In 1941 John Gilbert Winant took his place as American ambassador to Britain. Edward R. Murrow was already living and reporting the blitz from London over CBS radio. Averell Harriman joined them to direct and coordinate the lend-lease program. All three of these men worked to improve the relationship between America and Britain. They urged the American people and President Roosevelt to send as much aid as possible to the British people and military, and ultimately to join the war. This is the story of that time, before America entered the war, when Britain endured and stood fast against the pounding of the German air force, the destruction of the shipping life line by u-boats, and the seeming unconcern of the isolationist American public. It is also the story of the difficult relationship between American and British military command structures once the United States did enter the war, and the relentless efforts of men like Winant and Eisenhower to promote cooperation, and ease the tensions between these allies. Olson also explores life in London during the war: the loosening of societal controls, the changing roles of women, and the relationship between civilians and the military. The tension between Americans who had more and better everything, food, uniforms, vehicles, and the shabbiness of British society that has suffered years of deprivation, hunger and rationing kept men like Winant constantly at work promoting understanding and controlling outbreaks of conflict. At the same time, there is tension between these Americans over their respective roles and access to Roosevelt and Churchill. A fascinating and informative read with a slightly different perspective on a “special relationship” that has been much written about. ~Marla Vandewater