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There are currently 24 member reviews
for The Splendid and the Vile
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Deborah C. (Seattle, WA)
A different perspective on WWII
Erik Larson is a master of narrative nonfiction, and this book does not disappoint! He portrays one year in the life of Winston Churchill, beginning with when he was named Prime Minister in 1940. Even if you are already very familiar with the events of WWII, I think you'll find this book interesting, because it offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the life of Churchill and those around him. You really feel like you are right there with them, and even though we all know how things turned out, it is very suspenseful! Recommended for history buffs and biography fans in particular, but anyone who loves a good story will enjoy it.
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Vic L. (Charlotte, NC)
Review of The Splendid and The Vile
Being a history buff the book was very interesting for me. I do not believe that this is one of Erik Larson's better novels. The novel gives you a good understanding of the situation England was in after the fall of Europe. But it also delves into the incidental details of the lives of family members, secretaries, and other minor characters. By removing these segments from the book it would be more interesting and a faster read.
The book does provide a historical reference to the spirit of the English people and how Churchill was the right person at the time for England. It is disappointing to see that the aristocratic younger people continued to play while the general population suffered from the air attacks.
I did like the author including insight into the thinking of the German leadership and outlining the errors that were made by the leadership to win England. As well as what it took to get the United States to provide support for the war effort.
Overall the reader needs to understand that the novel does provide an interesting historical perspective to the Battle for Brittainy.
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Alan K. (Westport, MA)
The Splendid and the Vile
Churchill's first months as Prime Minister and the bombing of England from 1940 to 1941. Larson is a storyteller and he casts a wide net to cover people and incidents that vary in their importance to the period. What's missing is an overarching historical perspective beyond the well-known story of incredible courage. Larson's book, Isaac's Storm, does have a clearer and more targeted approach to it's story which is lacking here. But as a general narrative of an eventful year, it is entertaining and quite interesting.
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