We can’t wait to welcome bestselling author Hugh Sebag Montefiore to Chorleywood, where he’ll be chatting about his latest book Battle Of The Arctic, a spellbinding and fiercely told history of one of the most extreme episodes of the Second World War.

As the Soviet Union played its role in the fracas, Ally convoys from the UK, the United States and Iceland fought to deliver essential supplies to Russia. In a clash of extreme elements and fierce Axis opposition, the effort demonstrated like no other the commitment from other nations to supporting the Soviet Union.

Battle of the Arctic follows not just the Royal Navy and its successful efforts to shepherd ships through storms and past floating icebergs. It also tells a part of history which has never been properly understood by the British public. It involves the forgotten heroes of the Arctic convoys, the officers, armed guards and the ordinary civilian seamen, condemned to carry on steaming their merchant ships slowly through the icy waters to and from Russia, even though they knew that at any moment they might be sunk.

This is a thrilling and important story that will leave you thankful to be on dry ground.

‘Sebag-Montefiore’s book is a narrative triumph. I have not read a better account.’ Max Hastings, The Sunday Telegraph