The Churchills in Love and War by Mary S. Lovell

From the time that war hero the Duke of Marlborough built Blenheim Palace in 1704, the Churchill family has occupied a visible if not always laudable role in British history.

For every legendary military man and prime minister, there are numerous family members who received the full quota of Churchill ambition and arrogance without the talent of their illustrious ancestor.  

And then there is Winston, who towers over them all.

Lovell, author of The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family (another colorful clan,) has written a social history (rather than a political or military one) centered around the family’s most brilliant member, Winston Churchill.

Restricted to a single volume, Lovell must necessarily rush over some tantalizing material, which gives the book a Cliff Notes feel. But if you are a fan of British history, as I am, you will enjoy the refresher as well as the new information and insights. I thought this book was excellent!