Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The Devils Will Get No Rest:
The Reality TV Reunion Show of World War II.
Quick synopsis:
The story of the Allied Casablanca Conference of World War II.
Fact for Non-History People:
FDR saw Churchill naked. No, I won’t explain it any further.
Fact for History Nerds:
During World War II, the Allies were known as the United Nations.
My Take on The Devils Will Get No Rest:
The British were arrogant. The Americans were unprepared. Somehow, Germany was in trouble.
James B. Conroy tells the story of the meeting which found two of the most powerful countries on Earth at each other’s throats while knowing they needed each other to end World War II. The Casablanca Conference (which had nothing to do with the movie) is a riveting look at the Allied planning of the most vital time in World War II. While I am sure there are many readers who would roll their eyes at the thought that a military planning conference could contain the type of drama which would be an entertaining read, allow me to enlighten you with just a few highlights.
FDR and Churchill are best friends. Well, sort of. Churchill loves FDR, but FDR only loves people who are politically useful. FDR won’t quite stab Churchill in the back (yet), but the seeds will be planted.
FDR and Churchill aren’t even the most out of control egos at the conference. No, that honor would go to two Frenchmen who do not like each other and who drive everyone around them nuts.
These are just the tip of the iceberg. This book is the World War II equivalent of a reunion special on a reality show. Everyone is nice to the cameras and then you get to read their confessional diaries. No big deal. It was just the fate of the free world on the line.
(This book was provided for review by the publisher, Simon & Schuster.)
Verdict:
A great book about something you wouldn’t necessarily realize was dramatic. Buy it here!
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