This sprawling novel of WWII reminded me of the books my mother and I shared when I lived with her, only this one is far more well-written. This is the story of a family which fortuitously has a member in every place anything important happens. The main character meets all the heads of state, and advises Roosevelt from obscurity. It requires a suspension of disbelief- but once one sails over that hurdle, the book is fascinating, informative and very involving. I was up late numerous nights reading it, and I'm heading right into the sequel without even a coffee break.