Book Review- Winston Churchill by John Perry

This biography of Winston Churchill by John Perry is part of the Christian Encounters series from Thomas Nelson Publishers. However, there is little included in the book that leads one to believe that Churchill was actually a follower of Jesus Christ. Rather, despite Perry's efforts to portray Churchill as a Christian, the former British Prime Minister comes off as, at best, a deist and, at worst, a religious opportunist.

Though less than 160 pages, this brief biography of Churchill's life spends ample time in providing: a sketch of his early childhood and the distance between he and his parents; his close relationship with a nanny who become a close early confidant; his time away at boarding schools; his academic struggles; his adventure seeking nature and brushes with death. Additonally, the later years of Churchill's life as Prime Minister and as a member of Parliament are also well chronicled. Not excluded are several references to Churchill's opulent lifestyle.

There are numerous more lengthy volumes on the life of Winston Churchill but this biography is very readable and sufficient to answer initial questions about the leader of Great Britain during the dark years of World War II.