Michael Dobbs (1) (1948–)

A novel of Betrayal

The most powerful men in the world: Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met in a Russian Resort town of Yalta, Crimea, these Allies leaders were to make important decisions regarding the future progress of the war and the postwar world. The place where they preceded to divide up Europe....the future of Germany, Eastern Europe and the United Nations...

This fictional account brings to live one of the chilling moments when the fate of Europe was decided. Mr. Dobbs takes us behind the scenes and brings us into the mind and hearts of the big three leaders. This drama traces as well the human side of the leaders and reminds us that war is about people.

Joseph Stalin’s mission is to expand the Soviet Empire while the ailing and fragile Roosevelt is willing to make compromises to bring Stalin into the Pacific campaign and Churchill, the least powerful, could not count on Roosevelt as his ally and could not tame the avaricious Russian. Reading what went on during these monumental negations was an eye opening, totally outraged by their attitude. . With their bellies full they had no regards towards the heroic struggle of millions who died and fought in the war... The statesmen fiddled while the tragedy in Poland was going on. Mr. Dobbs writes about the country with passion, transferring to his fictional village Piorun, the rape, murder and savage enforcement by the Germans and Russians. These events actually happened. His words are powerful and furiously told and compelling but he rambles a lot...

On the down side not only that the title is misleading I couldn’t find anything coming close to a triumph. We have a sub-plot: a Polish storyline that is interesting on its own but add little to nothing here. But what I found most annoying is the picture left in my mind of our supreme leaders: what was done at Yalta I am certain it still happening these days...A big party with lots of food, champagne, caviar and luxury accommodation...not to mention the extra service rendered.....

I read Mr. Dobbs before and have enjoyed his spin on history but this one written some years back left me cold and “Churchill’s Triumph” was less than enjoyable.… (plus d'informations)