The Last Lion: Alone - Tension Done Right

(This clip is from the movie "The Gathering Storm" and portrays Churchill's moment of return to relevance after he was finally heard on the merits).

The best nonfiction books can be as riveting as the most intense of adventure stories.  And, the very best authors can make something that would induce sleep on C-SPAN into an explosive jolt for a reader.

For some reason, two of my most intense nonfiction reading experiences were set in British Parliament.  One was H.W. Brands' description of Benjamin Franklin's moment of transformation from Brit to rebel.  The other was William Manchester's description of Winston Churchill bursting back into relevancy after years in the political wilderness when he informed the public by force of will and ruined political careers with one speech. 

I read and loved The Last Lion, volume one: Visions of Glory.  But, The Last Lion, volume two: Alone is taking me to wonderful places.  Most nonfiction books about a topic of interest are fascinating, but only the best can do what William Manchester can do.  I got so fired up reading this scene that I read the whole section out loud to Jen.  She was either genuinely riveted or the best and most patient and tolerant person I know.  (for the record, she said it was "very interesting" - glowing praise from Jen).

In this installment, and the scene that made my week, Manchester takes the reader into a parliamentary debate about armaments.  To set the scene, Churchill has been wandering in the political wilderness for the better part of four years.  He was ignored, mocked, and shunned despite his accurate information.  Then finally, FINALLY, Winston gets his chance to make the case he has been building for years.  And, for the first time in years, the ears arrive to take him seriously.