Margaret H. (ExPeruanista) -
Helpful Score: 3
A lumpishly written book on a potentially fascinating bit of history. The author (or her copyeditor, if any) apparently can't distinguish between 'flaunting authority' and 'flouting authority'; refers to "All Quiet on the Western Front" as a piece of reportage, although it's a novel; and uses 'Battle of Britain' as if it referred to any British aviator at any time during World War II, instead of having a specific meaning. All this in the first 50 pages. My favorite is when the author says Roald Dahl's mother and four sisters in England, who haven't been mentioned for the previous 110 pages, 'had him on a very short leash.' This is at the end of a chapter where a lot of his Washington, D.C. amours are described, and someone who knew him at the time says, 'I think he slept with everybody on the East and West Coasts that had more than fifty thousand dollars a year.' Some leash. If you thought Roald Dahl might have been a nice guy, this is not the book for you. He comes across as an immature, womanizing, unscrupulous jerk - but the author seems to think that's okay because it was for the war effort.
Elizabeth M. (princesselizabeth) reviewed The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Fascinating, in-depth look at how Roald Dahl (yes, THAT Roald Dahl) was part of a British Intelligence team in wartime Washington, D.C. tasked with forwarding British interests in government and diplomatic circles. The gang included Ian Fleming and David Ogilvy--lots of interesting behind-the-scenes stories! Also brings out how Dahl met his future wife Patricia Neal and became somewhat Americanized during his stay. In my opinion, it doesn't show Dahl in a very flattering light--he comes off as the brilliant but insufferably arrogant 20-something he was--but it does shed light on his early career and personal contacts. You can't make this stuff up!
Thomas F. (hardtack) -
I've often stated you should never read a biography of an actor or actress you like. Afterwards, you will never feel the same about them.
I guess the same can be said about authors. I enjoy Dahl's YA books. Who would have thought that someone who wrote such entertaining novels could be such an egotistical and puerile ass.
Still, the book was revealing in how Britain did its best to transform America's isolationism to willing participation in World War II. In my opinion, this was a good thing, as fascism needed to be defeated.
I guess the same can be said about authors. I enjoy Dahl's YA books. Who would have thought that someone who wrote such entertaining novels could be such an egotistical and puerile ass.
Still, the book was revealing in how Britain did its best to transform America's isolationism to willing participation in World War II. In my opinion, this was a good thing, as fascism needed to be defeated.
Alice B. reviewed The Irregulars: Roald Dahl and the British Spy Ring in Wartime Washington on + 3584 more book reviews
If you fancy yourself as a student of WWII you must read this book. It is hard to imagine what Washington D.C. was like during WWII. You can guess what it must have been like and read all kinds of books about government contracts and who the major players were. Read this book and you'll have met the decision makers in a human way that you've probably not seen anywhere else. Its the D.C. we all have suspected but never seen from the inside. The real persons the author reveals to us in her word paintings are so much more than simply a recitation of facts. Their motivations and personalities come alive. I had some idea previously that the Brits had maneuvered the U.S. into being their allies. We know that Roosevelt and Churchill were instrumental in that effort. Previously unknown to me, was how involved British Intelligence was in manipulating American attitudes towards helping the Brits. I had no idea that Roald Dahl was part of British Intelligence and an ace pilot. The author leads us into Dahl's initial foray into writing. A great and fascinating read. I'm surprised no one has made a movie from the book of Dahl's exploits during WWII. The author has practically written the script.
