Churchill and the King

The Wartime Alliance of Winston Churchill and George VI

By: Kenneth Weisbrode

Narrated by: Christian Rodska

The intriguing bond between monarch and prime minister and its crucial role during World War II

The political and personal relationship between King George VI and Winston Churchill during World War II is one that has been largely overlooked throughout history, yet the trust and loyalty these men shared helped Britain navigate its perhaps most trying time.

Despite their vast differences, the two men met weekly and found that their divergent virtues made them a powerful duo. The king’s shy nature was offset by Churchill’s willingness to cast himself as the nation’s savior. Meanwhile, Churchill’s complicated political past was given credibility by the king’s embrace and counsel. Together as foils, confidants, conspirators, and comrades, the duo guided Britain through war while reinspiring hope in the monarchy, Parliament, and the nation itself.

Books about these men as individuals could fill a library, but Kenneth Weisbrode’s study of the unique bond between them is the first of its kind.

Moving and informative

Well worth every word. Completely took my mind off the treadmill. I goes beyond history. I highly recommend it. A +

Highly anecdotal narrative

This interesting narration take much that is known of HM King George and Winston. As I listened, I recalled the close and continuing relationship between US Grant and Wm. Tecumseh Sherman during the War for the Union. Sherman was fully capable of carrying out independent actions in his theater of responsibility, but always worked in synchrony with Grant. The criticality of the king to the operational war effort is minimized, whilst Churchill's is given full credit. My opinion of the king is tempered with empathy because of the abdication of his brother and his ascencion to the throne at the worst possible juncture in history for a monarch who never wished to be king.

Fascinating and insightful

A brilliant narrative about the personal lives of both Churchill and King George VI. Anyone who enjoys British history and the second world war should be advised to read this.

A Disappointing Attempt

The book opens by stating that there are many books about Churchill and George VI, and promises to tell a yet untold story about how they worked together. Yet, there isn’t anything unique about this rehashing.
Much time is spent with pointless “what if,” throw away comments, which add to the word count, but not to the story.
Despite a true interest in the subjects, the book was unable to keep my interest even as I hope that the next line might deliver some spark of insight or new fragment of unknown detail.
Several instances of historical inaccuracies that I noted, left me questioning the author’s credibility.
I rarely leave negative reviews as people have different taste in books, but this simply is not a worthwhile listen. As the author points out, there are many other books about the King and MP, I suggest you listen to them.