Being a book about depression, "Mr. Chartwell" was not as depressing as one might think going in. I found it to be a quick and delightfully entertaining read. The character of Black Pat is at once hideous and endearing, and as one who has suffered from depression, all too familiar. The undercurrent beneath the emotional, and sometimes physical, struggle with Black Pat is one of hope. It is sometimes difficult to express the feeling of depression, and Rebecca Hunt does it well with Churchill's "black dog".

I received this book from FirstReads and my review is based on the ARC.

From BBC Radio 4 - Book at Bedtime:
Set across five days in July 1964 we follow the bizarrely intertwined lives of Sir Winston Churchill, Esther Hammerhans and the unwelcome visitor they both share.


Episode 1/10
July 1964: The lives of Winston Churchill and Esther, a library clerk, become intertwined.

Episode 2/10:
July 1964, and the day looms when Winston Churchill must leave Parliament. Meanwhile Esther, a library clerk, has her own black date in the diary. She also has an unusual visitor.

Episode 3/10:
Wednesday 22nd July has been a long day for Esther, and it is still not over - Mr Chartwell has promised to tell her more about himself and just what the nature of his work is.

Episode 4/10:
Having agreed that Black Pat aka Mr Chartwell can stay over for a night, Esther is not sure what to expect in the morning.

Episode 5/10:
The weekend is approaching, together with the imminent anniversary of Esther's husband's death. But an unexpected task is set for Esther by her boss at the Westminster Library.

Episode 6/10:
Black Pat continues to lay siege to Esther and Beth issues an invitation to a lunch party.

Episode 7/10
Saturday 25th July 1964: Esther and Corkbowl are both preparing for the trip to Chartwell. But Esther is dreading Sunday for other reasons.

Episode 8/10:
Clementine Churchill takes a stand. Beth and Big Oliver host Sunday lunch.

Episode 9/10:
Sunday afternoon : Churchill's study is the scene of a delicate conversation.

Episode 10/10:
Sunday evening, Esther returns home to find Black Pat waiting for her.

The reader is Miriam Margolyes.

Abridged and produced by Jill Waters
A Waters Company Production for BBC Radio 4.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00v1npb

I'm not sure I completely understood this book, but it was interesting, thought-provoking, and pleasant to read. I want to let it sit in my head for a few days before I try to write a better review.