Description
Book SynopsisIn an absorbing work peopled with world leaders, generals and ordinary citizens who fought on both sides of the Second World War,
Alone brings to resounding life perhaps the most critical year of twentieth-century history. May 1940 was a month like no other, as the German war machine blazed into France while the supposedly impregnable Maginot Line crumbled, and Winston Churchill replaced Neville Chamberlain as prime minister in an astonishing political drama as Britain, isolated and alone, faced a triumphant Nazi Germany. Against this vast historical canvas, Michael Korda relates what happened and why, and also tells his own story, that of a six-year-old boy in a glamorous family who would himself be evacuated. Alone is a work that seamlessly weaves a family memoir into an unforgettable account of a political and military disaster redeemed by the evacuation of more than 300,000 men in four days—surely one of the most heroic episodes of the war.
Trade Review"Anyone wanting to explore the history behind Christopher Nolan's recent film could do a lot worse than start here." -- Times Literary Supplement
"... he [Korda] offers two books for the price of one, interweaving a historical narrative of the events of 1939–1940, climaxing with Dunkirk, and a succession of vivid fragments of autobiography." -- Max Hastings - The New York Review of Books
"The incredible, almost miraculous story of what happened at Dunkirk in the year 1940—and why—is unfolded in
Alone with great narrative skill and superb delineation of a highly interesting cast of characters, including, importantly, the author himself and his own remarkable family." -- David McCullough
"His [Korda's] attention to detail when relating specific events is superb and will make the military reader feel as if they are there among the action." -- Soldier
"[
Alone] vividly brings to life events which saw Britain stand alone as the only nation with the resolve and courage to defy Hitler." -- Sunday Post Scotland
"Ultimately, this is a title which offers an absorbing and well-written tale of political intrigue and military campaign... set within, is the fascinating tale of a family, as well as armies, rescued from the brink of disaster." -- Britain at War Magazine
"This account of the events surrounding Dunkirk is a no-brainer for my top read of 2017." -- Soldier Selects 2017 - Soldier Magazine
"... a superb retelling of the extraordinary story of May 1940, which in my view can never be told enough... his [Korda's] work addresses all the latest research and analysis of other historians. He has a fine eye for telling detail, as well as for the big issues and all the personalities involved... An exciting work of history; I loved it." -- Andrew Roberts, Books of the Year 2017 - BBC History Magazine
