European RC #3

I read this book for the European Reading Challenge 2019.

Five Days in London, May 1940 - John Lukacs

This short but deep dive into diplomatic history tells the story of the first five days of Winston Churchill’s Prime Ministership (if that’s a word). Lukacs’ thesis is that this five-day period was crucial because during it WWII was not won  but it was not lost to Hitler either. Lukacs concentrates on the struggle between Churchill and Chamberlain and Halifax who were for appeasing Hitler. Lukacs examines the conflict one day at a time, describing meetings of heavy discussions and fascinating survey results reporting on the mood of the country. With the Dunkirk evacuation as the dramatic backdrop and Hitler taking over Norway too, the backdrop could not be more dramatic. Worth reading for WWII buffs who love getting into the weeds.