Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill

Written by Sonia Purnell

Narrated by Susan Lyons

A long-overdue tribute to the extraordinary woman behind Winston Churchill By Winston Churchill's own admission, victory in the Second World War would have been "impossible without her." Until now, however, the only existing biography of Churchill's wife, Clementine, was written by her daughter. Sonia Purnell finally gives Clementine her due with a deeply researched account that tells her life story, revealing how she was instrumental in softening FDR's initial dislike of her husband and paving the way for Britain's close relationship with America. It also provides a surprising account of her relationship with Eleanor Roosevelt and their differing approaches to the war effort. Born into impecunious aristocracy, the young Clementine was the target of cruel snobbery. Many wondered why Winston married her, but their marriage proved to be an exceptional partnership. Beautiful and intelligent, but driven by her own insecurities, she made his career her mission. Any real consideration of Winston Churchill is incomplete without an understanding of their relationship, and Clementine is both the first real biography of this remarkable woman and a fascinating look inside their private world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Oct 27, 2015
• ISBN: 9781490699240

Reviews for Clementine

[Rich Kambak · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Exceptional biographical account in the most detailed nuanced and insightful homage to Clementines life story. A must read to complete the Churchill legacy.

[wiserwisegirl · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[clue_4 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.

[lauralkeet · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

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.

[evatkaplan · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Taken from letters between the Churchill's and interviews. Very interesting and well written. She was very much involved in every aspect of Churchill's coming to power & she was his backbone. Not a very good mother, in my opinion & they were both "in love with power."

[parkerpal_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Interesting read. Well researched. I learned much about this intriguing woman of history, especially her importance behind the scenes during WW11

[yukon92 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Very dry book of a very self-absorbed family!

[pennymck_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A fascinating biography of Clementine Churchill, an unknown, unappreciated woman who nevertheless played a pivotal role in world history - well worth reading

[streamsong_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story of Clementine is the story of Winston Churchill and of Britain. Clementine lived an upper class, but rather unconventional childhood, with a mother known for her many lovers and Clementine's paternity somewhat in doubt. She married Winston Churchill in 1908. He was already a well known political icon, ten years her senior. The subtitle of the book :”The Life of Mrs Winston Churchill” is most apt. Clementine Churchill stayed in the background of Winston's political career. Clementine made her opinions known to Winston (they argued over women's suffrage in the early years, a proposal that Winston vehemently opposed.) Unlike her contemporary and counterpart Eleanor Roosevelt, Clementine was the helpmate, furthering politcal ties for Winston with social events, and often offering the wisdom of empathy, which Winston seemed to lack. She engaged in helping in the homefront in both World Wars as well as spearheading help for an impoverished Russia before the iron curtain slammed down.She was a complicated person. As Winston wrestled his Black Dog of depression, Clementine also wrestled at times with 'nervous conditions'. A loving mother, she often was away from her children for quite extended amounts of time until a family tragedy jolted her back to motherhood. I learned a lot about Clementine's life and the life of British upper class at the time. I learned more about Winston Churchill and British history. A worthwhile read.