The top 10 books i've read this year: #10
#10 George VI by Denis Judd
"Despite his struggle with a crippling shyness and sense of inadequacy, exacerbated by the stammer that was the focus of the Oscar-winning film The King’s Speech , George VI rose to challenges before him. His marriage to the self-assured and supportive Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons and his unexpected accession to the throne in 1936 changed the direction of the young prince’s life for good. Once on the throne, it was he who bore the weighty responsibility for restoring the nation’s confidence in their monarchy following his elder brother’s abdication and for maintaining morale during the darkest days of World War II, when, together with Winston Churchill, his dignified presence functioned as a beacon of reassurance to civilians and military alike. Denis Judd provides a fascinating, if sometimes controversial, reassessment of the man who, quite unexpectedly, came to occupy an extraordinary position in a time of unprecedented change."
This is the only non-fiction book in my favourites. Its not that i didn't enjoy the others i read, but i definitely didn't enjoy them as much as this one. I literally couldn't put this book down. The story of his life was so fascinating. The way that it changed because of one decision. Yes, parts of George VI's life were looked at in 'The Kings Speech', but this goes into a lot more detail. Definitely check it out if you like reading about The Royal Family or historical figures.
"Despite his struggle with a crippling shyness and sense of inadequacy, exacerbated by the stammer that was the focus of the Oscar-winning film The King’s Speech , George VI rose to challenges before him. His marriage to the self-assured and supportive Elizabeth Bowes-Lyons and his unexpected accession to the throne in 1936 changed the direction of the young prince’s life for good. Once on the throne, it was he who bore the weighty responsibility for restoring the nation’s confidence in their monarchy following his elder brother’s abdication and for maintaining morale during the darkest days of World War II, when, together with Winston Churchill, his dignified presence functioned as a beacon of reassurance to civilians and military alike. Denis Judd provides a fascinating, if sometimes controversial, reassessment of the man who, quite unexpectedly, came to occupy an extraordinary position in a time of unprecedented change."
This is the only non-fiction book in my favourites. Its not that i didn't enjoy the others i read, but i definitely didn't enjoy them as much as this one. I literally couldn't put this book down. The story of his life was so fascinating. The way that it changed because of one decision. Yes, parts of George VI's life were looked at in 'The Kings Speech', but this goes into a lot more detail. Definitely check it out if you like reading about The Royal Family or historical figures.