World Wars: Robert Harris, PRECIPICE & Giles Milton, THE STALIN AFFAIR

Writer's Voice with Francesca Rheannon

Today, we explore two uncommon angles on the histories of World War I and World War II.

First, we’re joined by historical fiction writer Robert Harris, author of the recently released novel, Precipice. The novel explores a true story — the clandestine relationship between British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith and Venetia Stanley — set against the tumultuous events of World War I.

Later, Giles Milton tells us about his book,The Stalin Affair. It’s a gripping fly-on-the wall account of the uneasy alliance between Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin during WWII.

Today’s conversations weave together themes of political intrigue, unlikely alliances, and the personal connections that shape historical events. Both books reveal how pivotal relationships and secrets influence nations and change the course of history.

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Key words: Robert Harris, World War One, World War Two, WWI, WWII, Giles Milton, Stalin, Churchill, FDR, WWII history, WWI history, podcast, Writer’s Voice,

Segment 1: Robert Harris on Precipice

Robert Harris discusses his latest novel, Precipice. It tells the story of the affair between Venetia Stanley and British Prime Minister Herbert Asquith as World War I unfolds.

Harris shares the fascinating details of their relationship, supported by Asquith’s passionate letters to Venetia. He explores how Asquith shared highly classified information with Venetia, depending on her for advice about affairs of state.

This conversation also touches on Harris’s fictional addition of Paul Deemer, an intelligence officer, bringing a layer of intrigue to this tale of political scandal, personal recklessness, and elite impunity as the old world order teeters on the brink of destruction.

Listen To An Excerpt

Hear our previous interview with Robert Harris about An Officer And A Spy

Segment 2: Giles Milton on The Stalin Affair

Giles Milton discusses The Stalin Affair, which explores the wartime alliance between Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin. Milton describes how these leaders, despite their deep-seated distrust, united to face the Nazi threat. The segment explores how these leaders’ interactions, driven by necessity, shaped the trajectory of the war and the geopolitical landscape to come.

The discussion reveals Stalin’s surprising reaction to Hitler’s betrayal, Roosevelt’s and Churchill’s competition for Stalin’s favor, and the political maneuverings at the Tehran and Yalta conferences. Milton also recounts the brutal realities of the Katyn Massacre and the Warsaw Uprising, showcasing Stalin’s ruthlessness and its lasting impact on Eastern Europe.

Read An Excerpt

Listen to More Writer’s Voice Conversations about WWII