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Darkest Hour: How Churchill Brought England Back from the Brink
From the acclaimed novelist and screenwriter of The Theory of Everything comes a revelatory look at the period immediately following Winston Churchill’s ascendancy to Prime Minister—soon to be a major motion picture starring Gary Oldman.
“He was speaking to the nation, the world, and indeed to history...”
May, 1940. Britain is at war. The horrors of blitzkrieg have seen one western European democracy after another fall in rapid succession to Nazi boot and shell. Invasion seems mere hours away.
Just days after becoming Prime Minister, Winston Churchill must deal with this horror—as well as a skeptical King, a party plotting against him, and an unprepared public. Pen in hand and typist-secretary at the ready, how could he change the mood and shore up the will of a nervous people?
In this gripping day-by-day, often hour-by-hour account of how an often uncertain Churchill turned Britain around, the celebrated Bafta-winning writer Anthony McCarten exposes sides of the great man never seen before. He reveals how he practiced and re-wrote his key speeches, from ‘Blood, toil, tears and sweat’ to ‘We shall fight on the beaches’; his consideration of a peace treaty with Nazi Germany, and his underappreciated role in the Dunkirk evacuation; and, above all, how 25 days helped make one man an icon.
Using new archive material, McCarten reveals the crucial behind-the-scenes moments that changed the course of history. It’s a scarier—and more human—story than has ever been told.
“McCarten's pulse-pounding narrative transports the reader to those springtime weeks in 1940 when the fate of the world rested on the shoulders of Winston Churchill. A true story thrillingly told. Thoroughly researched and compulsively readable.”—Michael F. Bishop, Executive Director of the International Churchill Society
“He was speaking to the nation, the world, and indeed to history...”
May, 1940. Britain is at war. The horrors of blitzkrieg have seen one western European democracy after another fall in rapid succession to Nazi boot and shell. Invasion seems mere hours away.
Just days after becoming Prime Minister, Winston Churchill must deal with this horror—as well as a skeptical King, a party plotting against him, and an unprepared public. Pen in hand and typist-secretary at the ready, how could he change the mood and shore up the will of a nervous people?
In this gripping day-by-day, often hour-by-hour account of how an often uncertain Churchill turned Britain around, the celebrated Bafta-winning writer Anthony McCarten exposes sides of the great man never seen before. He reveals how he practiced and re-wrote his key speeches, from ‘Blood, toil, tears and sweat’ to ‘We shall fight on the beaches’; his consideration of a peace treaty with Nazi Germany, and his underappreciated role in the Dunkirk evacuation; and, above all, how 25 days helped make one man an icon.
Using new archive material, McCarten reveals the crucial behind-the-scenes moments that changed the course of history. It’s a scarier—and more human—story than has ever been told.
“McCarten's pulse-pounding narrative transports the reader to those springtime weeks in 1940 when the fate of the world rested on the shoulders of Winston Churchill. A true story thrillingly told. Thoroughly researched and compulsively readable.”—Michael F. Bishop, Executive Director of the International Churchill Society
336 pages, ebook
First published December 7, 2017
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About the author
Anthony McCarten
33 books335 followersAnthony McCarten’s debut novel, Spinners, won international acclaim, and was followed by The English Harem and the award winning Death of a Superhero, and Show of Hands, all four books being translated into fourteen languages. McCarten has also written twelve stage plays, including the worldwide success Ladies’ Night, which won France’s Molière Prize, the Meilleure Pièce Comique, in 2001, and Via Satellite, which he adapted into a feature film and directed, premiered at the 1999 Cannes Film Festival. Also a filmmaker, he has thrice adapted his own plays or novels into feature films, most recently Death Of A Superhero (2011) which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Anthony divides his time between London and Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 549 reviews
February 10, 2018
This is one of those book that you don't want to be over......I closed it and was almost tempted to start over again. A short (336 pages) beautifully written day-by-day description of the months of May-June 1940 as Winston Churchill stepped into the position of PM and was immediately faced with probably the hardest decision ever required by any country's leader.
The author gives us a short biography of Churchill, his glory and his horrible mistakes in WWI (think Gallipoli), errors which led many in the government to doubt his abilities. He was an egotist, dramatic,blustering, had a drinking problem and had changed parties twice which is usually a death knell for a politician. But the policy of appeasement of the Nazis as put forth by his predecessor, Chamberlain, was starting to wear thin and the country turned to Churchill for guidance.
The majority of the book deals with the government's reaction to the retreat of the BEF to the beaches of Dunkirk and the possible loss of the entire army. Should Britain sue for peace and hope that Hitler would be generous in his demands or should they stand alone and go down fighting rather than capitulate. The author provides the reader with an inside look at the meetings of the Cabinet and the War Council, fraught with in-fighting and bad blood. He does reveal that Churchill wavered at one point in favor of peace talks but his love of country and its people would not allow him to give way. It was at this point that the rhetoric of probably the world's greatest master of the English language held sway. If words can win a battle, Churchill succeeded and his famous "we shall never surrender" speech to the people of Britain lifted morale to a high point. Additionally, his idea (and it was his idea) to send the "little ships" to rescue the BEF at Dunkirk turned a defeat into a moral victory. He had been PM for only 25 days. And the rest is history.
Simply fascinating, I would highly recommend this book, even to those who may not be fans of Winston Churchill. You may become a fan after reading it.
The author gives us a short biography of Churchill, his glory and his horrible mistakes in WWI (think Gallipoli), errors which led many in the government to doubt his abilities. He was an egotist, dramatic,blustering, had a drinking problem and had changed parties twice which is usually a death knell for a politician. But the policy of appeasement of the Nazis as put forth by his predecessor, Chamberlain, was starting to wear thin and the country turned to Churchill for guidance.
The majority of the book deals with the government's reaction to the retreat of the BEF to the beaches of Dunkirk and the possible loss of the entire army. Should Britain sue for peace and hope that Hitler would be generous in his demands or should they stand alone and go down fighting rather than capitulate. The author provides the reader with an inside look at the meetings of the Cabinet and the War Council, fraught with in-fighting and bad blood. He does reveal that Churchill wavered at one point in favor of peace talks but his love of country and its people would not allow him to give way. It was at this point that the rhetoric of probably the world's greatest master of the English language held sway. If words can win a battle, Churchill succeeded and his famous "we shall never surrender" speech to the people of Britain lifted morale to a high point. Additionally, his idea (and it was his idea) to send the "little ships" to rescue the BEF at Dunkirk turned a defeat into a moral victory. He had been PM for only 25 days. And the rest is history.
Simply fascinating, I would highly recommend this book, even to those who may not be fans of Winston Churchill. You may become a fan after reading it.
December 6, 2017
This book was published in November 2017. I understand there is to be a movie made from this book. I read everything I can obtain about Winston S. Churchill. I recently read “Alone” by Michael Korda. “Alone” dealt with the time frame of when Churchill was elected prime minister and includes lots of information about Dunkirk. This book also deals with the same time frame as Churchill becomes prime minister. But this book deals more about Churchill, the man, as well as more about his key speeches during this period. “Alone” was more about Dunkirk.
The book is well written and meticulously researched. McCarten has been nominated five times for an Academy Award for his screenplays and he also is a novelist. This background has allowed him to write a most exciting book. This is definitely not a dry biography. McCarten brings Churchill to life as a man with all the weakness and greatness to be expected of a brilliant man. In some ways, you could also say this is a story of a speech. McCarten reveals to us how Churchill struggled to write one of his most famous speeches “Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat”. The author points out that Churchill wrote and gave his three greatest speeches within a four-week period. I found it most interesting that Churchill drew on the skills of Plato and his colleagues as well as Cicero to learn the skill of oratory. McCarten states Churchill spent one hour of work for every one minute of speech. The book held my attention throughout the story. The book is a fast and easy read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is about six and half hours. John Lee does and excellent job narrating the book. John Lee is one of my favorite narrators. Lee has won multiple Earphone Awards. In 2009 he won the Golden Voice Award and he has won a number of Audies in different genre over the years.
The book is well written and meticulously researched. McCarten has been nominated five times for an Academy Award for his screenplays and he also is a novelist. This background has allowed him to write a most exciting book. This is definitely not a dry biography. McCarten brings Churchill to life as a man with all the weakness and greatness to be expected of a brilliant man. In some ways, you could also say this is a story of a speech. McCarten reveals to us how Churchill struggled to write one of his most famous speeches “Blood, Toil, Tears, and Sweat”. The author points out that Churchill wrote and gave his three greatest speeches within a four-week period. I found it most interesting that Churchill drew on the skills of Plato and his colleagues as well as Cicero to learn the skill of oratory. McCarten states Churchill spent one hour of work for every one minute of speech. The book held my attention throughout the story. The book is a fast and easy read.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is about six and half hours. John Lee does and excellent job narrating the book. John Lee is one of my favorite narrators. Lee has won multiple Earphone Awards. In 2009 he won the Golden Voice Award and he has won a number of Audies in different genre over the years.
March 8, 2019
Emblematic
When we think of a strong leader we imagine them in control of their domain. What is truly remarkable about Winston Churchill is that heading into his darkest hour, he had to fight battles from all sides, obviously the German forces, but also from appeasers within his own party, Chamberlain and Halifax, and his early relationship with King George VI. This book tells the story of those relationships, his challenges and his uncertainties in superb detail which is wonderfully emotive.
The book conveys Churchill as a man with demons, with doubts, often without social grace, but when required, he had that iron will to stand up for what he believed and articulate it so well. The book gives a very atmospheric account of those days in deciding how to take Britain forward and the dialogue is fantastic, albeit we know Churchill was responsible for some of the greatest speeches and quotes we have ever heard.
It is not surprising that Churchill dwelt on the themes of failure because he experienced many previously in his career. What is inspiring, however, is how he managed to overcome those and appear confident in managing the national mood in a time of war.
This book is a wonderful account of Churchill's life during the war years and the internal and external battles he had to confront during his darkest hour. He had to tackle his opponents with the conviction that he and the nation could succeed. I would recommend reading this book.
When we think of a strong leader we imagine them in control of their domain. What is truly remarkable about Winston Churchill is that heading into his darkest hour, he had to fight battles from all sides, obviously the German forces, but also from appeasers within his own party, Chamberlain and Halifax, and his early relationship with King George VI. This book tells the story of those relationships, his challenges and his uncertainties in superb detail which is wonderfully emotive.
The book conveys Churchill as a man with demons, with doubts, often without social grace, but when required, he had that iron will to stand up for what he believed and articulate it so well. The book gives a very atmospheric account of those days in deciding how to take Britain forward and the dialogue is fantastic, albeit we know Churchill was responsible for some of the greatest speeches and quotes we have ever heard.
“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!”
It is not surprising that Churchill dwelt on the themes of failure because he experienced many previously in his career. What is inspiring, however, is how he managed to overcome those and appear confident in managing the national mood in a time of war.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
“Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”
This book is a wonderful account of Churchill's life during the war years and the internal and external battles he had to confront during his darkest hour. He had to tackle his opponents with the conviction that he and the nation could succeed. I would recommend reading this book.
September 13, 2018
This is an excellent book (which was used for the screenplay for the Gary Oldman film of the same name) about Winston Churchill and his determination that inspired the cause of the British during the grim months of May and June 1940 when Hitler’s forces were conquering Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, and (finally) France while his advisors and rivals such as Lord Halifax and Neville Chamberlain were urging a peace settlement mediated by Italy.
The revelation of this book is that Churchill actually considered taking this deal. That differs from what has been the history of the man and that time, but the author has found evidence for that conclusion (and he presents it throughout the book) in the British National Archives and in Chamberlain’s unpublished journal. There was a meeting where a certain secretary was 15 minutes late, and the context of the other notes from that meeting indicate that Churchill actually discussed this option, but because that secretary did not arrive, there is no “official” note about that discussion, and that is why this is a new revelation.
That does not diminish – and the author does not attempt to do so – Churchill’s brave stand in the face of overwhelming odds. Instead, it shows that the man some consider Britain’s greatest leader was only human but chose the difficult path to victory in spite of the pressures to capitulate.
Other benefits from reading this book include discussions of Churchill’s three most famous speeches and how he wrote them. I know many will say “it’s just another Churchill biography,” but the new information and the perspective of this book make it worth adding to what you may think you already know.
The revelation of this book is that Churchill actually considered taking this deal. That differs from what has been the history of the man and that time, but the author has found evidence for that conclusion (and he presents it throughout the book) in the British National Archives and in Chamberlain’s unpublished journal. There was a meeting where a certain secretary was 15 minutes late, and the context of the other notes from that meeting indicate that Churchill actually discussed this option, but because that secretary did not arrive, there is no “official” note about that discussion, and that is why this is a new revelation.
That does not diminish – and the author does not attempt to do so – Churchill’s brave stand in the face of overwhelming odds. Instead, it shows that the man some consider Britain’s greatest leader was only human but chose the difficult path to victory in spite of the pressures to capitulate.
Other benefits from reading this book include discussions of Churchill’s three most famous speeches and how he wrote them. I know many will say “it’s just another Churchill biography,” but the new information and the perspective of this book make it worth adding to what you may think you already know.
July 28, 2018
Mr. McCarten has written an interesting and mildly revisionist look at roughly the first four weeks of Winston Churchill’s (WSC) first term as Prime Minister of Great Britain in May and June of 1940. The author, who is a studies oratory, credits Churchill as being one of the great orators in history. He credits no less than three of his speeches as among the greatest of all time. He says this narrative takes place between two of those great speeches. The earliest being his speech on becoming Prime Minister – the “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, sweat and tears…” speech. The second is his “We will fight them on the beaches and the landing grounds…” speech delivered after the debacle at Dunkirk. His third great speech is delivered later that year after the Battle of Britain and is the “Never has so much been owed by so many to so few…” speech
The author does an excellent job setting the stage for Churchill’s ascension to 10 Downing Street. He gives an overview of his political career, including his switching parties not just once, but twice. He went from Tori to Liberal and back again. Mr. McCarten looks at what that did to his standing and probably more importantly the trust fellow Conservatives had in him. He also looks at WSC's judgment. Although he was correct in his judgment of Hitler and the Nazi party, the author also looks at his many misjudgments – Gallipoli and much more recently Norway being just two, and the effect they had on his standing in the Conservative Party.
Mr. McCarten brings to life Churchill’s meticulous preparation in writing his speeches. He is constantly revising and editing the speeches almost up to the moment he steps before Parliament or the radio microphone. I found it a fascinating look at the man and his methods.
The author also looks at the politics of Great Britain and just why Churchill’s becoming Prime Minister was practically inevitable once Chamberlain fell. In spite of Chamberlain and the leaders of the Conservative Party distrusting him, the author opines that the only real alternative, Lord Halifax, was not a viable option. His position in the House of Lords would have prevented him from being the Conservative Leader in the House of Commons making him at best a figurehead.
Now to the revisionist part of the story, the accepted narrative of WSC’s opening weeks as Prime Minister is that he never, ever considered making a deal with Hitler as France was falling apart. The author says he does not believe that and presents minutes from cabinet meetings and entries from personal diaries saying that if he could have gotten the right deal he would have taken it, even he had to cede Malta and Gibraltar to Hitler. However even the author states that by June that moment had passed.
In summary, this is a very good look at one of the great men in English History and his methods of both speechifying and governing. I understand this narrative is the basis for the recent film of the same name. It is a solid 4 star read and I would highly recommend it.
The author does an excellent job setting the stage for Churchill’s ascension to 10 Downing Street. He gives an overview of his political career, including his switching parties not just once, but twice. He went from Tori to Liberal and back again. Mr. McCarten looks at what that did to his standing and probably more importantly the trust fellow Conservatives had in him. He also looks at WSC's judgment. Although he was correct in his judgment of Hitler and the Nazi party, the author also looks at his many misjudgments – Gallipoli and much more recently Norway being just two, and the effect they had on his standing in the Conservative Party.
Mr. McCarten brings to life Churchill’s meticulous preparation in writing his speeches. He is constantly revising and editing the speeches almost up to the moment he steps before Parliament or the radio microphone. I found it a fascinating look at the man and his methods.
The author also looks at the politics of Great Britain and just why Churchill’s becoming Prime Minister was practically inevitable once Chamberlain fell. In spite of Chamberlain and the leaders of the Conservative Party distrusting him, the author opines that the only real alternative, Lord Halifax, was not a viable option. His position in the House of Lords would have prevented him from being the Conservative Leader in the House of Commons making him at best a figurehead.
Now to the revisionist part of the story, the accepted narrative of WSC’s opening weeks as Prime Minister is that he never, ever considered making a deal with Hitler as France was falling apart. The author says he does not believe that and presents minutes from cabinet meetings and entries from personal diaries saying that if he could have gotten the right deal he would have taken it, even he had to cede Malta and Gibraltar to Hitler. However even the author states that by June that moment had passed.
In summary, this is a very good look at one of the great men in English History and his methods of both speechifying and governing. I understand this narrative is the basis for the recent film of the same name. It is a solid 4 star read and I would highly recommend it.
December 20, 2017
Concise and easily read account of the first 25 days of Churchill's premiership
Anthony McCarten's book is the basis for the new film on Churchill called "Darkest Hour" featuring Gary Oldman in the lead.
The book deals the first 25 days of Churchill's premiership in a concise and easy to read manner that keeps both the general reader and those that know the story interested.
McCarten covers ground already detailed by many authors, however the big difference is his interpretation of the cabinet minutes and diaries where he argues convincingly that Churchill was considering peace with Hitler, contrary to the popular post-war image.
I haven't seen the film yet, but apparently the Churchill family have endorsed the film, showing the man himself rather than the caricature often shown on screen.
All in all a good read and an interesting interpretation of the Churchill legend.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher, but was not compelled to write a positive a review.
Anthony McCarten's book is the basis for the new film on Churchill called "Darkest Hour" featuring Gary Oldman in the lead.
The book deals the first 25 days of Churchill's premiership in a concise and easy to read manner that keeps both the general reader and those that know the story interested.
McCarten covers ground already detailed by many authors, however the big difference is his interpretation of the cabinet minutes and diaries where he argues convincingly that Churchill was considering peace with Hitler, contrary to the popular post-war image.
I haven't seen the film yet, but apparently the Churchill family have endorsed the film, showing the man himself rather than the caricature often shown on screen.
All in all a good read and an interesting interpretation of the Churchill legend.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher, but was not compelled to write a positive a review.
August 7, 2022
I read this book in preparation of developing a Toastmaster speech on one of my mentors. I have learned a lot from Churchill, and I consider him one of my mentors. This book briefly covers his life but mostly concentrates on the period when he was made Prime Minister and the following several weeks. I covers his key speeches during this period - "Blood, toil, tears, and sweat" and "We shall fight on the beaches". It follows the movie of the same name. Excellent book.
June 26, 2018
Subtitled How Churchill Brought England Back from the Brink, the book provides a fascinating insight into one of the most pivotal periods of the Second World War, namely the few weeks in May 1940 when the British Government faced the reality of German advances into Belgium and the Netherlands, the prospect of the capitulation of France, the possible entry into the war of Italy as an ally of Germany and the loss of the British Expeditionary Force pinned down in Dunkirk.
The author provides the reader with a potted history of Churchill’s childhood, school days, military service, career in journalism, marriage to Clementine Hozier and his entry to Parliament. For those interested in learning more about Churchill’s early life and his troubled relationship with his father, Randolph, I can recommend searching out the film Young Winston starring Simon Ward. The author also provides biographical information about Winston Churchill’s main opponent in the War Cabinet, Lord Halifax.
The key new ground explored in the book is the author’s contention that Winston Churchill, at the urging of Lord Halifax and Neville Chamberlain, did at least consider the terms on which negotiations with Germany for peace might take place. It’s clear he had significant reservations about such a course of action, both for strategic reasons and also because it flew in the face of everything he believed in. Churchill had recognised as early as 1933 the threat that a resurgent Germany might pose and had urged rearmament. At the time, this view was against the sway of public opinion and in Government circles there was greater fear about the spread of Communism than the threat from Hitler. Churchill was proved right in his warnings when on 9th May 1940 the Germans invaded Belgium and The Netherlands. No wonder then that the idea of peace negotiations never progressed beyond discussion.
Thank goodness that key figures of the time chose to record their thoughts in diaries and journals giving the author access to fascinating insights into the shifting opinions and power struggles within the War Cabinet and wider Government. The reader gets an almost ‘fly on the wall’ view of the meetings, the discussions, the arguments, the motives and the political manoeuvring of the various individuals involved.
The author spends quite a bit of time examining the impact of Churchill’s oratory, dissecting key speeches and the phrases in them that have now become the stuff of legend – ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat’, ‘victory at all costs’, ‘we shall fight on the beaches’. He provides fascinating information about the literary inspirations for some of these speeches and Churchill’s meticulous preparation for them.
McCarten also argues that the idea to co-opt the so-called ‘little ships’ to aid the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo) was the brainwave of Churchill himself, an idea for which he has not previously been recognised. The result of the operation was that 330,000 men were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk ensuring they were available to defend Britain against a possible invasion.
Among the many things that struck me whilst reading the book was the so-called ‘fog of war’. Today, our military leaders have drones, satellites and instant communication at their disposal. It’s easy to forget what it must have been like to make crucial decisions about the direction of a war based on information that could be both unreliable and/or out of date. This was a time when communication still relied on letters, telegrams or face-to-face meetings.
One can’t really review a book like this without mentioning some of the idiosyncrasies of Churchill the man that it reveals. For example, his preferred breakfast tray which would contain a glass of Scotch and soda between the rack of toast and plate of eggs, his penchant for a two-hour afternoon nap followed by a hot bath from which he would rise clad only in a bath towel or sometimes not even that. Furthermore, one has to marvel at his capacity for alcohol. After the aforementioned whisky and soda at breakfast, ‘a bottle of Pol Roger champagne would be consumed at lunch, and another bottle at dinner, chased by a fine port or brandy digestif into the small hours’. The author reports that when Churchill was asked once how he managed to drink during the day he replied, “Practice”.
The author describes Churchill when he became Prime Minister as ‘an amalgam of irreconcilable parts: showman, show-off, blow-hard, poet, journalist, historian, adventurer, melancholic…’. But, by golly, if ever there was a case of the right person in the right place at the right time, it was Winston Churchill in 1940.
I found this book absolutely fascinating and would recommend it to anyone interested in this period of European history or the role of leadership in time of crisis. It has extensive references and also some fabulous photographs of which my favourite is one captioned ‘Londoners listening to Churchill’ which shows people in a pub gathered around the radio.
The author provides the reader with a potted history of Churchill’s childhood, school days, military service, career in journalism, marriage to Clementine Hozier and his entry to Parliament. For those interested in learning more about Churchill’s early life and his troubled relationship with his father, Randolph, I can recommend searching out the film Young Winston starring Simon Ward. The author also provides biographical information about Winston Churchill’s main opponent in the War Cabinet, Lord Halifax.
The key new ground explored in the book is the author’s contention that Winston Churchill, at the urging of Lord Halifax and Neville Chamberlain, did at least consider the terms on which negotiations with Germany for peace might take place. It’s clear he had significant reservations about such a course of action, both for strategic reasons and also because it flew in the face of everything he believed in. Churchill had recognised as early as 1933 the threat that a resurgent Germany might pose and had urged rearmament. At the time, this view was against the sway of public opinion and in Government circles there was greater fear about the spread of Communism than the threat from Hitler. Churchill was proved right in his warnings when on 9th May 1940 the Germans invaded Belgium and The Netherlands. No wonder then that the idea of peace negotiations never progressed beyond discussion.
Thank goodness that key figures of the time chose to record their thoughts in diaries and journals giving the author access to fascinating insights into the shifting opinions and power struggles within the War Cabinet and wider Government. The reader gets an almost ‘fly on the wall’ view of the meetings, the discussions, the arguments, the motives and the political manoeuvring of the various individuals involved.
The author spends quite a bit of time examining the impact of Churchill’s oratory, dissecting key speeches and the phrases in them that have now become the stuff of legend – ‘I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat’, ‘victory at all costs’, ‘we shall fight on the beaches’. He provides fascinating information about the literary inspirations for some of these speeches and Churchill’s meticulous preparation for them.
McCarten also argues that the idea to co-opt the so-called ‘little ships’ to aid the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk (Operation Dynamo) was the brainwave of Churchill himself, an idea for which he has not previously been recognised. The result of the operation was that 330,000 men were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk ensuring they were available to defend Britain against a possible invasion.
Among the many things that struck me whilst reading the book was the so-called ‘fog of war’. Today, our military leaders have drones, satellites and instant communication at their disposal. It’s easy to forget what it must have been like to make crucial decisions about the direction of a war based on information that could be both unreliable and/or out of date. This was a time when communication still relied on letters, telegrams or face-to-face meetings.
One can’t really review a book like this without mentioning some of the idiosyncrasies of Churchill the man that it reveals. For example, his preferred breakfast tray which would contain a glass of Scotch and soda between the rack of toast and plate of eggs, his penchant for a two-hour afternoon nap followed by a hot bath from which he would rise clad only in a bath towel or sometimes not even that. Furthermore, one has to marvel at his capacity for alcohol. After the aforementioned whisky and soda at breakfast, ‘a bottle of Pol Roger champagne would be consumed at lunch, and another bottle at dinner, chased by a fine port or brandy digestif into the small hours’. The author reports that when Churchill was asked once how he managed to drink during the day he replied, “Practice”.
The author describes Churchill when he became Prime Minister as ‘an amalgam of irreconcilable parts: showman, show-off, blow-hard, poet, journalist, historian, adventurer, melancholic…’. But, by golly, if ever there was a case of the right person in the right place at the right time, it was Winston Churchill in 1940.
I found this book absolutely fascinating and would recommend it to anyone interested in this period of European history or the role of leadership in time of crisis. It has extensive references and also some fabulous photographs of which my favourite is one captioned ‘Londoners listening to Churchill’ which shows people in a pub gathered around the radio.
November 8, 2019
Written by the man who wrote the film DARKEST HOUR, this book discusses the crisis the British faced with the end of the Phony War (May) through the evacuation of Dunkirk (June). Winston Churchill was a dubious choice for Prime Minister in the eyes of many, but the other choices had been repudiated or did not seem to want the job. During this month Churchill fought the Germans, his political opponents, and, as the author asserts, his own self-doubts. Did he truly consider peace talks with the Germans or was it a ruse? The important thing is that he managed to find the inner fortitude to stand up to all his oponents, reflecting through his unparalleled rhetoric what was needed, what had to be said, to convince the British people, and the world that Britain would not surrender to the darkness.
I enjoyed the film and the book. Both reminded me of tremulous times that the world faced in 1940, which could have turned out so differently. The world should be forever grateful that men like Churchill stepped forward to lead when it was most needed.
I enjoyed the film and the book. Both reminded me of tremulous times that the world faced in 1940, which could have turned out so differently. The world should be forever grateful that men like Churchill stepped forward to lead when it was most needed.
May 31, 2019
It's a short and focused book that does what it says it will do, which is useful. I wasn't interested in reading a hagiography of Churchill and was grateful that McCarten at least hints at some of his flaws. Still, this was an interesting moment and a riveting book.
October 22, 2019
Prabėgus tokiam ilgam laiko tarpui dar gali būti stebinamas. Vinstonas Čerčilis ir jo TAMSIAUSIA VALANDA iki šiolei yra daugeliui neišgyvenama (ir protu neaprėpiama) patirtis.
Spustelkite mygtuką, jeigu teko girdėti apie Vinstono Čerčilio asmenybę. Pačiam apie šį žmogų pirmą kartą teko išgirsti istorijos pamokose, t.y. mokykloje. Priminsiu detalę apie mane, jeigu kas nors primiršote ar nežinojote, istorijos dalykas buvo pats mėgstamiausias. Dėl to, kas buvo, kodėl buvo ir kaip buvo. Patyliukais Vinstonas Čerčilis nukeliavo su manimi į universitetą, kur ypatingose (nebeprisimenu pavadinimo) paskaitose čiupau tyrinėti jo žymiausias kalbas, o t.y. užsiėmiau retorika-tyra. Daugiau jis (ir jo žmona Klementina) nuo manęs jau nebepabėgo – skaičiau daugybė leidinių, domėjausi įrašais, vaizdo medžiaga ir kitais šaltiniais. Būtų jis gyvas, prilygtų kabinamų dievaičių plakatų fenomenui.
„Jeigu reikėtų atsakyti „keliais žodžiais“, Winstonas Leonardas Spenceris Churchullis buvo tokia paslaptinga asmenybė, jog bandant jį pažinti buvo sunaudota daugiau rašalo, nei rašant apie bet kokį kitą istorinį veikėją.“
TAMSIAUSIA VALANDA. Taip, yra toks kino filmas, tačiau šį kartą apie knygą. Esu abstulbęs. Ir įvardinti kodėl nėra visai sudėtinga. Knygoje pateikta kiek kitokia nuomonė apie šį veikėją. Knyga – tarsi kiekvienos dienos dienoraštis lemtingais 1940 metais. Knygoje gausu detalių, kurios užpildo tarpus tarpelius kiekiu naujos informacijos. Perskaitytas knygos tekstas pakeldavo antakius, kaip, pavyzdžiui, Galipoli mūšis, kai suvedi galą su galu, sudėlioji dėlionę. Knygos dėka gimė ryžtas ieškoti papildančios medžiagos internetinėje erdvėje, ir tuo pačiu diskutuoti – darbo metu, su Didžiosios Britanijos kolonijos kolegomis, angliškai.
Vėl paminint kino filmo tematiką, tai jis toli gražu neatspindi to, kas aprašyta knygoje. Juosta parodo paveiksliuką, o šaltinis chronologiškai sudėlioja atitinkamus veiksmus, šūksnius, nemigas, sprendimus, neapykantą, ryžtą, drąsą ir kovą į atitinkamas vietas. Žinau, kad jis buvo dėl kitų, ne dėl savęs. Žinau, kad jis atidavė visas galimybes vardan tikslo. Žinau, kad jis tas, kuris sako, „kad tai žmonės „narsūs liūtai“, o jam tiesiog „pasisekė, kad galėjo už juos suriaumoti“.“
Radau progos permesti akimis šalių pasižadėjimus po 1PK (Pirmasis Pasaulinis karas) pabaigos, galimas pasekmes, teritorinius klausimus, Jungtinių Amerikos Valstijų ir prezidento Ruzvelto požiūrė į 2PK (Antrasis Pasaulinis karas). Diunkerkas, Halifaksas, žymiosios kalbos ar jo keistai kraipoma (linguojanti) galva.
Vinstonas Čerčilis. Nesuprasi, fanatikas, patriotas ar kokia kitokia „spindinti žvaigždė“. Be to, jis įdomi asmenybė, buvo malonu užčiuopti nematytų adatų šieno kupetose. Pavyzdžiui, jo tėčio laiškas 1893 metais, kuris tarsi prisirpęs gėdos, nepasitikėjimo, ironijos, pykčio, nusivylimo vaisius („Nuo šiol man visai nerūpi, ką manai apie savo žygdarbius ar pasiekimus.“). Dabar, kai aplinkui visi skalambija apie „mental health“, mintyse galvoji, kad gyvenime Vinstonui Čerčiliui buvo nelengva. Manyt, kad šeima –žmona Klementina ir vaikai (net nebuvau užfiksavęs, kad jų tiek!) – turėjo atsverti svarstykles, palaikyti jį, apglėbti.
Taip, tai didinga ANTHONY MCCARTEN knyga TAMSIAUSIA VALANDA, kuri aprėpia keliasdešmt lemtingų Vinstono Čerčilio dienų 1940 metais. Biografinė skaudulių, nesėkmių ir didžių pergalių visuma.
Spustelkite mygtuką, jeigu teko girdėti apie Vinstono Čerčilio asmenybę. Pačiam apie šį žmogų pirmą kartą teko išgirsti istorijos pamokose, t.y. mokykloje. Priminsiu detalę apie mane, jeigu kas nors primiršote ar nežinojote, istorijos dalykas buvo pats mėgstamiausias. Dėl to, kas buvo, kodėl buvo ir kaip buvo. Patyliukais Vinstonas Čerčilis nukeliavo su manimi į universitetą, kur ypatingose (nebeprisimenu pavadinimo) paskaitose čiupau tyrinėti jo žymiausias kalbas, o t.y. užsiėmiau retorika-tyra. Daugiau jis (ir jo žmona Klementina) nuo manęs jau nebepabėgo – skaičiau daugybė leidinių, domėjausi įrašais, vaizdo medžiaga ir kitais šaltiniais. Būtų jis gyvas, prilygtų kabinamų dievaičių plakatų fenomenui.
„Jeigu reikėtų atsakyti „keliais žodžiais“, Winstonas Leonardas Spenceris Churchullis buvo tokia paslaptinga asmenybė, jog bandant jį pažinti buvo sunaudota daugiau rašalo, nei rašant apie bet kokį kitą istorinį veikėją.“
TAMSIAUSIA VALANDA. Taip, yra toks kino filmas, tačiau šį kartą apie knygą. Esu abstulbęs. Ir įvardinti kodėl nėra visai sudėtinga. Knygoje pateikta kiek kitokia nuomonė apie šį veikėją. Knyga – tarsi kiekvienos dienos dienoraštis lemtingais 1940 metais. Knygoje gausu detalių, kurios užpildo tarpus tarpelius kiekiu naujos informacijos. Perskaitytas knygos tekstas pakeldavo antakius, kaip, pavyzdžiui, Galipoli mūšis, kai suvedi galą su galu, sudėlioji dėlionę. Knygos dėka gimė ryžtas ieškoti papildančios medžiagos internetinėje erdvėje, ir tuo pačiu diskutuoti – darbo metu, su Didžiosios Britanijos kolonijos kolegomis, angliškai.
Vėl paminint kino filmo tematiką, tai jis toli gražu neatspindi to, kas aprašyta knygoje. Juosta parodo paveiksliuką, o šaltinis chronologiškai sudėlioja atitinkamus veiksmus, šūksnius, nemigas, sprendimus, neapykantą, ryžtą, drąsą ir kovą į atitinkamas vietas. Žinau, kad jis buvo dėl kitų, ne dėl savęs. Žinau, kad jis atidavė visas galimybes vardan tikslo. Žinau, kad jis tas, kuris sako, „kad tai žmonės „narsūs liūtai“, o jam tiesiog „pasisekė, kad galėjo už juos suriaumoti“.“
Radau progos permesti akimis šalių pasižadėjimus po 1PK (Pirmasis Pasaulinis karas) pabaigos, galimas pasekmes, teritorinius klausimus, Jungtinių Amerikos Valstijų ir prezidento Ruzvelto požiūrė į 2PK (Antrasis Pasaulinis karas). Diunkerkas, Halifaksas, žymiosios kalbos ar jo keistai kraipoma (linguojanti) galva.
Vinstonas Čerčilis. Nesuprasi, fanatikas, patriotas ar kokia kitokia „spindinti žvaigždė“. Be to, jis įdomi asmenybė, buvo malonu užčiuopti nematytų adatų šieno kupetose. Pavyzdžiui, jo tėčio laiškas 1893 metais, kuris tarsi prisirpęs gėdos, nepasitikėjimo, ironijos, pykčio, nusivylimo vaisius („Nuo šiol man visai nerūpi, ką manai apie savo žygdarbius ar pasiekimus.“). Dabar, kai aplinkui visi skalambija apie „mental health“, mintyse galvoji, kad gyvenime Vinstonui Čerčiliui buvo nelengva. Manyt, kad šeima –žmona Klementina ir vaikai (net nebuvau užfiksavęs, kad jų tiek!) – turėjo atsverti svarstykles, palaikyti jį, apglėbti.
Taip, tai didinga ANTHONY MCCARTEN knyga TAMSIAUSIA VALANDA, kuri aprėpia keliasdešmt lemtingų Vinstono Čerčilio dienų 1940 metais. Biografinė skaudulių, nesėkmių ir didžių pergalių visuma.
November 23, 2018
Compelling read and original interpretation of Churchill’s proximity to settling with Hitler. I learned a great deal new about this most unique character, and I thought I knew a bit. Just w precarious the world was in May 1940 and how perilously close Europe was to becoming a fascist empire. I hadn’t realized that France and England were the main bulwarks- but I was aware of the US lateness to the game. Thematically this book is about the power and mechanics of peroration, where Churchill realized that words alone would give hope and the sustenance to nations about to give up. He was a scholar of speech, and fan of Cicero, using ancient Roman technique to succeed. It gave me ideas about my own leadership style and how I might motivate people who need it. Mostly it gave me an appreciation of the importance of politics during war and, always, the sheer human tragedy that the western world endured before I was born.
December 30, 2022
Tokį klaikų vertimą esu mačius gal tik gūdžiais devyniasdešimtaisiais, kada niekam kokybė nerūpėjo. Bet įpratau ir skaičiau toliau. Bet pati knyga irgi kažkokia šlamština. Lyg tai turėtų būti dokumentika ar kas, bet autorius pasitelkia keisčiausias ir absoliučiai į temą nederančias priemones. Pavyzdžiui, kai ministrai sužino, kas sudarys naują kabinetą, nuo jų raudų tiesiog aidi visa gatvė. Wtf? Knygos gale parašyta, kad čia filmui rinkta informacija. Kažkaip nepasidomėjau, maniau, kad filmas statytas pagal knygą. Normalią knygą. Bet čia duomenys filmui, kuriuos bandyta dėl kažkokios nesuprantamos priežasties dramatizuoti. Nu tai taip ir skaitosi, kaip kažkoks kratinys, pagal kurį rašytas scenarijus. O dar vertimas... Net nebesinori filmo žiūrėt. Pabaigiau tik todėl, kad šiemet mečiau per daug knygų.
May 2, 2019
un libro que me ha dejado muy desilusionado y eso se debe a las altas expectativas que tenia sobre el, llevaba mucho tiempo intentando conseguirlo y en cuanto lo encontré empece a leerlo, había leído muy buenas reseñas de este libro y junto con la historia de un personaje que en lo personal nunca había oído, hicieron que me interesara y comenzara a leerlo.
no es un mal libro, pero quedo sumamente desilusionado ya que esperaba un poco mas, efectivamente me encontré la historia de un hombre que nunca había oído y que lamentablemente la historia no le ha dado un mejor lugar (Winstons Churchill), me esperaba una historia nunca antes contada, y la encontré, ya que desconocía por completo el papel de Inglaterra en la segunda guerra mundial, aquí solo encontramos lo que nos prometen, un mes cuando este personaje es elegido primer ministro y se plantea si empezar la guerra contra Alemania o hacer la paz con Hitler, ayudar a Francia, intentar convencer a Italia de permanecer neutral, en verdad encontré muchos datos e información muy importante como lo antes mencionado, ademas de como E.U.A. con Roosevelt al frente intenta permanecer neutral lo mas que puede y le niega ayuda a Inglaterra, en verdad fue muy enriquecedor conocer estos detalles que no siempre se cuentan cuando hablas de segunda guerra mundial.
pero hasta ahí me quedo, no con mas, datos muy interesantes y que no me arrepiento de conocer, de ahí en fuera una obra muy insípida, el estilo del autor nunca se definió, si quedarse en la divulgación científica, en la narración de hechos de una biografía, o de querer hacer esto una novela, y en esa confusión de estilos me termino siendo muy frustrante y en ocasiones aburrida la historia.
debido a mis altas expectativas esperaba encontrar a un personaje mas importante y no dudo que no lo sea, pero la forma en que esta escrito nada mas encontré una historia oculta de la segunda guerra.
es ideal el libro para quienes no conozcan nada de Churchill pero si ya conoces esta información no vas a encontrar nada nuevo. no me arrepiento de haberlo leído pero esperaba un poco mas, y considera que este libro en lugar de enaltecer el lugar en la historia de Winston Churchill, lo deja en el mismo lugar que cuando empiezas a leer el libro, es una muy buena idea, una historia real muy interesante, pero el estilo del libro no esta al nivel de la historia que realmente ocurrió y debería de ocupar en los registros históricos de la segunda guerra mundial.
ademas me quedo con un mal sabor de boca, porque el autor nada mas no cuenta lo que nos quiere contar, realmente no tiene un final, y para quienes no somos tan conocedores de la segunda guerra mundial , me he quedado con la duda de que paso después de dar su discurso a la población, el autor termina el relato, es obvio que se fueron a guerra los aliados, pero corta la historia muya abrupta mente y para alguien que no es tan conocedor del tema sientes que esa duda de saber exactamente que paso y para eso hay que investigar por nuestros propios medios, a lo que me hace ser repetitivo, una muy buena historia pero que fue mal llevada por el autor.
no es un mal libro, pero quedo sumamente desilusionado ya que esperaba un poco mas, efectivamente me encontré la historia de un hombre que nunca había oído y que lamentablemente la historia no le ha dado un mejor lugar (Winstons Churchill), me esperaba una historia nunca antes contada, y la encontré, ya que desconocía por completo el papel de Inglaterra en la segunda guerra mundial, aquí solo encontramos lo que nos prometen, un mes cuando este personaje es elegido primer ministro y se plantea si empezar la guerra contra Alemania o hacer la paz con Hitler, ayudar a Francia, intentar convencer a Italia de permanecer neutral, en verdad encontré muchos datos e información muy importante como lo antes mencionado, ademas de como E.U.A. con Roosevelt al frente intenta permanecer neutral lo mas que puede y le niega ayuda a Inglaterra, en verdad fue muy enriquecedor conocer estos detalles que no siempre se cuentan cuando hablas de segunda guerra mundial.
pero hasta ahí me quedo, no con mas, datos muy interesantes y que no me arrepiento de conocer, de ahí en fuera una obra muy insípida, el estilo del autor nunca se definió, si quedarse en la divulgación científica, en la narración de hechos de una biografía, o de querer hacer esto una novela, y en esa confusión de estilos me termino siendo muy frustrante y en ocasiones aburrida la historia.
debido a mis altas expectativas esperaba encontrar a un personaje mas importante y no dudo que no lo sea, pero la forma en que esta escrito nada mas encontré una historia oculta de la segunda guerra.
es ideal el libro para quienes no conozcan nada de Churchill pero si ya conoces esta información no vas a encontrar nada nuevo. no me arrepiento de haberlo leído pero esperaba un poco mas, y considera que este libro en lugar de enaltecer el lugar en la historia de Winston Churchill, lo deja en el mismo lugar que cuando empiezas a leer el libro, es una muy buena idea, una historia real muy interesante, pero el estilo del libro no esta al nivel de la historia que realmente ocurrió y debería de ocupar en los registros históricos de la segunda guerra mundial.
ademas me quedo con un mal sabor de boca, porque el autor nada mas no cuenta lo que nos quiere contar, realmente no tiene un final, y para quienes no somos tan conocedores de la segunda guerra mundial , me he quedado con la duda de que paso después de dar su discurso a la población, el autor termina el relato, es obvio que se fueron a guerra los aliados, pero corta la historia muya abrupta mente y para alguien que no es tan conocedor del tema sientes que esa duda de saber exactamente que paso y para eso hay que investigar por nuestros propios medios, a lo que me hace ser repetitivo, una muy buena historia pero que fue mal llevada por el autor.
February 23, 2021
Filmas nenuvylė, knyga irgi. Nesu didelė Winstono gerbėja, tai šita knyga man labai tiko ir patiko. Skoningai ir nesausai aprašyta tiek jo karjera, tiek asmeninis gyvenimas. Tikrai per daug neišsiplėsta, tai jeigu esat tokie kaip aš, kuriems nereikia žinot apie jį visko nuo A iki Z, knyga tikrai gerai susiskaitys.
February 10, 2021
Ahh, Churchill'is... Jau ne pirmas (ir, man rods, ne paskutinis) skaitinys mano sąskaitoje apie šią daugialypę asmenybę. Bet, kai tu aristokratas, žurnalistas, karys, politikas, rašytojas, dailininkas, oratorius, o galiausiai ir Nobelio premijos laureatas, kitaip ir negali būti. Todėl kiekvieną kartą skaitydama apie Vilį atrandu tiek naujo. O dar kai biografija nėra sausa, vat kaip ši - ne pliki faktai, o pasakojimas, paremtas garsiomis kalbomis, dienoraščių ištraukėlėmis, pokalbiais bei įvairiausiais liudijimais - tai ir panyri į tas tamsiausias valandas. Recommend!
November 10, 2021
I read this book earlier this year but it was so good I had to read it again. Like him or not, undoubtedly Winston Churchill masterminded Britain's victory in World War II and his use of rhetorical speaking was nothing short of magnificent. There are plenty of examples in this book of that and the author details his method of working on, writing and practising his speeches and it is difficult not to admire it all, even accepting how cranky, eccentric, call it what you might, he could be.
Chamberlain was doomed when he returned from Munich but he was reluctant to give up the job. Pressure eventually forced him to and he went to King George VI with his suggestions as to who was to form the next government. Lord Halifax was his number one choice, and also that of the king, but Halifax did not want the job - even though the king offered to suspend Halifax's peerage so that he could take the job and be in the House of Commons - so Winston Churchill, who despite some failings in military matters, had the confidence of the country behind him, was second choice. He was delighted when he was asked to form a government as it had been his lifetime ambition to lead the country.
And lead it he did but Anthony McCarten provocatively suggests that at one point in the 25-days leading to his eventual decision to fight Hitler on all fronts, Churchill was wavering about agreeing a peace deal. It is not something that is mentioned in other Churchill biographies so it needs some taking in but the author is very convincing and one can see that Churchill's ploy was one to keep Halifax, who continued to be a peace at all costs supporter, on side while he planned what he was going to do next.
As for his rhetoric, Churchill had long studied the works of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle who were masters of the art, - his blood, toil, tears and sweat, line was first used in Cicero's 'De Divinatione' in 44BC - and he used it to the full, employing anacoenosis - a figure of speech in which an appeal is made to one's listeners or opponents for their opinion or judgement as to the subject under discussion - and anaphora - the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses - a ploy he uses well when discussing victory. He uses it best in his, 'It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.' And so he proved.
There is one phrase in the book that leapt out at me in these current terrible times, and it is not one of Churchill's but of a chronicler of the time, "Chips" Channon, who, questioning whether this [war] is to be the end of England, adds, 'Are we witnessing, as for so long I have feared, the decline, the decay and perhaps extinction, of this great island people?'
'Darkest Hour' is a magnificent book, compelling, provocative and written as though it were a thriller - well worth the second read.
Chamberlain was doomed when he returned from Munich but he was reluctant to give up the job. Pressure eventually forced him to and he went to King George VI with his suggestions as to who was to form the next government. Lord Halifax was his number one choice, and also that of the king, but Halifax did not want the job - even though the king offered to suspend Halifax's peerage so that he could take the job and be in the House of Commons - so Winston Churchill, who despite some failings in military matters, had the confidence of the country behind him, was second choice. He was delighted when he was asked to form a government as it had been his lifetime ambition to lead the country.
And lead it he did but Anthony McCarten provocatively suggests that at one point in the 25-days leading to his eventual decision to fight Hitler on all fronts, Churchill was wavering about agreeing a peace deal. It is not something that is mentioned in other Churchill biographies so it needs some taking in but the author is very convincing and one can see that Churchill's ploy was one to keep Halifax, who continued to be a peace at all costs supporter, on side while he planned what he was going to do next.
As for his rhetoric, Churchill had long studied the works of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle who were masters of the art, - his blood, toil, tears and sweat, line was first used in Cicero's 'De Divinatione' in 44BC - and he used it to the full, employing anacoenosis - a figure of speech in which an appeal is made to one's listeners or opponents for their opinion or judgement as to the subject under discussion - and anaphora - the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses - a ploy he uses well when discussing victory. He uses it best in his, 'It is victory, victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.' And so he proved.
There is one phrase in the book that leapt out at me in these current terrible times, and it is not one of Churchill's but of a chronicler of the time, "Chips" Channon, who, questioning whether this [war] is to be the end of England, adds, 'Are we witnessing, as for so long I have feared, the decline, the decay and perhaps extinction, of this great island people?'
'Darkest Hour' is a magnificent book, compelling, provocative and written as though it were a thriller - well worth the second read.
August 25, 2018
I spoiled this book for myself by seeing the film first. It's an excellent movie with Gary Oldman making a major transformation into Churchill.Where the book is more speeches and strategies, the movie showed a more human side of Churchill and his wife Clementine who were married over 40 years and buoyed each other up as they aged and faced difficult problems. In the movie there was also a young stenographer who was very helpful to an aging and forgetful Winston who sometimes required help in the proper mores and wording of the times. I'm giving the book 3 stars and highly recommending the movie to anyone who is interested in this period of time. I especially encourage watching it on DVD and then watching it again with the Editor's comments. So very interesting and educational
Book 3 stars Movie of same name 5 stars
Book 3 stars Movie of same name 5 stars
February 24, 2019
In May 1940, the fate of Western Europe hangs on British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who must decide whether to negotiate with Adolf Hitler, or fight on knowing that it could mean a humiliating defeat for Britain and its empire.
A brilliant performance of Gary Oldman, as usual.
A brilliant performance of Gary Oldman, as usual.
February 8, 2019
4.5 stars
“Churchill later said of the great task that had fallen upon him, namely to give a voice to the people of Britain, that it was they who ‘had the lion heart’ and he merely ‘had the luck to be called upon to give the roar. At this moment in the darkest hour, the roar had never been louder.”
This novel provides a fascinating and intricate insight into a pivotal period of Britain’s history. Covering only a limited part of Churchill’s leadership, the novel amazingly enough did not bore or lack my attention as a reader. In fact, I was more invested in the story as it gave an in-depth analysis into those dark days during May, in a way that no other novel has yet explored.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-researched novel of Churchill’s life and would very much recommend it. Also, the formatting of the chapters is so unique and captivating.
“Churchill later said of the great task that had fallen upon him, namely to give a voice to the people of Britain, that it was they who ‘had the lion heart’ and he merely ‘had the luck to be called upon to give the roar. At this moment in the darkest hour, the roar had never been louder.”
This novel provides a fascinating and intricate insight into a pivotal period of Britain’s history. Covering only a limited part of Churchill’s leadership, the novel amazingly enough did not bore or lack my attention as a reader. In fact, I was more invested in the story as it gave an in-depth analysis into those dark days during May, in a way that no other novel has yet explored.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-researched novel of Churchill’s life and would very much recommend it. Also, the formatting of the chapters is so unique and captivating.
February 12, 2024
Explores the power of Churchill's rhetoric — telegrams he sends, letters he writes, speeches he prepares — from his early days up through his famous speech directly after Dunkirk. Mostly concentrates on May 1940.
January 23, 2018
Darkest hour is a thrilling companion piece to the movie of the same name. In early May 1940, Winston Churchill was an unlikely figure to be asked to become Prime Minister by King George VI. Derided as a turncoat by his fellow Conservatives for his former membership in the Liberal Party, and pegged as an imperialist by his Labour Party foes, Churchill was a compromise choice to head up a fragile coalition government during wartime. Churchill’s previous failure as a military leader during the First World War was overlooked because he had by far the most wartime experience of any senior government official.
From the beginning of his tenure as Prime Minister, Churchill had to fend off the entreaties of the Conservative pro-appeasement members of his Wartime Cabinet. Lord Halifax and the former Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, longed to make peace with Hitler and Mussolini while the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg were falling under Nazi domination. Churchill countered by making the first of his great Parliamentary speeches as Prime Minister: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and the French Army valiantly tried to hold off the German advances.
By late May 1940, the allied cause looked dire. France was on the verge of military surrender to the Germans. Four hundred thousand British soldiers were trapped on the beaches of France, and all of Western Europe would be under Nazi domination if the soldiers could not be evacuated. Every private sailing vessel on the East Coast of England was summoned for the rescue effort in Dunkirk. By a stroke of good luck, poor air visibility prevented the German Luftwaffe from massacring the BEF, and the vast majority of British soldiers were able to escape to their home country without injury, in a week's time.
Right after the Dunkirk evacuation, Churchill made the second great speech of his tenure in Parliament. He moved the British nation, during its gravest periods, with his oratory, when the British fighting spirit barely held off the forces of appeasement: “Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen into the grip of the Gestapo … we shall not flag and fail … 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.”
Darkest hour is a compelling narrative of how Winston Churchill achieved greatness during the Second World War because of his steadfast opposition to Nazi aggression.
Reviewed by David B., Librarian, InfoNow,
From the beginning of his tenure as Prime Minister, Churchill had to fend off the entreaties of the Conservative pro-appeasement members of his Wartime Cabinet. Lord Halifax and the former Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, longed to make peace with Hitler and Mussolini while the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg were falling under Nazi domination. Churchill countered by making the first of his great Parliamentary speeches as Prime Minister: “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat.” The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) and the French Army valiantly tried to hold off the German advances.
By late May 1940, the allied cause looked dire. France was on the verge of military surrender to the Germans. Four hundred thousand British soldiers were trapped on the beaches of France, and all of Western Europe would be under Nazi domination if the soldiers could not be evacuated. Every private sailing vessel on the East Coast of England was summoned for the rescue effort in Dunkirk. By a stroke of good luck, poor air visibility prevented the German Luftwaffe from massacring the BEF, and the vast majority of British soldiers were able to escape to their home country without injury, in a week's time.
Right after the Dunkirk evacuation, Churchill made the second great speech of his tenure in Parliament. He moved the British nation, during its gravest periods, with his oratory, when the British fighting spirit barely held off the forces of appeasement: “Even though large tracts of Europe and many old and famous States have fallen into the grip of the Gestapo … we shall not flag and fail … 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.”
Darkest hour is a compelling narrative of how Winston Churchill achieved greatness during the Second World War because of his steadfast opposition to Nazi aggression.
Reviewed by David B., Librarian, InfoNow,
September 16, 2021
As a study of Winston Churchill, this must stand alongside the best. Different, yes, provocative, yes, thought-provoking, yes, but absolutely gripping from start to finish with Churchill continually giving a masterful display of rhetoric. This latter attribute eventually wins everyone over to his point of view and the British go on to win the war ... but that is later, for the thrust of this book is Churchill taking over the leadership and the lead up to the magnificence of Dunkirk.
Neville Chamberlain's return from Germany with the 'Peace for our time' statement must have been a dagger to his heart and it was one from which he never recovered. He was continually hoping for peace but it became apparent that such a solution was not going to happen. He was not well at the best of times and when things got on top of him even his own party were advising him to step down. But who was to take over? There were two prime candidates, Winston Churchill and the Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax.
Chamberlain fancied the latter strongly but as a peer he would have been unable to control the House of Commons so his taking over was questioned. There was talk about him relinquishing his peerage and going into the Commons but that did not happen. So that left Churchill who Chamberlain did not fancy one bit as he thought he was a war-monger and not one to work out a peace settlement. Even when Chamberlain went to see King George Vi to hand in his resignation and his successor was discussed he did not favour Churchill and it seemed apparent that King George didn't either.
But, as they say, it came to pass; there really was nobody else fitted for the role and Churchill took over with some apprehension as to his part in the role of Prime Minister, but with the blessing of King George. And he soon got into the old Churchill mould and, although at first there were those who were antagonistic towards him, they soon realised that perhaps he was the best person suited for the job. War Cabinet meetings, at all times of the day and night, were a joy to read about!
Anthony McCarten sets out all the intrigue and machinations that went on behind the scenes as Churchill took the country the way he wanted. But it was not all plain sailing as at times he doubted himself and at one point he even considered working on a peace settlement; this approach is contrary to what most historians think of the situation but the author explains his views precisely in an excellent epilogue to the book.
Churchill considers sacking Halifax but realises that if he does it may well split the Tory party so he sticks with him but ploughs ahead with his own policies. And those policies, particularly regarding Dunkirk, serve the country well. Yes, it was a retreat, but it was masterly done and kept the British manpower up to a level that could usefully fight the Germans and although he had to more or less sacrifice the garrison at Calais as they held off the German forces while evacuation took place, it was, as he said sadly and regrettably, better to lose 2,000 men than 200,000. The loss of the latter might well have meant the loss of the country's freedom with a Nazi Germany take over.
The book is a brilliant study of Churchill and of wartime tactics and it reads like a thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of his seat throughout. And the rhetoric of Churchill is there all through for everyone to see and enjoy; some of the speeches bring the hairs standing on one's neck even now, when it is thankfully all over.
Neville Chamberlain's return from Germany with the 'Peace for our time' statement must have been a dagger to his heart and it was one from which he never recovered. He was continually hoping for peace but it became apparent that such a solution was not going to happen. He was not well at the best of times and when things got on top of him even his own party were advising him to step down. But who was to take over? There were two prime candidates, Winston Churchill and the Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax.
Chamberlain fancied the latter strongly but as a peer he would have been unable to control the House of Commons so his taking over was questioned. There was talk about him relinquishing his peerage and going into the Commons but that did not happen. So that left Churchill who Chamberlain did not fancy one bit as he thought he was a war-monger and not one to work out a peace settlement. Even when Chamberlain went to see King George Vi to hand in his resignation and his successor was discussed he did not favour Churchill and it seemed apparent that King George didn't either.
But, as they say, it came to pass; there really was nobody else fitted for the role and Churchill took over with some apprehension as to his part in the role of Prime Minister, but with the blessing of King George. And he soon got into the old Churchill mould and, although at first there were those who were antagonistic towards him, they soon realised that perhaps he was the best person suited for the job. War Cabinet meetings, at all times of the day and night, were a joy to read about!
Anthony McCarten sets out all the intrigue and machinations that went on behind the scenes as Churchill took the country the way he wanted. But it was not all plain sailing as at times he doubted himself and at one point he even considered working on a peace settlement; this approach is contrary to what most historians think of the situation but the author explains his views precisely in an excellent epilogue to the book.
Churchill considers sacking Halifax but realises that if he does it may well split the Tory party so he sticks with him but ploughs ahead with his own policies. And those policies, particularly regarding Dunkirk, serve the country well. Yes, it was a retreat, but it was masterly done and kept the British manpower up to a level that could usefully fight the Germans and although he had to more or less sacrifice the garrison at Calais as they held off the German forces while evacuation took place, it was, as he said sadly and regrettably, better to lose 2,000 men than 200,000. The loss of the latter might well have meant the loss of the country's freedom with a Nazi Germany take over.
The book is a brilliant study of Churchill and of wartime tactics and it reads like a thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of his seat throughout. And the rhetoric of Churchill is there all through for everyone to see and enjoy; some of the speeches bring the hairs standing on one's neck even now, when it is thankfully all over.
August 21, 2018
I've now read the book and watched the movie, Darkest Hour. Here's my assessment:
In the movie, Gary Oldman gives an excellent performance as Winston Churchill. Kristin Scott Thomas is perfect as his wife, Clementine. The film's pace keeps moving and doesn't get bogged down in too many details. It's quite a challenge to keep track of the names and positions of all those English politicians.
The book focuses more on Churchill's background and rise to power. Sometimes the book delves into minutiae that only serious Churchill scholars would care about, but it's much easier to follow the political intrigue and posturing.
My conclusion: Read the book if you want to learn more about Churchill or Great Britain's entry into World War II. Otherwise, just watch the movie.
In the movie, Gary Oldman gives an excellent performance as Winston Churchill. Kristin Scott Thomas is perfect as his wife, Clementine. The film's pace keeps moving and doesn't get bogged down in too many details. It's quite a challenge to keep track of the names and positions of all those English politicians.
The book focuses more on Churchill's background and rise to power. Sometimes the book delves into minutiae that only serious Churchill scholars would care about, but it's much easier to follow the political intrigue and posturing.
My conclusion: Read the book if you want to learn more about Churchill or Great Britain's entry into World War II. Otherwise, just watch the movie.
March 17, 2018
Un libro estupendo que nos muestra a un Churchill francamente interesante
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April 20, 2019
I purchased the DARKEST HOUR after having seen (and loved) the movie with Gary Oldman. My knowledge of 20th century history is spotty at best, so I was a little concerned that I would get quickly bogged down. No worries, as it turned out. We get more background in the book than the movie, naturally, and it did not talk over my head. I would say that the drama was a bit lacking (although not the conflict), but since this is a history and not a novel, that is to be expected. My take-away is a better understanding of the actual dissension between the major players (Churchill, Halifax, and Chamberlain); Churchill’s position was much more precarious than I realized. In the background of the Dunkirk evacuation—with its success far from certain—Churchill had to make a critical decision whether to “make a deal” with Mussolini to keep the Italians from entering the war, or wait it out in the hopes that the British army would not be annihilated and they could go on to fight another day. It was the author’s intent to clarify whether Churchill was playing a game of dissimulation with his adversaries, or did he really consider “caving in” to their insistence that he should negotiate a peace deal with Hitler through Mussolini. As the author states in the epilogue: “As previously noted, the historian David Cannandine said of Churchill’s character that he was ‘at once simple, ardent, innocent and incapable of deception or intrigue’. If so, then why foist upon him days and days of deception and intrigue when there is no record, either before or after this event, of his being so deceptive or intriguing?” Throughout this short but intense episode, Churchill overcomes his past failures and emerges as an indomitable war leader, as well as one of the greatest orators of our time. I found this book very readable and would heartily recommend it.
June 3, 2022
"Apsiginkluokite ir būkite drąsūs, būkite pasirengę kovai, nes žūti yra nepalyginamai geriau, nei matyti, kaip naikinama mūsų tauta ir niekinamas mūsų altorius."
1940 m. Gegužės 7d... Britanija paskubomis renkasi naująjį ministrą pirmininką, kai tuo tarpu Hitleris jau įsiveržęs į Čekoslovakiją, Lenkiją, Daniją ir Norvegiją... Sunkūs laikai gimdo stiprius lyderius, toks ir buvo šio didingo žmogaus - Winstono Churchill'io - iškilimas.
Praeityje padaręs kankinčių klaidų... karo aviantiūristas, karo nusikaltėlis, žurnalistas, dailininkas, nutrūktgalvis, girtuoklis, svajotojas ir patriotas... Tik įrodo, kad karus laimi ne tik stipriausi, bet ir mažiausiai nuspėjami.
Didingas oratorius, sugebėjęs įkvėpti ne tik britų, bet ir prancūzų tautą, kurie tuo metu buvo ant kapituliacijos ribos. Šioje knygoje akcentuojamos jo trys žymiausios kalbos, kiek daugiau norėjosi karo peripetijų ir vingių, o ir derybų, bei Rūmų narių ginčų skyriai kiek per daug išplėsti, vietomis kartojasi.
...
"Nauji tarnautojai būdavo šokiruoti, pamatę skubantį kuo greičiau praeiti pro šalį rausvos odos per du šimtus kilogramų sveriantį nuogą vyrą, šaukiantį: Nežiūrėkite į mane, aš tik praeisiu!" 😃
"...Kad pagaliau suprastume... Jog neįmanoma atvesti tigro į protą, kai savo nasruose jis laiko tavo galvą!"
"Iš visų žmogui duotų talentų pats brangiausias yra oratoriaus talentas. Geras oratorius yra galingesnis už patį karalių."
"Padariau išvadą, kad Winstonas mąsto garsiai kalbėdamas. Toks įprotis labai erzina, ir aš pats to niekada nedarau."
1940 m. Gegužės 7d... Britanija paskubomis renkasi naująjį ministrą pirmininką, kai tuo tarpu Hitleris jau įsiveržęs į Čekoslovakiją, Lenkiją, Daniją ir Norvegiją... Sunkūs laikai gimdo stiprius lyderius, toks ir buvo šio didingo žmogaus - Winstono Churchill'io - iškilimas.
Praeityje padaręs kankinčių klaidų... karo aviantiūristas, karo nusikaltėlis, žurnalistas, dailininkas, nutrūktgalvis, girtuoklis, svajotojas ir patriotas... Tik įrodo, kad karus laimi ne tik stipriausi, bet ir mažiausiai nuspėjami.
Didingas oratorius, sugebėjęs įkvėpti ne tik britų, bet ir prancūzų tautą, kurie tuo metu buvo ant kapituliacijos ribos. Šioje knygoje akcentuojamos jo trys žymiausios kalbos, kiek daugiau norėjosi karo peripetijų ir vingių, o ir derybų, bei Rūmų narių ginčų skyriai kiek per daug išplėsti, vietomis kartojasi.
...
"Nauji tarnautojai būdavo šokiruoti, pamatę skubantį kuo greičiau praeiti pro šalį rausvos odos per du šimtus kilogramų sveriantį nuogą vyrą, šaukiantį: Nežiūrėkite į mane, aš tik praeisiu!" 😃
"...Kad pagaliau suprastume... Jog neįmanoma atvesti tigro į protą, kai savo nasruose jis laiko tavo galvą!"
"Iš visų žmogui duotų talentų pats brangiausias yra oratoriaus talentas. Geras oratorius yra galingesnis už patį karalių."
"Padariau išvadą, kad Winstonas mąsto garsiai kalbėdamas. Toks įprotis labai erzina, ir aš pats to niekada nedarau."
September 15, 2023
History loves the winners and the heroes. In fact it loves them so much that all their faults are polished and any fault lines or self doubts are outrightly erased.
This retelling of Churchill's troubled ascendancy to power in the backdrop of German Blitzkrieg and his options are detailed out with a good amount of research. Having to rely on public records, it contradicts the authoritative narrative of historians and hence seems like a reconstruction. (Isn't that what historians do at best?)
I loved the book in it's human rawness and also the origin coming from understanding his great speeches was a lesson in communication. The rhetoric and repetition was a mind-blowing repetition that is lost to our sms generation.
Highly recommended to history buffs. Also, the fact that the book was the screenplay for the movie (and i watches Dunkirk movie before reading this book) - it makes for the cliched "the book is better".
Audiobook narration is also a big plus.
This retelling of Churchill's troubled ascendancy to power in the backdrop of German Blitzkrieg and his options are detailed out with a good amount of research. Having to rely on public records, it contradicts the authoritative narrative of historians and hence seems like a reconstruction. (Isn't that what historians do at best?)
I loved the book in it's human rawness and also the origin coming from understanding his great speeches was a lesson in communication. The rhetoric and repetition was a mind-blowing repetition that is lost to our sms generation.
Highly recommended to history buffs. Also, the fact that the book was the screenplay for the movie (and i watches Dunkirk movie before reading this book) - it makes for the cliched "the book is better".
Audiobook narration is also a big plus.
February 25, 2024
I find it hard to rate non fiction, but this was a very good book covering the first month of Winston Churchill as Prime Minister. It shows the power of words and how he used them to save Great Britain from the German threat in WWII
July 12, 2023
Not as good as some other more complete histories but an excellent look at the context and events leading up to Churchill’s speech
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