Winston's War

As a fan of Michael Dobbs' work and of Winston Churchill it was a pleasant surprise to come across this historical novel that meets the two worlds.The book is the first of a series, that takes it under itself to speculate as to Churchill's inner world, conflicts and conversations, while portraying very accurate historical set of events, through parallel plot lines of "common" people and their part in the daily events.Thus we learn about Mac the barber (who hears all the Whitehall gossip as a fly on the wall) and his affair with the Westminster prostitute Carol, we also hear of army Sergeant Jerry White who partakes in the so called "phony" war the early years of WW2 with the British doomed campaign in the Scandinavians, and his relationship with postmistress Sue, who will play a prominent role later with Churchill's rise to power.We also get a glimpse of the household of Joe Kennedy, american ambassador and great appeaser, his niece's fictional affair with Churchill's most loyal guy Bracken, and even get a glimpse to the inner court of George VI.The major story line is of course Churchill and his rise from political exile to greatness, through the unlikely help of one Guy Burgess, the MI5 agent and newsmen, to be known later as a notorious spy to the soviet union.The story is written very well, and without spoiling too much of the action, i was very much taken by the political conversation, even more than by the fiction story-line of the "common" people.. at first i thought the connection of Burgess/Churchill was too much, but it grows on you, and you actually learn to like Burgess and even relate to his motives, which in retrospective, I still don't understand why Dobbs had done this ... maybe just to spice things a bit.in all fairness, this is not Dobbs' greatest novel but it is good, especially if you like political novels and are a WWII freak like me. the dialogues are well written and merge with the day to day and the historical events.The reasons i gave it only 3 stars are: (a) If you are not an history freak, this might prove tedious at times, with the story dragging over an icky period of time known as Britain's phony war against Germany. (b) At times it seems as if Dobbs' personal take on people and events places more weight than what you'd expect in an historical novel: the appeasers are portrayed as sheer evil & Churchill is almost a Jesus-like figure, born to carry the (western) world's burden while nailed to the cross. I sense that if you want to write a fiction novel on the edge of non-fiction, these views needs to be slightly more subtle.At the end of the day the book is a good read or a great one for history (especially WWII) lovers. which is much more than what i can say on the 2nd book in the serious "Never surrender"if you like Dobbs + history, dont think twice though and read it.

This book pulls together the strands of history and the men and women of the time into a fabulous read! I don’t want to put it down but don’t want it to finish! The one page describes the relationship of Germany with GB and it is frightenly close to our relationship with the EU today! Appeasement didn’t work then and won’t work now!

The novel deals with the period from Munich to the Churchill becoming Prime Minister. The historical framework is described with consummate accuracy, and so are the characteristics of the characters - all of whom lived during the periods. The dialogues are in keeping with those who speak: the degree of historic accuracy is an interesting question. But there is no doubt that Michael Dobbs conveys the high drama of the epoch.

SAFE READING - NO SPOILERSIf you want details of the story, see other reviews; I am going to comment generally.I have the book (hardcover) and the audiobook, now on my iPod with all the other Michael Dobbs', a writer I recommend highly. With his own life experiences, his well-researched expertise as a modern historian and skill as a writer, he manages to weave stories which capture the time, the events and the characters and shine a revelatory searchlight into dark corners. Little in the events that helped to shape the modern world shocks him and he manages, with great skill, to make these household names human. But enough of the stories, all which I recommend. I hope Michael Dobbs made his money before the book prices fell. (Apart from their quality, appearance and feeling, these hardcover prices are astonishing.)I have most of Dobbs' and, with Tim Pigot-Smith reading, they are a joy. I listen a lot in the car.Pigot-Smith is a wonderful reader, usually understated with just enough of a difference in the voice to create, establish and sustain a character throughout the book. I found him first in the Dobb's Churchill books, all of which he has read on CD, as I researched Churchill. Shut your eyes (not recommended on the M6, especially around Birmingham!) and it is Churchill there in the car with you. Pigot-Smith has him to perfection. Combined with Dobbs' insightful (and understated) writing, they are a perfect team.

This book does not cover the whole war just the run up to Churchill's election so it's title is a little misleading. Understandably this is a work of fiction but based on historical fact and the blurring of the two was somewhat frustrating. The politics of the time were shocking if we are to believe Mr Dobson and I do hope our current politicians are no where near as bad! PersonallyI found the book over long and the apparent intrigues tedious on occasions.

The reviews for this book are mixed. I can only say, read my other reviews to know whether I am easily pleased or not! I read this book in just under 24 hours, simply unable to put it down. I found the mix of fiction/fact to be good enough to hold my attention and the writing strong enough that nothing jarred, except for the slightly wrong details of the naive Guy Fawkes' unfortunate demise. But that is by the way, the book itself, centring as it does on Churchill, someone I freely admit to admiring a great deal, showed the back stabbing politicians at work then as they do now. Everything is political. If you want a good solid read, go no further than Michael Dobbs' excellent book and then go read the rest. I have the other three sitting here awaiting my eager eyes and attention. I don't say that lightly, believe me! As a writer myself I am ultra critical of other writers' style, mistakes and interpretations, so this, from me, is high praise indeed.

I rally enjoyed this storey, how much was true and what is fiction. Always thought I new what happened but a new insight. I am still checking out different people and finding they existed. Must admit that MP's do not come out of this very well.