Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The Splendid and the Vile offers a deeply personal look at Winston Churchill’s leadership during the Blitz. What were your overall impressions of the book’s portrayal of Churchill and his inner circle? Did the book change or reinforce your perception of him as a leader? 

2. Erik Larson, author of In the Garden of Beasts, uses narrative nonfiction techniques to bring historical events to life, blending archival research with storytelling. How did his approach affect your reading experience? Did it make the history feel more immediate and engaging? 

3. The book explores not only the political and military challenges of Churchill’s first year in office, but also the personal struggles of his family and close advisors. Did you find this balance between war strategy and personal stories effective? Why or why not?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Churchill believed that Britain and the United States, as the world’s leading democracies, were the only forces capable of defeating Nazi Germany. Do you think his view of the Anglo-American alliance is still relevant today? How do you see the relationship between these two nations in modern global politics?