An in-depth look at the relationship between the Big 3 during World War II, though I was always left wanting a little more when reading it.

Very well written, but I had a hard time following the audiobook. I think this is one I might be more successful in reading with a physical copy.

World War II raging in the summer of 1941. Hitler has invaded Russia breaking their uneasy partnership. The British and the United States, even though they have yet to enter the war, are determined to form a partnership with Stalin. They hope to keep Stalin and Russia from being conquered by Hitler and Germany. The United States send W. Averell Harriman, a rich railroad baron, for form a relationship with Stalin.Harriman and a collection of British Diplomats work with Stalin and Russia to for an alliance that will win the war.

A very detailed story of how the British, Americans, and Russians formed an alliance will eventually win World War II. Mr. Milton uses a variety of sources including diaries, letters, and secret documents. The information is well put together and easy to follow. There are a number of interesting people that gives the story life and in some cases moments of comedy.

I very much enjoyed this novel. It was deep dive into how the relationship between the three world powers was formed. Thank you to Netgalley, Giles Milton, and Macmillan Audio for a free advanced copy for an honest review.

‘The Stalin Affair’ provides a unique frame of reference for the fraught World War II alliance and its eventual crumbling. Milton’s narration takes on a jovial quality that humanizes the political power players in a way that’s engaging, while his attention to detail and use of direct quotes maintains the credibility and informative nature of the text. This listener always likes to hear an author narrate their own work as it creates an authenticity that simply can’t be achieved any other way.

Forever grateful to Netgalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting, behind-the-scenes account of the political posturings and bargaining that enabled Churchill and Roosevelt to offer military support to Stalin's Red Army to defeat Hitler. Initially, the overtures came from emissaries and ambassadors acting on behalf of these powerful men. Then they had a few in-person meetings where cigars were smoked and connections forged. This true story has been pieced together from archived diaries and notebooks from the people who were there. It includes personal asides and commentary on the bland food served at the White House and at Chequers (UK). A treasure trove of documentation comes from Kathy Harriman, daughter of Averell Harriman the railroad magnate, who accompanies her father to the UK and Soviet Union in the role of a reporter and then as part of his mission staff. In fact, unlike other history books, there is a lot about the women involved, mostly Ms. Harriman and the Churchills (wife and daughters, one of whom has an affair with Averell Harriman while also becoming best friends with Kathy). These women kept journals and had access at the highest levels, despite their youth. I am particularly impressed with Kathy who also taught herself Russian so she could talk with the people without an official interpreter. The insights into what Churchill and Roosevelt were thinking - what they confided in their journals and to their closest advisors - are fascinatingly banal.
At any rate, if you have an interest in history, in how things were done behind closed doors, you will enjoy this history book that reads more like a novel. A fine audiobook production as well.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes.

A fascinating and informative peek into the thoughts of those privy to very exclusive interactions involved in the deals to ally Stalin. Churchill, and Roosevelt in WWII. What a trio! At times amusing and frustrating as these powerful men displayed insecurity, rudeness, treachery, strength, and bravado to one another, where pipe tobacco or food could change the course of the relationships. Averill, his daughter, and Archie were the most interesting characters, capable of such insight and adaptability, one wonders what would've happened without their handling of these tumultuous men. One is always vaguely aware that there are smarter and more even-tempered folks pulling strings behind big leaders, and this book gives a great telling of some of those influencers. There were laugh out loud moments (a hissy fit over a spinach omelet, or Stalin proclaiming to be head of a democracy) as well as cring-worthy descriptions of their weakest traits. These leaders behaved often like high school girls, paranoid and scheming against their frenemies,, yet somehow they prevailed.

There was an interesting moment when I stepped outside the book and thought about this British author and his education and pool of knowledge, which is likely very different from we Americans. Many points were assumed to be known and understood, which might actually not be the case for those across the pond. So American readers would do well to know a good amount of info and people involved to fully grasp the weight of some of the historical moments. A few times I paused and wondered if everyone reading would understand the magnitude of parts, but alas that is quite likely with all books about history told by someone who was from a different place and time.

While there are many books about World War II and how Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin worked together originally to end the Nazi rampage throughout Europe, this book takes a look at the behind the scenes work done.

Most of the book focuses on the diplomatic work done by President Roosevelt's representative, Averell Harriman. He was a railroad magnate and at the time the fourth richest man in America. Not your typical diplomat. There's also a big cast of characters from England who worked with the approval of Winston Churchill.

Author Giles Milton does a good job intermingling the timelines from the American, British, and Russian perspectives into a nicely told story. It didn't feel like too much unrelated jumping around and it flowed well.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.