I was instantly wary when I saw that one of the highlighted endorsements on Lynne Olson's booksite was by Chris Matthews, but I suppose I shouldn't hold that against her. The book is Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in Its Darkest, Finest Hour, and Publisher's Weekly gave it a starred review (despited getting her gender wrong):
The Anglo-American alliance in WWII was not inevitable, writes former Baltimore Sun correspondent Olson (Troublesome Young Men). In this ingenious history, he emphasizes the role of three prominent Americans living in London who helped bring it about. Best known was Edward R. Murrow, head of CBS radio's European bureau after 1937. His pioneering live broadcasts during the blitz made him a celebrity, and Olson portrays a man who worked tirelessly to win American support for Britain. Most admirable of the three was John Winant, appointed American ambassador in 1941. A true humanitarian, he skillfully helped craft the British-American alliance. And most amusing was Averell Harriman, beginning a long public service career. In 1941, FDR sent the wealthy, ambitious playboy to London to oversee Lend-Lease aid. He loved the job, but made no personal sacrifices, living a luxurious life as he hobnobbed with world leaders and carried on an affair with Churchill's daughter-in-law. Olson, an insightful historian, contrasts the idealism of Winant and Murrow with the pragmatism of Harriman. But all three men were colorful, larger-than-life figures, and Olson's absorbing narrative does them justice.
In addition to Amazon& B&N (Amazon has this as one of Feb.'s Best Books), I found an NPR interview (with a different excerpt than what's on her booksite) and an assortment of "I liked this book" reviews. Maybe the lack of high-profile reviewers explains why the booksites "Reviews" page is really full of those celebrity journalist/ endorsements, not actual reviews. But it turns out that Tweety's has the best summary, so that explains that.
Probably a good book, probably a decent interview.
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