In this episode of the book review podcast, award-winning historian Roger Moorhouse and journalist Antonia Senior reflect on VE Day and discuss two significant books. 'Victory 45' by James Holland and Al Murray, which explores the final weeks of World War II through key surrenders. 'The Reckoning' by Phil Craig, which examines the global implications of the war's end, particularly in relation to colonialism and the aftermath in various regions. The discussion highlights the complexities of historical narratives, the human experiences during the war, and the importance of understanding the broader context of empire and its consequences. The speakers also recommend additional literature that provides further insights into this tumultuous period.takeaways

• VE Day is often romanticized, but the reality was complex.
• 'Victory 45' focuses on the human drama of surrender.
• Berlin in 1945 was a brutal environment for civilians.
• The end of the war meant different things for different countries.
• The narrative of who won the war varies by perspective.
• Colonial powers faced their own conflicts post-war.
• Phil Craig's 'The Reckoning' offers a global view of WWII's end.
• Historical narratives can be oversimplified or mythologized.
• Personal stories from the war reveal deep human experiences.
• Literature can provide valuable insights into historical events.
• keywordsVE Day, WWII, Victory 45, The Reckoning, historical analysis, empire, surrender, Berlin, human experience, literaturesummary