are rushed out of the building and his doctor called. The Prime Minister has had a stroke. Churchill is bedbound throughout the summer, and while secrecy agreements have been struck with leading newspaper barons, the potential impact of his health on public life is never far from the minds of his inner circle. With the help of a devoted young nurse and his indomitable wife, Clementine, Churchill gradually recoups his health. But will he be fit enough to represent Britain on the world stage?
February 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this charming story by the author of the equally enjoyable Summer in February. This novel offers the reader an intimate peep at a tiny but critical part of the life of Winston Churchill. In 1953 Churchill sustained a stroke which was covered up by the press and his private secretary. He was whisked off to recuperate in the beautiful surroundings of Chartwell where he was cared for by his personal doctor and a young nurse along with his wife Clementine. Amazingly he recuperated enough to make a rousing speech at the party conference in Margate in the autumn. Recommended.
May 26, 2015
I'm quite puzzled by the good reviews I've read about this book.
I bought this book without reading any, thinking it would be a great book, even if partially fiction, about Winston's Churchill's stroke, but in the end, I was quite disappointed by this book.
The real problem of this book is how everything is predictable: Winston's wife is worried sick, his doctor is calm and severe, and doesn't get along with the others who are from another social class.
The young nurse if, of course, a dedicated young woman, perfect, nearly a saint, who, of course, loves reading.
And well, there is nothing else in this book, only discussions between some characters.
The only chapters that are quite interesting are the ones about Anthony Eden who is in an hospital in the US.
I hope the writer, Jonathan Smith, didn't think he would surprise the readers when Winston decides, after the stroke, to keep being the prime minister and force Eden to wait?
I've seen that coming long before reading it...
I bought this book without reading any, thinking it would be a great book, even if partially fiction, about Winston's Churchill's stroke, but in the end, I was quite disappointed by this book.
The real problem of this book is how everything is predictable: Winston's wife is worried sick, his doctor is calm and severe, and doesn't get along with the others who are from another social class.
The young nurse if, of course, a dedicated young woman, perfect, nearly a saint, who, of course, loves reading.
And well, there is nothing else in this book, only discussions between some characters.
The only chapters that are quite interesting are the ones about Anthony Eden who is in an hospital in the US.
I hope the writer, Jonathan Smith, didn't think he would surprise the readers when Winston decides, after the stroke, to keep being the prime minister and force Eden to wait?
I've seen that coming long before reading it...
April 30, 2015
I enjoyed this book, especially Winston's dialogue - you could hear his voice in your mind as you read the words. Very skilful writing. If you're after an action-packed, fast-paced book then The Churchill Secret is not for you. If you are in search of a well written, evoking and intelligent 'quick read' of sorts, then I would definitely recommend this book.
July 13, 2021
A very quick read which despite being less than 200 pages long, could have been covered in even fewer pages.
August 22, 2017
I'm probably the wrong audience for this little book. Someone who's mad about Churchill would certainly find it fascinating. Me - not so much.
It covers the period in 1953 when Winston Churchill had a stroke and it was kept secret from the public and parliament. By its nature, that was never going to be an exciting story - we spend most of it stuck in Churchill's bedroom as he lies unresponsive. Also, of course, the writer is limited by writing about real people: I felt that although the writer was willing to put words in their mouth, he told us about their characters rather than getting deep into their personas, so none of them came off the page for me. The one character who seemed real was the nurse, who was a complete invention!
It covers the period in 1953 when Winston Churchill had a stroke and it was kept secret from the public and parliament. By its nature, that was never going to be an exciting story - we spend most of it stuck in Churchill's bedroom as he lies unresponsive. Also, of course, the writer is limited by writing about real people: I felt that although the writer was willing to put words in their mouth, he told us about their characters rather than getting deep into their personas, so none of them came off the page for me. The one character who seemed real was the nurse, who was a complete invention!
November 29, 2022
I wasn't sure what to expect with this and I'm still not sure why I chose to read it as I dislike politics in all its forms, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe because it was fiction but all of it was entirely believable. Did any of it, or did all of it happen? Only the people involved know the truth and even then, it's their truth they chose to convey to the world. Very much food for thought. Loved it!
April 30, 2020
The beginning half was pretty good but once you get to the middle of the book - which it doesnt have chapters btw - it begins getting boring, at least in my opinion. Even though i am a content creator and busy with that, it took my a whole month to read this. I know i am a slow reader but dang! Was hoping this could have been better.
March 26, 2017
This book interested me as I'm interested in the TV production. While I enjoyed the story, I felt it was a little slow moving and flat. It picked up at the end, but I almost gave up on it. I'll still watch the TV production.
July 25, 2017
It was okay, distinctly average I'd say. Well researched and mildly enjoyable. Worth a read? I'm not sure. I learnt more about Churchill which was interesting, but I wasn't thrilled to keep picking it up. 2.5 stars.
April 26, 2022
It's a 3.5 from me, a very readable and entertaining account of a few days in the political life of 1953, when both Churchill and Eden ( as PM and foreign secretary) were laid low by illness. It's cleverly done.
July 11, 2017
Ever so nearly 5... so close....
December 30, 2017
Enjoyable, quick read which to me, captures the nature & the essence of the great man.
March 9, 2018
I enjoyed the book. Some historical information about Churchill that I didn't know. Most of the members enjoyed it too, a little disappointed that thee nurse was fictional though.
August 18, 2020
It was ok. A while-the-time kind of book, but nothing earthshaking.
November 25, 2021
A quick entertaining read
December 23, 2016
An OK, quick read.
February 2, 2017
A very compact little page turner based on real events that are not by any standard spectacular but do let the reader into Churchill's inner circle during a period of ill-health. The book relied heavily on diaries written by Churchill's close confidantes so there are times you believe you are reading from their manuscripts. That may be testimony to the authors skill, nonetheless it felt like the narrative thread was very much driven by a real timeline. How much of the book is a fiction as opposed to an interpretation of events is the question I had to keep asking myself. Churchill's nurse is acknowledged as a fictional character and it is through her primarily the author gives us insight into his character which is perhaps predictably, sympathetic, stoic and charming. But is it the imagining of the author or based on other more private diaries, remembering the nurse was sworn to secrecy, a quality lacking in Churchill's personal Doctor, Lord Moran, and his personal assistant Colville, who provide source material for this book.
I did feel the book was a rather gentle introduction to a man with a significant back story and as a primer it works very well, because I am now keen to learn a little more about the man who was quite clearly not only a genius but one of the greatest motivators and communicators of all time.
The book will not hold you up and might just turn you to revisiting some history.
I did feel the book was a rather gentle introduction to a man with a significant back story and as a primer it works very well, because I am now keen to learn a little more about the man who was quite clearly not only a genius but one of the greatest motivators and communicators of all time.
The book will not hold you up and might just turn you to revisiting some history.
October 11, 2016
I got this book after watching the recent PBS Masterpiece Theater film "Churchill's Secret" based on the book. I thought it was well done and hoped to get a bit more depth and insight from the book, but was disappointed. In fact, the film did a better job of fleshing out the characters surrounding Churchill at the time of his stroke, including his children which were barely mentioned in the book. If you didn't catch the film, the book might be a better read.
January 9, 2017
It's sadness, sadness is horrible feeling... it's full of emotions... It's a image of conflicts, troubles and problems, it's one big secret. What will happen will churchill die? When he will die? ANd how?
What happens really with churchill, how fast does it happen?
Many questions a lot of answers, another great work!
For the Churchill lovers the best book, ever written so far...
What happens really with churchill, how fast does it happen?
Many questions a lot of answers, another great work!
For the Churchill lovers the best book, ever written so far...
March 25, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The writing is smooth and rings true. It is based on true facts which made it all the more interesting. The author has done well in bringing his characters to life. And the ending is powerful.
February 26, 2016
a little odd...read like a play.
April 30, 2016
Glad this was a short book - not enough meat, too narrow a subject perhaps. Story based on what might have happened when Winston Churchill had a stroke in 1953 and how it was covered up.
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March 12, 2017Used for a PBS show, this tells the story of the time when Winston Churchill had a slight stroke in 1953 and all the measures taken to keep it a secret and his recovery.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews