'Churchill's Citadel: Chartwell and the Gatherings Before the Storm' by Katherine Carter is a book that repositions Chartwell, Winston Churchill's home, as a protagonist in his story. The book explores the significant visitors to Chartwell and their role in shaping Churchill's ideas and policies leading up to the Second World War. Carter, who was Chartwell's first dedicated curator, provides a unique first-hand understanding of the house and its historical significance. She debunks the myth that Chartwell was a place for Churchill to switch off from politics, highlighting the thousands of visitors who came to discuss and strategize with him. The book offers a detailed account of the visitors, including Albert Einstein, T.E. Lawrence, and Neville Chamberlain, and provides mouthwatering descriptions of the sumptuous meals served at Chartwell.