by Lynne Olson
First published 2017
When Nazi forces swept across Europe in the early years of World War II, London transformed into a sanctuary for displaced leaders fighting to reclaim their homelands. Six occupied nations sent their governments and military forces to Britain: Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Norway, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. General Charles de Gaulle arrived as the self-proclaimed voice of free France. Britain stood as the sole European democracy resisting Hitler, earning the nickname "Last Hope Island" among conquered territories. Historian Lynne Olson chronicles how these European allies collaborated with the British to challenge history's most powerful military machine. The book reveals the strategies, personalities, and alliances that emerged from this unprecedented gathering of exiled leadership. Olson presents a character-focused narrative that captures the urgency of leaders operating from foreign soil while their nations suffered under occupation. The work demonstrates how this unique coalition worked to restore stability to a shattered continent.
Genres: historical-fiction, 20th-century, world-war-ii, military-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, political-intrigue
Setting: Britain, Europe
Period: World War II
576 pages · Hardcover · Scribe
Content warnings: war