Pierke Bosschieter

Study of influence of Winston Churchill on JFK

Revisado: 08-10-16

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When reading the sub-title of the book, my first thought was: someone has come up with another far-fetched idea for an angle on Churchill. After reading the book, however, I have to confess there is nothing fanciful about the idea. Thomas Maier’s book is a sound study of the influence Churchill had on JFK, how this came about and its influence on history.
The book focuses first on the two family patriarchs, Winston Churchill and Joe Kennedy. It tells of their shady dealings at the end of the Prohibition era in America, when with the help of Franklin Roosevelt oldest son, Joe brokered a deal to import British liquor to the US. Winston obtained some lucrative stock in two companies controlled by Joe. From that moment onwards the lives of the two families intertwine. Joe and Winston becoming divided over America’s entry into World War II. In the end these isolationist views will cost Joe his is political career. The spotlight shifts to the next generation, on the political rise of JFK and the tragic decline of Randolph Churchill into alcoholism, after he tried in vain to hold his own in the shadow of his overpowering father. Maier superbly dissects the role women played in the lives of these powerful man, be it as wives or mistresses. There are vivid profiles of colorful figures like Bernard Baruch, Evelyn Waugh, Aristotle Onassis, Averell Harriman, John Winant and Edward R. Murrow. Although the book is a bit gossipy now and then, it certainly is an important addition to the written history of both families.

Malcolm Hillgartner did a superb job. When a narrator is able to retain your attention for 22 hours, he’s certainly doing it right.

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Very enjoyable

Revisado: 04-15-15

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Ably written, concise overview of the natural history of the Galapagos islands. Listening to the audio book version I sometimes thought I was listening to Simon Winchester. John Adams' voice is very reminiscent of the voice of Simon Winchester. The clear prose style also does resemble Winschester's prose. So I was lured in under false pretenses, but it was definitely worth the listen, I enjoyed every minute of it.

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esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

Compelling book in an pleasant voice

Revisado: 04-24-14

What made the experience of listening to Supreme Commander the most enjoyable?

Even if not all the facts are correct, as stated by a reviewer on Amazon.com, this is a compelling read. It is an evenly paced, extremely well written story that obviously needed (re)telling, as MacArthur's astounding achievements in Japan are today largely forgotten. My knowledge about MacArthur, gleaned from reading about the Pacific theater, was of an accomplished general, but a flawed, vain and self-centered man. This book changed my perception about him completely. I certainly am going to read more about MacArthur and I hope I can find more biographers like Mr. Morris, who give MacArthur the credit he is due.

What about Charles Constant’s performance did you like?

The reader did his job very well. He has a very pleasant voice, not much of an accent and a tempo that suited me fine. I hate overbearing, brass voices, with heavy American accents.

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The sound quality is really awful

Revisado: 08-10-09

Alas, I didn't read the helpful review of Wendy and bought the book. I've never ever heard an audio book with this kind of poor sound quality and suggest Audible shouldn't offer it in this state to their customers. Haven't tried listening to more than five minutes.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas