What do you think?
Rate this book
John Murray The Stalin Affair The Impossible Alliance that Won the War (International Edition).
A BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK
A SPECTATOR BOOK OF THE YEAR
'Hugely enjoyable' The Spectator
'Delivered with flamboyance, it features a sparkling cast of chancers' KATJA HOYER, Daily Telegraph 5* review
'Page-turning . . . a sizzling high-stakes tale' JAMES HOLLAND
'This book might read like the screenplay of a gripping movie, yet every word is accurate and verified' ANDREW ROBERTS
'Giles Milton is a phenomenon' DAN SNOW
'Another rollercoaster ride from Giles Milton. Endlessly surprising' ANTHONY HOROWITZ
From internationally bestselling historian Giles Milton comes the remarkable true story of the Allies' secret mission to wartime Moscow.
In the summer of 1941, as Hitler invaded the Soviet Union, Stalin's forces faced a catastrophic defeat which would make the Allies' liberation of Europe virtually impossible. To avert this disaster, Britain and America mobilized an elite team of remarkable diplomats with the mission of keeping the Red Army in the war.
Into the heart of Stalin's Moscow Roosevelt sent Averell Harriman, the fourth richest man in America and his brilliant young daughter Kathy. Churchill dispatched the reckless but inventive bon vivant Archie Clark Kerr - and occasionally himself - to negotiate with the Kremlin's wiliest operators. Together, this improbable group grappled with the ingenious, mercurial Stalin to make victory possible. But they also discovered that the Soviet dictator had a terrifying masterplan for the post-war world.
Based on astonishing unpublished diaries, letters and secret reports, The Stalin Affair reveals troves of new material about the most unlikely coalition in history.
A SPECTATOR BOOK OF THE YEAR
'Hugely enjoyable' The Spectator
'Delivered with flamboyance, it features a sparkling cast of chancers' KATJA HOYER, Daily Telegraph 5* review
'Page-turning . . . a sizzling high-stakes tale' JAMES HOLLAND
'This book might read like the screenplay of a gripping movie, yet every word is accurate and verified' ANDREW ROBERTS
'Giles Milton is a phenomenon' DAN SNOW
'Another rollercoaster ride from Giles Milton. Endlessly surprising' ANTHONY HOROWITZ
From internationally bestselling historian Giles Milton comes the remarkable true story of the Allies' secret mission to wartime Moscow.
In the summer of 1941, as Hitler invaded the Soviet Union, Stalin's forces faced a catastrophic defeat which would make the Allies' liberation of Europe virtually impossible. To avert this disaster, Britain and America mobilized an elite team of remarkable diplomats with the mission of keeping the Red Army in the war.
Into the heart of Stalin's Moscow Roosevelt sent Averell Harriman, the fourth richest man in America and his brilliant young daughter Kathy. Churchill dispatched the reckless but inventive bon vivant Archie Clark Kerr - and occasionally himself - to negotiate with the Kremlin's wiliest operators. Together, this improbable group grappled with the ingenious, mercurial Stalin to make victory possible. But they also discovered that the Soviet dictator had a terrifying masterplan for the post-war world.
Based on astonishing unpublished diaries, letters and secret reports, The Stalin Affair reveals troves of new material about the most unlikely coalition in history.
384 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2024
139 people are currently reading
6876 people want to read
About the author
Giles Milton
40 books584 followersBritish writer and journalist Giles Milton was born in Buckinghamshire in 1966. He has contributed articles for most of the British national newspapers as well as many foreign publications, and specializes in the history of travel and exploration. In the course of his researches, he has traveled extensively in Europe, the Middle East, Japan and the Far East, and the Americas.
Knowledgeable, insatiably curious and entertaining, Milton locates history's most fascinating—and most overlooked—stories and brings them to life in his books.
He lives in London, where he is a member of the Hakluyt Society, which is dedicated to reprinting the works of explorers and adventurers in scholarly editions, some of which he uses in his research. He wrote most of Samurai William in the London Library, where he loves the "huge reading room, large Victorian desks and creaking armchairs". At home and while traveling, he is ever on the lookout for new untold stories. Apparently he began researching the life of Sir John Mandeville for his book The Riddle and the Knight after Mandeville’s book Travels "literally fell off the shelf of a Paris bookstore" in which he was browsing.
Copyright BookBrowse.com 2007
Knowledgeable, insatiably curious and entertaining, Milton locates history's most fascinating—and most overlooked—stories and brings them to life in his books.
He lives in London, where he is a member of the Hakluyt Society, which is dedicated to reprinting the works of explorers and adventurers in scholarly editions, some of which he uses in his research. He wrote most of Samurai William in the London Library, where he loves the "huge reading room, large Victorian desks and creaking armchairs". At home and while traveling, he is ever on the lookout for new untold stories. Apparently he began researching the life of Sir John Mandeville for his book The Riddle and the Knight after Mandeville’s book Travels "literally fell off the shelf of a Paris bookstore" in which he was browsing.
Copyright BookBrowse.com 2007
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
July 16, 2024
Giles Milton is so damn good at this. "This" being writing history books that read like fictional dramas. His latest, The Stalin Affair, is as great as I had hoped. Milton looks at the doomed World War II bromance of Churchill, Stalin, and Roosevelt. For those of you who rolled their eyes at a history reviewer using the word "bromance", please read the book and tell me what word works better. There are specific episodes in this book which read like high school drama only with the fate of the free world on the line.
What I appreciate so much about Milton's writing is how he packs each page with information while making it feel like he is just chatting with you at a pub. Much of this book could read like an extremely boring rehash of diplomatic activities, but instead he makes it feel like a propulsive character drama.
And there is a lot of drama in The Stalin Affair. It is easy to forget that the Allies in World War II were not a collection of countries who loved each other while fighting evil. There were so many gray areas and conflicts that it seems amazing they ever worked together at all.
Milton also makes sure not to lose the other players in the drama. People who often become footnotes in other books, like Averell Harriman, his daughter Kathleen, and Archibald Clark Kerr, are given their due for making the successes of the Big 3 a reality. At the same time, Milton doesn't lose sight of the fact that the leaders of the free world were actively searching for the approval of one of the most evil men in history. This is all balanced out perfectly in the narrative and I could not put this book down.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Henry Holt and Company.)
What I appreciate so much about Milton's writing is how he packs each page with information while making it feel like he is just chatting with you at a pub. Much of this book could read like an extremely boring rehash of diplomatic activities, but instead he makes it feel like a propulsive character drama.
And there is a lot of drama in The Stalin Affair. It is easy to forget that the Allies in World War II were not a collection of countries who loved each other while fighting evil. There were so many gray areas and conflicts that it seems amazing they ever worked together at all.
Milton also makes sure not to lose the other players in the drama. People who often become footnotes in other books, like Averell Harriman, his daughter Kathleen, and Archibald Clark Kerr, are given their due for making the successes of the Big 3 a reality. At the same time, Milton doesn't lose sight of the fact that the leaders of the free world were actively searching for the approval of one of the most evil men in history. This is all balanced out perfectly in the narrative and I could not put this book down.
(This book was provided as an advance copy by Netgalley and Henry Holt and Company.)
September 21, 2024
This book was just what I wanted. First, it got me out of a funk from reading too much mediocre fiction. Second, it taught me a lot. I have already read a lot about WWII, but I know embarrassingly little about Stalin. Now I want to read more. He is a major figure in this book, as is Churchill (Roosevelt has a somewhat lesser presence), but the book also focuses on the various emissaries and ambassadors. These were the people who carried out the tricky diplomacy needed to successfully unify the efforts of Russia, England and the United States against Nazi Germany. Stalin wasn’t trusted, for good reasons, yet the three leaders managed to form personal relationships.
There is a lot of fascinating detail in this book. The author relied upon diaries, letters and other contemporaneous accounts, so we really get inside the negotiations and also the dinner parties. The author also did an excellent job of narrating the audiobook.
There is a lot of fascinating detail in this book. The author relied upon diaries, letters and other contemporaneous accounts, so we really get inside the negotiations and also the dinner parties. The author also did an excellent job of narrating the audiobook.
November 29, 2024
I enjoyed this, but it wasn’t what I expected!! I was anticipating this to be more about Stalin (and it was about him and his relationships with FDR and Churchill) but I didn’t think Averall Harriman was going to play such a big role! I learned a lot about him and the part he played in international affairs. I think this would have been a little more successful for me if I had read the physical book instead of listening to the audio. Some parts had so much new information that I had a hard time keeping up and processing all of it aurally. I learned a lot with this one, though!!! Hopefully it sticks 🤪
July 2, 2024
Excellent, well researched telling of this period of WWII lore. Sometimes the writing read like the author was reciting his notes (a little stiff) but it was very readable and engaging.
March 1, 2025
This book recounts how Churchill, Stalin and Roosevelt came together to win the war against Hitler and it’s certainly one of the best history books I’ve read. It’s not based on dry facts and figures but on anecdotes and personal information and actual conversations those mentioned below had with Stalin, all skilfully woven together by the author to provide a real page turner.
Most of the information on which the text is based comes from the letters, etc of Averell Harriman - a multi millionaire businessman sent to England by Roosevelt to assess the situation there and help provide support to England - and those of his daughter Kathy who accompanies him, and those of the British diplomat, ‘Archie’ Kerr.
When Hitler invades Russia, Churchill decides that to defeat Hitler he must embrace the tyrant, Stalin, as an ally. Harriman becomes US ambassador to Moscow and Kerr Britain’s ambassador.
The experiences of these characters and others provide a fascinating insight into Stalin and the Soviet Union. The two ambassadors attend the tri-partitie meetings between the three war time leaders and have one on one meetings with him in Moscow.
A Jekyll and Hyde character, Stalin was often effusive in his praise and expressions of friendship but beneath his brutality remains undiminished and, as is well known, the alliance collapses almost as soon as the war ends. How different the world might have been had this not been so but the arc of history prevented that. Russia was invaded by Napoleon in the nineteenth century, and in WW2 on a much more apocalyptic scale by Hitler, and thus seeing a chance to throw up the protective buffer of Eastern Europe to prevent further invasion, Stalin took it. However, doing so meant installing puppet communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the raising of the Iron Curtain and start of the Cold War.
I’ll certainly be reading more by this talented author.
Most of the information on which the text is based comes from the letters, etc of Averell Harriman - a multi millionaire businessman sent to England by Roosevelt to assess the situation there and help provide support to England - and those of his daughter Kathy who accompanies him, and those of the British diplomat, ‘Archie’ Kerr.
When Hitler invades Russia, Churchill decides that to defeat Hitler he must embrace the tyrant, Stalin, as an ally. Harriman becomes US ambassador to Moscow and Kerr Britain’s ambassador.
The experiences of these characters and others provide a fascinating insight into Stalin and the Soviet Union. The two ambassadors attend the tri-partitie meetings between the three war time leaders and have one on one meetings with him in Moscow.
A Jekyll and Hyde character, Stalin was often effusive in his praise and expressions of friendship but beneath his brutality remains undiminished and, as is well known, the alliance collapses almost as soon as the war ends. How different the world might have been had this not been so but the arc of history prevented that. Russia was invaded by Napoleon in the nineteenth century, and in WW2 on a much more apocalyptic scale by Hitler, and thus seeing a chance to throw up the protective buffer of Eastern Europe to prevent further invasion, Stalin took it. However, doing so meant installing puppet communist regimes in Eastern Europe and the raising of the Iron Curtain and start of the Cold War.
I’ll certainly be reading more by this talented author.
August 9, 2024
I received an advanced reader copy of "The Stalin Affair" from Henry Holt publishing's Goodreads giveaway. Thanks very much for the opportunity to review this book!
I had mixed reactions while reading this book on the tumultuous relationship between Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill. The writing itself is very narrative which can be difficult to achieve while writing on historical subjects. Giles Milton had no issue keeping my interest and threw in enough jaw-dropping statistics and quotes to keep me flipping the page.
That said, I am a little confused on the goal of this book. It waffles back and forth from assuming the reader knows too much and then also majorly simplifying other parts. I know mainstream history books are often simplified (for good reason!) for readability and understanding. However, it seemed to come down somewhere in the middle. It seems as though those who may have studied historical topics or those who have read a good amount of history books would find it glaringly simplified - that is, I can't say I'm ultra-familiar with the "wooing" of Stalin by Churchill and Roosevelt, but I can recognize that the main individuals mentioned in this book are contained to only a handful. The battles and meetings of the war are simplified quickly and are definitely in the background - though it is a World War II book, there is not much about the war itself really explained or captured other than the actions of the major players' thoughts and impressions of each other.
If, therefore, I can understand that major parts of the war and many people were left out of the book (again, not necessarily a critique), then the assumption would be that this is for readers that may not have read much about these topics before - this is great and I support that wholeheartedly! The issue I have, though, is the lack of background offered for newer readers to understand and contextualize what is happening in the book. There is hardly any mention of the beginning of the war, what the British people went through that made Churchill so desperate for an ally in the USSR and the United States, where Stalin came from and the Soviet background (for example, it's not mentioned that Leningrad was and has been returned to the name St. Petersburg, which is important for modern readers to know, imo), the American people's love of Roosevelt and the Depression/New Deal, the reasons for US wishes to remain out of the war until Pearl Harbor, the reason why Britain had control over the Iranian railways, hardly anything about the war in the Pacific... the list could go on.
Overall, it was a pleasant read, and I did learn a fair amount from Milton's book. However, I do think there was an oversimplification of the facts and circumstances that may lead to dissatisfaction from both historians and newer history readers alike.
I had mixed reactions while reading this book on the tumultuous relationship between Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill. The writing itself is very narrative which can be difficult to achieve while writing on historical subjects. Giles Milton had no issue keeping my interest and threw in enough jaw-dropping statistics and quotes to keep me flipping the page.
That said, I am a little confused on the goal of this book. It waffles back and forth from assuming the reader knows too much and then also majorly simplifying other parts. I know mainstream history books are often simplified (for good reason!) for readability and understanding. However, it seemed to come down somewhere in the middle. It seems as though those who may have studied historical topics or those who have read a good amount of history books would find it glaringly simplified - that is, I can't say I'm ultra-familiar with the "wooing" of Stalin by Churchill and Roosevelt, but I can recognize that the main individuals mentioned in this book are contained to only a handful. The battles and meetings of the war are simplified quickly and are definitely in the background - though it is a World War II book, there is not much about the war itself really explained or captured other than the actions of the major players' thoughts and impressions of each other.
If, therefore, I can understand that major parts of the war and many people were left out of the book (again, not necessarily a critique), then the assumption would be that this is for readers that may not have read much about these topics before - this is great and I support that wholeheartedly! The issue I have, though, is the lack of background offered for newer readers to understand and contextualize what is happening in the book. There is hardly any mention of the beginning of the war, what the British people went through that made Churchill so desperate for an ally in the USSR and the United States, where Stalin came from and the Soviet background (for example, it's not mentioned that Leningrad was and has been returned to the name St. Petersburg, which is important for modern readers to know, imo), the American people's love of Roosevelt and the Depression/New Deal, the reasons for US wishes to remain out of the war until Pearl Harbor, the reason why Britain had control over the Iranian railways, hardly anything about the war in the Pacific... the list could go on.
Overall, it was a pleasant read, and I did learn a fair amount from Milton's book. However, I do think there was an oversimplification of the facts and circumstances that may lead to dissatisfaction from both historians and newer history readers alike.
September 16, 2024
I feel that this book was more about the sub-cabinet personnel during the war and the behind the scene personal affairs than anything related to the relationship between the three men. And, to be more honest, this was more of a story of Churchill and Stalin than Roosevelt. An interesting piece of history to those who are interested, but I feel there are better books out there than this one.
June 2, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. This was such a great look into the lives of Ambassadors Archie and Averell, who in turn interacted extensively with Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt (with the main focus being Stalin)
The story begins when the treaty between the Soviet Union and Germany ended due to Germany invading Russia in WWII. Churchill was concerned about Russia capitulating to Germany therefore there was a rush to create a union between England, the US, and Russia. The only problem was the Soviet Union’s ideals were opposite from Western ideals.
The Ambassadors played a huge role in bridging the relationship between the parties and it is fascinating to have a look into their lives and the impact they made. Averall and his daughter Kathy were really interesting to follow. Kathy’s memories were carefully documented by her letters and records that she had kept hidden for years. Kathy’s records were such a great addition and helped provide so much to this story.
It was interesting to get a closer look at the relationship of Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt. There is a feeling that no one quite knew how to read Stalin, and the Ambassadors’ knowledge of Stalin was important to Roosevelt and Churchill’s interactions with Stalin (if only they had listened more).
Reading this book also helps provide insight as to how the world got to where it did after WW2 and why the relationships soured. This book definitely makes you wonder what would have happened in the event England and the US had not come to the aid of the Soviet Union.
I highly recommend this book for history readers. The author does an amazing job of making this an enjoyable read with lots of storytelling involved. I had a hard time putting this book down when I started reading.
The story begins when the treaty between the Soviet Union and Germany ended due to Germany invading Russia in WWII. Churchill was concerned about Russia capitulating to Germany therefore there was a rush to create a union between England, the US, and Russia. The only problem was the Soviet Union’s ideals were opposite from Western ideals.
The Ambassadors played a huge role in bridging the relationship between the parties and it is fascinating to have a look into their lives and the impact they made. Averall and his daughter Kathy were really interesting to follow. Kathy’s memories were carefully documented by her letters and records that she had kept hidden for years. Kathy’s records were such a great addition and helped provide so much to this story.
It was interesting to get a closer look at the relationship of Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt. There is a feeling that no one quite knew how to read Stalin, and the Ambassadors’ knowledge of Stalin was important to Roosevelt and Churchill’s interactions with Stalin (if only they had listened more).
Reading this book also helps provide insight as to how the world got to where it did after WW2 and why the relationships soured. This book definitely makes you wonder what would have happened in the event England and the US had not come to the aid of the Soviet Union.
I highly recommend this book for history readers. The author does an amazing job of making this an enjoyable read with lots of storytelling involved. I had a hard time putting this book down when I started reading.
November 3, 2025
Followed on pretty much directly from the previous WW2 book (need new kindle content, send help). Much more nuanced description of all characters involved, including Churchill as proud and petulant, Roosevelt as unwell and naive. Enjoyed this much more
June 19, 2024
Very interesting Radio 4 book of the week
June 23, 2024
"The Stalin Affair" is a gripping account of a little-known episode in World War II history. Giles Milton, known for his talent in uncovering fascinating historical nuggets, doesn't disappoint with this tale of Allied diplomacy and intrigue in wartime Moscow.
Milton's narrative focuses on the Allied mission to secure Soviet cooperation against Nazi Germany, a task fraught with tension and high stakes. The author paints a vivid picture of the key players, from the enigmatic Stalin to the determined Allied diplomats, bringing to life the personalities that shaped this crucial period.
The book's strength lies in its meticulous research and Milton's ability to weave together complex historical threads into a readable, almost thriller-like narrative. He skillfully balances geopolitical analysis with personal anecdotes, giving readers both a broad understanding of the war's strategic landscape and intimate glimpses into the lives of those involved.
Particularly compelling is Milton's portrayal of the cultural clashes and misunderstandings between the Western Allies and the Soviets. These moments not only provide insight into the diplomatic challenges of the time but also offer a window into the roots of the Cold War that would follow.
While the book is generally excellent, it occasionally feels like it's stretching to maintain dramatic tension, sometimes at the expense of deeper analysis. Additionally, readers well-versed in World War II history might find some of the contextual information redundant.
Despite these minor quibbles, "The Stalin Affair" is a valuable addition to World War II literature. It sheds light on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of Allied strategy and offers a nuanced look at the complex relationship between the Western powers and the Soviet Union.
Milton's engaging prose and eye for telling details make this book accessible to both history buffs and casual readers alike. It's a solid 4 out of 5 stars – a compelling read that illuminates an important chapter in 20th-century history.
Milton's narrative focuses on the Allied mission to secure Soviet cooperation against Nazi Germany, a task fraught with tension and high stakes. The author paints a vivid picture of the key players, from the enigmatic Stalin to the determined Allied diplomats, bringing to life the personalities that shaped this crucial period.
The book's strength lies in its meticulous research and Milton's ability to weave together complex historical threads into a readable, almost thriller-like narrative. He skillfully balances geopolitical analysis with personal anecdotes, giving readers both a broad understanding of the war's strategic landscape and intimate glimpses into the lives of those involved.
Particularly compelling is Milton's portrayal of the cultural clashes and misunderstandings between the Western Allies and the Soviets. These moments not only provide insight into the diplomatic challenges of the time but also offer a window into the roots of the Cold War that would follow.
While the book is generally excellent, it occasionally feels like it's stretching to maintain dramatic tension, sometimes at the expense of deeper analysis. Additionally, readers well-versed in World War II history might find some of the contextual information redundant.
Despite these minor quibbles, "The Stalin Affair" is a valuable addition to World War II literature. It sheds light on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of Allied strategy and offers a nuanced look at the complex relationship between the Western powers and the Soviet Union.
Milton's engaging prose and eye for telling details make this book accessible to both history buffs and casual readers alike. It's a solid 4 out of 5 stars – a compelling read that illuminates an important chapter in 20th-century history.
December 22, 2024
The Stalin Affair is a solid entry point into the grand alliance that won WWII. Milton summarizes the actions of the Big 3, Stalin, Roosevelt and Churchill and their closest advisors and confidants who sustained this unlikely collaboration. Figures such as Kathy Harriman and British Ambassador Archibald Clark Kerr, as well as liabilities to the alliance such at the Katyn Massacre and a delayed second front (D-Day) are given their due after being overlooked in Western-centric histories.
Two glaring shortcomings are worth noting: Segments with Roosevelt are abbreviated to the point of disbelief. Stalin mentioned that the USSR could not win the war without America, yet Roosevelt and Harry Hopkins are third and fourth fiddle to America's ambassador, Averell Harriman, his daughter and Kerr. Secondly, The Potsdam Conference is entirely omitted save for a brief mention. Churchill and Roosevelt were gone by this point, but the war raged on with Stalin remaining a central figure in the fate of Europe.
Omissions aside, Giles Milton is a fantastic popular historian. The text is entertaining, well edited and wets the reader's appetite to learn more about this extraordinary time.
Two glaring shortcomings are worth noting: Segments with Roosevelt are abbreviated to the point of disbelief. Stalin mentioned that the USSR could not win the war without America, yet Roosevelt and Harry Hopkins are third and fourth fiddle to America's ambassador, Averell Harriman, his daughter and Kerr. Secondly, The Potsdam Conference is entirely omitted save for a brief mention. Churchill and Roosevelt were gone by this point, but the war raged on with Stalin remaining a central figure in the fate of Europe.
Omissions aside, Giles Milton is a fantastic popular historian. The text is entertaining, well edited and wets the reader's appetite to learn more about this extraordinary time.
June 30, 2024
I loved this 10 part abridged version on BBC Radio 4. It gives a detailed and interesting account of the remarkable negotiations behind Russia, the United States and Britian with Stalin. Churchill reduced most debate about Russia to a simple question: Who was worse, Hitler or Stalin? Should we side with this murderous tyrant? The rest is History and it was such an interesting listen!
February 4, 2025
Amazing book! This was written using notes, journals, and more from many of those that were closest to Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt. What a great behind the scenes view of WW2 and how this alliance was held by a strand by a few people that few know about.
March 26, 2025
Milton is so damn readable!
February 24, 2025
this is genuinely written like a screenplay, i love the way it presents very complex geopolitical discussions about the war in a narrative manner that makes sense while breaking down the three personalities that are involved. HOWEVER, I dooooo think the author is a bit biased towards anglocentrism, which is quite natural as only English archives were consulted for the book. Besides that it does a good job and gives a nice insight into the workings of diplomacy :)
October 13, 2024
Pretty solid synopsis of how the Big 3’s relationship was started and how it continued throughout WWII. The book does get dry at times and seems to come to a sudden halt at the end.
November 29, 2024
THE STALIN AFFAIR
This book was very good in that it focused specifically on the relationships between Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt. It explained how the Soviet Union went from supporting Hitler in the beginning of World War II to eventually fighting on the side of the Allies. It covered not only the volatile interactions between the Big Three, but also the influence of several other ambassadors and emissaries within a small circle who helped to develop a manageable, if tenuous, working alliance to defeat a common enemy.
Averell Harriman, railroad magnate and one of the richest men in America, was chosen by Roosevelt to act as his “Expeditor,” his personal representative to London. Along with Lord Beaverbrook, another of Roosevelt’s trusted associates, Harriman was to become a pivotal liaison between Churchill and Stalin. Along with his young socialite and journalist daughter Kathy, Harriman developed a close relationship with the Churchill family, and eventually with Stalin in Moscow.
Another influential figure involved in keeping these ego intensive leaders on an even keel was Archibald Clark Kerr, the British Ambassador to Moscow. Formerly the ambassador to China, Kerr lead a controversial and flamboyant lifestyle. Also providing steadying support was Bob Meiklejohn, Harriman’s personal assistant.
From these varying perspectives and a from a terrific amount of interpersonal detail, we see Operation Barbarossa, the Tehran and the Yalta conferences, Lend Lease, Pearl Harbor, and the Potsdam conference come to life. If you have an interest in WWII and like to see some of the inter workings and diplomatic struggles, I think you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Very well researched, with extensive notes and bibliography.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Giles Milton, and Henry Holt and Company for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book was very good in that it focused specifically on the relationships between Stalin, Churchill, and Roosevelt. It explained how the Soviet Union went from supporting Hitler in the beginning of World War II to eventually fighting on the side of the Allies. It covered not only the volatile interactions between the Big Three, but also the influence of several other ambassadors and emissaries within a small circle who helped to develop a manageable, if tenuous, working alliance to defeat a common enemy.
Averell Harriman, railroad magnate and one of the richest men in America, was chosen by Roosevelt to act as his “Expeditor,” his personal representative to London. Along with Lord Beaverbrook, another of Roosevelt’s trusted associates, Harriman was to become a pivotal liaison between Churchill and Stalin. Along with his young socialite and journalist daughter Kathy, Harriman developed a close relationship with the Churchill family, and eventually with Stalin in Moscow.
Another influential figure involved in keeping these ego intensive leaders on an even keel was Archibald Clark Kerr, the British Ambassador to Moscow. Formerly the ambassador to China, Kerr lead a controversial and flamboyant lifestyle. Also providing steadying support was Bob Meiklejohn, Harriman’s personal assistant.
From these varying perspectives and a from a terrific amount of interpersonal detail, we see Operation Barbarossa, the Tehran and the Yalta conferences, Lend Lease, Pearl Harbor, and the Potsdam conference come to life. If you have an interest in WWII and like to see some of the inter workings and diplomatic struggles, I think you will thoroughly enjoy this book. Very well researched, with extensive notes and bibliography.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Giles Milton, and Henry Holt and Company for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 23, 2025
‘The Stalin Affair’ tells the story of the tenuous alliance between the West and the USSR which allowed the Allies to ultimately triumph over the Axis in World War 2.
The author succeeds in capturing the innately human nature of this alliance, with all the ups and downs which you would expect to find in a relationship formed out of necessity rather than choice under incredible duress. What surprised me, however, were the roles played by key figures who succeeded in keeping the alliance on track by developing key personal relationships with the principals, even when the national leaders were at odds with one another.
My main criticism is that I’d have liked to see more focus on the national leaders themselves, particularly at key moments such as the Potsdam conference, which felt rushed. More emphasis could have been placed on the shifting dynamics caused by the replacement of Churchill and Roosevelt and the dawn of the atomic age, which would have strengthened the long-term analysis.
Overall, Milton weaves a compelling personal narrative at the heart of the alliance which won the war, and even captured my attention despite my usual lack of interest in military history.
The author succeeds in capturing the innately human nature of this alliance, with all the ups and downs which you would expect to find in a relationship formed out of necessity rather than choice under incredible duress. What surprised me, however, were the roles played by key figures who succeeded in keeping the alliance on track by developing key personal relationships with the principals, even when the national leaders were at odds with one another.
My main criticism is that I’d have liked to see more focus on the national leaders themselves, particularly at key moments such as the Potsdam conference, which felt rushed. More emphasis could have been placed on the shifting dynamics caused by the replacement of Churchill and Roosevelt and the dawn of the atomic age, which would have strengthened the long-term analysis.
Overall, Milton weaves a compelling personal narrative at the heart of the alliance which won the war, and even captured my attention despite my usual lack of interest in military history.
January 5, 2025
Wow. Such a great book, truly a page-turner. It’s so rare to be able to write a nonfiction book like a dramatic novel.
I consider myself well versed in USSR & WWII history but there were so many things I learned from this book. It afforded the reader a rare opportunity to see the behind the scenes diplomacy in action between The Big Three (although FDR was only lightly touched on). I particularly enjoyed the insights regarding Stalin and Churchill’s approach to him. After this book, it’s somewhat mind blowing to think that most people don’t know who Averell Harriman is.
I consider myself well versed in USSR & WWII history but there were so many things I learned from this book. It afforded the reader a rare opportunity to see the behind the scenes diplomacy in action between The Big Three (although FDR was only lightly touched on). I particularly enjoyed the insights regarding Stalin and Churchill’s approach to him. After this book, it’s somewhat mind blowing to think that most people don’t know who Averell Harriman is.
December 9, 2024
This is a fascinating account of the years between 1941 when Hitler invaded Russia and the allied victory in 1944. Milton uses new material to richly describe the major players as America joins the war effort without which Russia and Britain would probably not have survived the Nazi onslaught. Averell Harriman, who becomes the U.S. ambassador to Russia is absolutely key and his daughter, Kathy, is an intriguing personality. The interactions between Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt are examined in depth and Stalin emerges as a much more intelligent and complex person than I had realized. How on earth the U.S. managed to quickly gear up for war and produce thousands and thousands of tanks and airplanes and then deliver them is an incredible feat. It makes one realize what it is possible to accomplish when it is really necessary.
Read
September 27, 2024This is a great book, and builds on a large amount of new correspondence that’s been added to libraries in recent years between the core players involved in this alliance. Well written, fast paced and deeply informative, recommend to those who might need to balance out policy books with more on the (very) colorful people who made it all happen.
September 27, 2024
Fascinating
June 17, 2025
Brilliant book! Picked it up after listening to the episodes on Empire podcast where Giles Milton was a guest.
May 16, 2024
A brilliantly structured book telling an amazing story shining light on important historical events. A must read for all students of WW2 and The Cold War.
December 21, 2024
Some thoughts include:
I wish Roosevelt was less of a <>
Stalin is a bad man
Stalin is a really bad man
They really destroyed Europe huh
They assigned PERCENTAGES TO NEWLY LIBERATED PEOPLE?
This is an irrelevant conversation why did he feel the need to include this? x 200
why does Roosevelt need filipino messy boys
Why does Churchill need Sikh soldiers?
The mass graves 😭😭😭
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
They really destroyed Europe
Dcnkjsfeonfesoufebsouvesuovesnkusevnkjkdvsnoudvsdlvs
I wish Roosevelt was less of a <>
Stalin is a bad man
Stalin is a really bad man
They really destroyed Europe huh
They assigned PERCENTAGES TO NEWLY LIBERATED PEOPLE?
This is an irrelevant conversation why did he feel the need to include this? x 200
why does Roosevelt need filipino messy boys
Why does Churchill need Sikh soldiers?
The mass graves 😭😭😭
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
They really destroyed Europe
Dcnkjsfeonfesoufebsouvesuovesnkusevnkjkdvsnoudvsdlvs
September 6, 2024
"The Stalin Affair: The Impossible Alliance That Won the War"* by Giles Milton is a gripping and meticulously researched account of one of the most unexpected partnerships in history. Milton skillfully brings to life the tense and complex dynamics between the Allies and Stalin, unraveling the political intrigue and high-stakes diplomacy that shaped the course of WWII. With vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, the book offers a fresh perspective on how this unlikely alliance triumphed against all odds. A must-read for history buffs and anyone interested in the hidden machinations behind major historical events.
November 22, 2024
(3.5/5) Based on diaries, letters and notes of diplomats (and their families) at the forefront of managing the wartime alliance, the 'Stalin Affair' presents an exceedingly personalized account of the diplomatic maneuvering and about-faces of the allied nations during the course of the second world war. This quality is what gives it an undeniable charm, but also inevitably impairs it's ability to reckon with larger historical forces at play, beyond the egos and whims of a few statesmen. I would recommend this only for those interested in learning more about the role of diplomacy during the war, and not for those seeking a more holistic account of the conflict.
September 22, 2025
This is a gripping narrative of the uneasy partnership between Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin during World War II. Drawing on unpublished diaries, letters, and secret reports, Milton reveals how a diverse cast of diplomats and political figures—including U.S. billionaire envoy W. Averell Harriman, his charming daughter Kathy and Archibald “Archie” Clark Kerr, the British ambassador to the Soviet Union—worked to manage Stalin’s volatile temperament and secure Soviet cooperation against Hitler.
The book explores how Churchill, despite his deep mistrust of Stalin, recognized the strategic necessity of alliance after Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union. It also details the internal resistance in both Britain and the U.S., where many preferred isolationism or hoped the two dictators would destroy each other. The turning point came with Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and Hitler’s declaration of war on the United States, forcing a reluctant unity.
The book is filled with many small stories, impressions, romantic affairs and anecdotes that shed light on historic events and on the personalities of the three leaders who came together to fight Nazism -- Churchill out of conviction, Stalin as a result of Hitler’s betrayal, and Roosevelt due to the Japanese surprise attack on the American navy in Hawaii. The colourful descriptions are captivating. Of particular interest is the story of Churchill’s “naughty document”. Officially known as the Percentages Agreement, this informal pact was struck between Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin during the Fourth Moscow Conference in October 1944. On a simple scrap of paper, Churchill proposed dividing postwar influence in Eastern Europe by percentages—essentially carving up the region into spheres of control. The document suggested to divide post-war countries between the Soviet Union and Britain, behind Roosevelt’s back. The countries and percentages were: Romania: 90% Soviet, 10% others; Greece: 90% British (in accord with the U.S.), 10% Soviet; Yugoslavia: 50/50; Hungary: 50/50, and Bulgaria: 75% Soviet, 25% others. Churchill famously referred to it as his “naughty document” because he knew how blunt and imperialistic it appeared. He even remarked that the Americans would be “shocked” by its crudeness. Stalin reportedly ticked the paper in approval, and the agreement was honoured in some cases—most notably in Greece, where Britain retained dominant influence even during civil unrest. The document was later published in Churchill’s memoirs and has since become a symbol of the realpolitik that shaped the postwar order.
Milton paints vivid scenes of nervous negotiations, clashing personalities, festive dinners and the fragile diplomacy that held the alliance together long enough to defeat Nazi Germany—though it ultimately could not survive the postwar tense reality. The book offers both sweeping historical insight and intimate character studies, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the political complexities behind wartime strategy.
The book explores how Churchill, despite his deep mistrust of Stalin, recognized the strategic necessity of alliance after Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union. It also details the internal resistance in both Britain and the U.S., where many preferred isolationism or hoped the two dictators would destroy each other. The turning point came with Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor and Hitler’s declaration of war on the United States, forcing a reluctant unity.
The book is filled with many small stories, impressions, romantic affairs and anecdotes that shed light on historic events and on the personalities of the three leaders who came together to fight Nazism -- Churchill out of conviction, Stalin as a result of Hitler’s betrayal, and Roosevelt due to the Japanese surprise attack on the American navy in Hawaii. The colourful descriptions are captivating. Of particular interest is the story of Churchill’s “naughty document”. Officially known as the Percentages Agreement, this informal pact was struck between Winston Churchill and Joseph Stalin during the Fourth Moscow Conference in October 1944. On a simple scrap of paper, Churchill proposed dividing postwar influence in Eastern Europe by percentages—essentially carving up the region into spheres of control. The document suggested to divide post-war countries between the Soviet Union and Britain, behind Roosevelt’s back. The countries and percentages were: Romania: 90% Soviet, 10% others; Greece: 90% British (in accord with the U.S.), 10% Soviet; Yugoslavia: 50/50; Hungary: 50/50, and Bulgaria: 75% Soviet, 25% others. Churchill famously referred to it as his “naughty document” because he knew how blunt and imperialistic it appeared. He even remarked that the Americans would be “shocked” by its crudeness. Stalin reportedly ticked the paper in approval, and the agreement was honoured in some cases—most notably in Greece, where Britain retained dominant influence even during civil unrest. The document was later published in Churchill’s memoirs and has since become a symbol of the realpolitik that shaped the postwar order.
Milton paints vivid scenes of nervous negotiations, clashing personalities, festive dinners and the fragile diplomacy that held the alliance together long enough to defeat Nazi Germany—though it ultimately could not survive the postwar tense reality. The book offers both sweeping historical insight and intimate character studies, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the political complexities behind wartime strategy.
October 9, 2025
This was a compelling read .
The depths of Stalin’s evil and the heights of his intelligence were unknown to me. How Averell and Archie kept him tame is remarkable.
I also learnt a lot of geography too.
I must read more by Mr Milton
The depths of Stalin’s evil and the heights of his intelligence were unknown to me. How Averell and Archie kept him tame is remarkable.
I also learnt a lot of geography too.
I must read more by Mr Milton
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews