Churchill's Hour: A Novel of Defiance Paperback – September 1, 2008

This Churchill series from Michael Dobbs has been one of the best reading on WW2 I have ever done ! These books pick up,the essence of the mood of the time an brings us into the inner sanctum of what it must of been like ! I could not stop reading ! I only wish there were more !!!!

The third of Michael Dobbs' Churchill novels chronologically, Churchill's Hour, is set arguably in England's time of greatest danger in WWII, before Pearl Harbor. It wisely follows history pretty closely, since in such a perilous period no added drama is necessary. Although the well-crafted denouement veers more toward the fiction side, it is probably as plausible as many of the theories set forth concerning either Churchill's or Roosevelt's prior knowledge of the Pearl Harbor attack.Churchill's family problems with his daughter and daughter-in-law, while faithful accounts, are given perhaps more emphasis than his policy struggles, but Dobb's characterization of Sawyers the butler is marvelous. I tired slightly of Dobbs' frequent references to Churchill's drinking and age, but overall, as with the rest of the novels in this series, it is an excellent account of an absolutely captivating time in English history, authentic and educational with just enough fiction thrown in for spice.

Amazon asks how a reviewer might describe the plot of the book: "Predictable," "Some twists" or "Full of surprises." Since it's rooted in history, there aren't many twists or surprises. The reader is pretty much going to know how the story goes: I don't think it's a spoiler to note that the United State eventually would enter the war. But imagining what was going on behind closed doors as the public events unfolded is what makes this (and the other books in the Churchill series) so engaging. Dobbs does this as well or better than anyone I've read.

This is what a historical novel should be. Michael Dobbs takes the historical facts and then personalizes the main characters to a great read on what they might have been thinking, feeling, at the time of the conference. He gives us insight into not only Churchill's thoughts but we see how frail and worn out Roosevelt was in addition to his "can't we all get along" attitude and Stalin's dangerous conquer and dominate Germany and Poland attitude.These three historic characters could be substituted for world leaders of today : Netanyahu, Obama, Khamenei

Derivative fan-fiction for people who can't get enough about Churchill (I'm one of those). People who can't get enough of a television show read 'novelizations' using the same characters and some standard plots, just so they can keep the pleasant associations alive in their imaginations. I thought Churchill was depicted as an unthinking missile whose only purpose was to track a path made by some waypoints from Sir Martin Gilbert's biography. He does emote several times during his flight, but there really was no connection between the emoting and the action; the former seemed randomly placed, almost as if the author had to remind himself (or fool us into thinking he was reminding himself) that this was fiction with a human subject. The same thing happens with other characters; Pamela (later Harriman) begins an affair with Averell because, well, she pretty much has to, hasn't she? There is so much that could be done here to explore the intellectual and moral challenges of leadership, the problems of living out peacetime patterns in war, the shock of war and death exposing hollowness or heroism, etc. Such things are studiously avoided here, and what one reads is an adolescent's graphic novel without the adolescent illustrations.

Exciting journey that lets us in on the emotional an intellectual make up of one the greatest men in our time. Without who a large part of the world would no doubt be speaking German. Churchill was the never give up inspiration that helped shape the 20th century. Thank you Winston.

I very much enjoyed this book as I am a big Churchill fan. Dobbs captures the complex nature of Churchill, at once charming and irascible. The question of how much may be sacrificed ethically and morally in the prosecution of a just war must be answered not only by Churchill but for others as well. Very well written. The dialogues between Churchill and his butler Sawyers are the highlight of the book.

SPECTACULAR! Mr. Dobbs' lifetime of experience and "insider" understanding, as well as his stellar historical research bring the reader dramatically into a "You Are There!" perspective. Especially for the American reader, all four of the Churchill books present a view that I would wager is not widely understood on this side of the Atlantic. Fascinating reading.....albeit an admittedly fictitious rendering.....there is much to be learned from the situational and character renderings. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Read this book in 2005, and its the 3rd of the 4 part series about Winston Churchill.Set in 1941, with Winston Churchill in full power of a bloody, battered and bankrupt Britain, and in the full knowledge that Britain can't win this war alone against Nazi Germany.So he seeks the help from Averall Harriman, American Ambassador to Britain, and personal friend of President Franklin Roosevelt, about forming an alliance with America, but the USA is reluctant to enter this war, but that will change later in the year when Pearl Harbour gets attacked.With a jubilant Germany on the continent and now Japan entering WWII in the east, the Americans are forced to enter the war, and so Churchill's hopes are somewhat lifted by this news, news that will bring new strength and determination to win the war.What is to follow is a story of personal sacrifice, love, war and political skills that will bring the best out of Winston Churchill by bringing a nation back from gloom to a hope for the future.Highly recommended, for this is an excellent addition to this terrific series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Marvellous Churchill Sequel"!

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 captures the time, the events and the characters and shone 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 which I recommend. I hope Michael Dobbs made his money before the prices fell. (Apart from their quality, appearance and feeling, these hardcover prices are astonishing.)I have most of Dobbs' on my iPod taken from the CDs and, with Tim Pigot-Smith reading, they are a joy. I listen a lot in the car (hence the iPod, having had enough of CDs rolling on the floor, getting stuck and cases cracking, all as I negotiated the M6! However, they are great to have as backups.)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.PS I was fortunate enough to purchase the CD before prices rose to their current level - £[] (3rd August 2011). If anyone is desperate enough, I will let you have mine for £[] or just make me a sensible offer! Extended loan, well ...)

This is an excellent fictional account of Churchills role in WW2, pre Pearl Harbour. It reminded me very much of the film, The Darkest Hour.

A great novel based firmly in real events with superb characterisation from a master storyteller. A super gripping read that is thoroughly recommended.

Dobbs has an excellent knowledge of the historical facts and he is also a talented novelist. He brings the era and Churchill to life with consumate skill. I did not know that there is much in the book which is fact not fiction. This is a superb third volume in the Churchill series!