Random Thoughts by a Reader

Erik's quest for WW2 history continues with Vol. 3 The Grand Alliance but in this book-crossing, he shared his views on Vol. 2 Their Finest Hour, which he finished reading just several days ago. This volume begins with Churchill becoming Britain's prime minister and ends with British and her allies' troops' victories against Italian armies in Northern Africa in 1940. This volume covers key WW2 developments such as Dunkirk retreat, fall of France, Italy declaring war against Britain, full scale German bombardment of British cities, etc. What interested Erik most is Italy's entry into war. Italy, being a long-term friend of Britain, declared war against Britain despite London numerous attempts to persuade Italy to be neutral. Mossolini, like all politicians, is a keen calculator. He was convinced that German would defeat Britain and occupy British isles. So he wanted a share of German's victory. History proves that his calculation was wrong. In contrast, Spain's Franco, also a dictator, having doubts that German would ever occupy Britain, played a procrastination card with Hitler. So we see Italy and Spain went on to a different path.

It's also worth noting that Britain was actually on the brink of collapse if German air force continued its strong bombardment of British cities. It's no denying that the superior Royal Air Force hit hard German forces and is a leading factor in Britain's survival in WW2. Yet Churchill admitted in his book that should German's intense attack persist, Britain wouldn't have been able to fight German much longer. I think to some degree, Britain survives by chances. German didn't win because it didn't persevere.

It's also interesting to read the North Africa war front. One can't fail to think about the current Libya civil war and NATO's involvement. There was an intense discussion on the current affairs by all 4 attendees of the book-crossing activity.

This book was shared in the book crossing activity in Shanghai Hongqiao Internatioal Library. To know more, visit http://www.douban.com/people/50946105/