Read for my book club.

Quite an interesting book of an independent woman and a domineering man during turbulent times. I didn't think much of the first half but the 2nd half was good - describing numerous political events and the ways in which dysfunctional family relationships were managed or mismanaged.

Very well researched but I can't quite bring myself to say it was well written. Obviously, the author had access to this huge pile of correspondence between Winston Churchill and Clementine and didn't know how to draw limits. I mean, when she's telling us the name of her dogs, the color of the panels in her dining room, and so on - none of which is ever referred to again - that's simply unnecessary. Too many instances of this kind of thing. At the same time, there were many things left unexplained - although that may be an unfair criticism. If the book was written for someone who was very familiar with the era from WWI to WWII and English history, they must know all this. However, as a choice for a general interest book club, this was not my area so I occasionally had to put the book down and read up on topics to figure out what or who she was talking about.

Her editor should have picked up on this so her editor's at fault, too. Conversely, there are things missing that made me wonder why. For example, the author says repeatedly that Clementine was a great wit - well, let's hear something. No, we never do.

Bottom line: Book was a slog - and to a friend in general - I wouldn't recommend it, unless it is significantly abridged OR the reader is seriously interested in that period of history - from WWI to WWII because it does shine a unique light on that period.

PS: I did learn two unrelated things: the word "louche" and where the Dardenelles are. And I was inspired to read more about what really happened at the Dardenelles and who was responsible. ( )

Another strong woman whose historic contributions come into balance after this good read.

The perseverance of Winston, Clemontine, and the British people as a whole as they awaited the entry of the United States of America into the war against tyranny was so well narrated.
My historic perspective of this much written about era and these two giant figures has been tweaked and twisted with my thirst quenched for the time
but not yet wholly satiated. ( )

Another strong woman whose historic contributions come into balance after this good read.

The perseverance of Winston, Clemontine, and the British people as a whole as they awaited the entry of the United States of America into the war against tyranny was so well narrated.
My historic perspective of this much written about era and these two giant figures has been tweaked and twisted with my thirst quenched for the time
but not yet wholly satiated. ( )

I've read other books and articles about Clementine Churchill but never one as comprehensive as this. The author reveals Clementine's complexity and the depth of her influence on her husband in a way nothing else I've read has. Clementine had her shortcomings as we all do, but she was nonetheless an amazing woman who has been largely forgotten.

Clementine Churchill (1885 – 1977) didn’t have the traditional childhood that would be expected of the wife of one of the most important men of the twentieth century. Her mother and father, having both been involved in extramarital affairs, decided to separate rather than divorce when Clementine was young. Although her mother was the daughter of an Earl she and the children moved frequently, usually living in depravation.

Undoubtedly her unconventional upbringing caused Clementine to have a different outlook than her peers. When she met Winston Churchill at a dinner party he was surprised and impressed when she ably took part in the political discussions at the table. Four years later they were married.

Although she had five children, Clementine was not maternal and generally handed her children over to nannies. It was her self-absorbed husband and his work that received her devotion. She had an astonishing level of involvement in his work, essentially serving as his most trusted aide. She read and improved his speeches and even routinely advised him on policy.

In her own right Clementine, unlike her husband, had a genuine interest in common people and unofficially served as the face of government to them particularly during the wars. Her interest in their welfare earned respect and admiration and she would sometimes be applauded as she walked down the street.

A fascinating life and a fascinating book that appears to rest throughly on careful research. ( )

This was an interesting biography of Clementine Churchill that revealed the significant role she played in British politics, albeit largely behind the scenes. Clementine didn’t aspire to politics, but after marrying Winston, a consummate career politician, she found herself supporting his endeavors in ways large and small. Clementine helped campaign for his parliament seat, critiqued his speeches, spoke freely at dinners and other engagements, and routinely offered advice on Winston’s conduct, especially around thorny issues.

While Clementine was a formidable partner in Winston’s career, the couple was less successful in raising a family. This was perhaps due to a lack of role models and dysfunctional upbringing, but I still found this aspect of their lives shocking and sad. Their three older Churchill children were largely neglected by their parents, and led very difficult and traumatic adult lives. After the tragic loss of their then-youngest child, the couple seems to have wised up. Their next (and last) child benefited from the care of a loving nanny/guardian almost up to adulthood.

Sonia Purnell portrays both Winston and Clementine as the flawed human beings they undoubtedly were, providing a more in-depth portrait than commonly found in the history books. This book lacked the spark and excitement of Purnell’s A Woman of No Importance, but I appreciate her commitment to bringing women’s role in history to the forefront. ( )