Lady Clementine is a wonderful historical novel and one that I highly recommend. As can be seen from the title, it is the story of Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston. The story is told in Clementine’s voice and Ms. Benedict inhabits that so well that, while reading, I truly felt that Clementine was telling her story. The book focuses quite a bit on WWII but there was much before that in Clementine’s biography and these earlier times merit also captured the author’s attention.
Readers learn that Clementine’s childhood was rather insecure and find out why this was so. The losses she experienced and her opportunities to marry before meeting Winston are detailed.
Clementine and Winston had many years together prior to WWII. Readers experience the ups and downs of their relationship, Winston’s political and military woes and their significant family tragedy. Winston’s neediness and strong need for Clementine to be available become quite clear. Readers also witness Clementine’s mental health struggles and the challenges that she faced as a mother. Throughout there is the lens of Clementine finding her own voice and her desire to be appreciated and recognized for the incredible woman that she was.
I give this novel 5 stars, something that I rarely do. I recommend it that highly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this read in exchange for an honest review.
This book will be published in January 2020.
Praise for Lady Clementine:
“Benedict is a true master at weaving the threads of the past into a compelling story for today. Here is the fictionalized account of the person who was the unequivocal wind beneath Winston Churchill’s wings — a woman whose impact on the world-shaper that was WW2 has been begging to be told. A remarkable story of remarkable woman.”—Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Last Year of the War
“The atmospheric prose of Marie Benedict draws me in every single time. Lady Clementine’s powerful and spirited story is both compelling and immersive. Benedict fully inhabits the measured and intelligent voice of Clementine Churchill. Entranced throughout, I discovered the secrets behind a familiar story I thought I knew. Deftly moving from the early nineteen hundreds through World War II, Benedict skillfully paints a vivid picture of the times and life of Clementine, the remarkable woman who was the steady force beside Winston Churchill.” —Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis
More on Clementine Churchill
I admired both Sonia Purnell and Clementine Churchill even before I was (fortunately) approved by NetGalley for this book on Clementine Churchill . I learned so much from the biography written by Ms. Purnell. This book reiterates many important elements of this fascinating woman’s biography, from her troubled childhood throughout two World Wars and her life beyond. What makes this book different and special, at least to me, are the photographs. They are fascinating both in terms of Clementine and Winston’s lives and as illustrations of the lives of people who lived throughout the 1900s. The text and photos are perfect complements to one another and add to the depth of experience for the reader.
I am savoring this book as I read it. I highly recommend it and give it five stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this magnificent book.
I have read but not reviewed this. It is excellent.
Some variety here…The Crown should be fun to look at while we await the new season. Driving Miss Norma got good reviews. It is a story about a road trip that someone takes when terminally ill but is meant to be not too depressing. I am curious about Resistance Women which is based on WWII events. It is in my TBR pile. Then, I have included the anthology because it seemed interesting. Enjoy.
First, the illustrations in this book are so appealing and adorable! They absolutely enhance the text. This book is for young children. It begins by demystifying what a vet does. This will be helpful for children who need to take their pet to see the vet. The book then gives two examples of the vet at work. One case is about a dog and the other a pony. Both animals recover well of course.
I always recommend Leon and Sayers but think these other bargains look good too.
This book is part of a series on “Stem Superstars” that is written for early elementary school students. This story of Mae Jemison will inspire young children who are interested in science, medicine and space.
This is another wonderful entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series. This book tells the story of a young Muslim girl who, when she grew up, became a respected architect. As an architect, Zaha Hadid had a unique vision which included curvilinear constructions.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 