Narrated by Grover Gardner
Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship by Jon Meacham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Few could argue that Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill stood, and still stand, as the guiding forces behind the Allied victories in World War II. Together, they wrote a major part of the history that shaped our world, then and now. But there was far more to their relationship than merely being the leaders of two of the most powerful countries of their times. They were friends underneath the politics, sometimes uneasy friends and often as not, contentious. But their mutual respect and admiration was always present.
In this biography of the two great leaders, Meacham explores the personal relationship the two men shared. Often as not, it was the more emotional Churchill pursuing the far more reserved and devious FDR. This is not a simple history book, although one could hardly write about these two men without framing them in the history of their time. Meacham’s gift is not just in relating history as if he were writing another textbook about WWII. He has a gift for bringing out the personality of his subjects, and giving the reader a glimpse into who the person was behind the public figure.
Meacham draws on history, yes, but also on new material including unpublished letters of FDR’s secret love, Lucy Rutherford, the papers of Pamela Churchill, and interviews with some of the intimates of both men. He writes in a engaging and very listenable style, which is well-served by Grover Gardner’s narration.
Any history buff who would like to know more of the men behind the politics during one of the most historic periods of both countries will enjoy this in-depth look at a friendship that went beyond the power struggles and decisions that changed the world.
Don’t forget- I am also doing a giveaway on the blog for ebooks of Two’s Company, plus some extras. Find out how to enter here. Winners chosen on November 1. Comment on the blog linked above to enter!
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On presale now and coming in December 2018: Two’s Company, a sci-fi novel in the space opera tradition.
Medusa “Deuce” Grainger is smart, confident, and as good a pilot as she is a poker player. A freelance shuttle jockey working for an independent terraforming company, she’s left her former life, and her father, behind. Mostly.
Learn more here, where you will find links to the presale.
Two’s Company is listed on Goodreads. If you like what you see above, I’d appreciate you adding it to your Want To Read list. Thanks!
Available now :
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