That Sweet Enemy–Britain and France

by: Robert and Isabelle Tombs

Published by: Vintage Books

Reviewed by Nicole M. Boals

Subtitled: The History of a Love-Hate Relationship

There is no doubt that Britain and France have had a long and tenuous relationship. For over three hundred years, their histories have threaded together in a detailed and often confusing tapestry. That Sweet Enemy takes on the task of untying the Gordian Knot that is this tapestry–and it does a detailed and entertaining way. The authors are a husband and wife team; one from France and one from Britain. This brings a unique and interesting perspective to the topic.

The book kicks off with a review of the state of the countries as of the late 1600s. Details about the power struggles of kings and their underlings set the tone for what would be a relationship that would span centuries. The chapters are laid out in a timeline format, which helps the reader keep all of the details and facts straight. The decades are laid out through current day, touching on Iraqi war tensions.

One of my favorite features of the book is the photos, pictures, and illustrations, especially the political cartoons and satire. These cartoons and drawings add so much to the written word. They bring points into focus and often made me laugh out loud. The maps and diagrams help explain sometimes confusing facts.

This is no quick, easy read; it is over 700 pages of small type. But the length is due to the immense detail that is packed into the book. The authors do a great job of keeping all of this detail clear and readable. Detailed notes and bibliography sections will give any inquisitive reader a wealth of further research.

Set some time aside to enjoy this trek through the history of England and France and you will be glad you did!

Armchair Interviews says: That Sweet Enemy is an informative and entertaining read.