Publication
waterville : thorndike Press, 2020.
Collection
Call number
Large Print Fiction B
Physical description
531 p.; 23 cm
Status
Available
Call number
Description
In 1909, Clementine steps off a train with her new husband, Winston. An angry woman emerges from the crowd to attack, shoving him in the direction of an oncoming train. Just before he stumbles, Clementine grabs him by his suit jacket. This will not be the last time Clementine Churchill will save her husband. Lady Clementine is the ferocious story of the ambitious woman beside Winston Churchill, the story of a partner who did not flinch through the sweeping darkness of war--and who would not surrender either to expectations or to enemies.
User reviews
LibraryThing member kimkimkim
September 12, 1908, Clementine Hozier is about to become Mrs. Winston Churchill. They are an odd but perfect pairing as is reinforced through the decades of their marriage. She is the voice of reason to his intellectual wandering. She is grounded and loyal to her suffragette and liberal positions,
The positives of this book are that it was well written, well researched and very interesting. The negative was the sometimes strident tone and the “Me, Me, Me” diatribe that often reared its ugly head. It was a bit lengthy and towards the end I thought tighter editing might have been helpful.
Much like Marie Benedict’s book “The Carnegie Maid” the male character has a strong, domineering mother to whom he is in thrall and provides a constant challenge to the female lead. The books I have read by Ms. Benedict have all dealt with females who have made significant contributions to society and history and have rarely been accorded the notoriety that they deserve.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a copy.
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while he wavers, and like most politicians switches and maneuvers for his political survival. She is his speech coach, his second head, his greatest defender, his strength when the “black dog moods” overtake him. She is wily, an excellent observer and decipherer of those who surround her husband, and she is politically astute. She is able to determine the paths that will lead them forward and does not shy away from the spotlight. Facing marginalization on many occasions she is constantly recreating her voice as one to be heeded. She is unquestionably a force to be reckoned with.The positives of this book are that it was well written, well researched and very interesting. The negative was the sometimes strident tone and the “Me, Me, Me” diatribe that often reared its ugly head. It was a bit lengthy and towards the end I thought tighter editing might have been helpful.
Much like Marie Benedict’s book “The Carnegie Maid” the male character has a strong, domineering mother to whom he is in thrall and provides a constant challenge to the female lead. The books I have read by Ms. Benedict have all dealt with females who have made significant contributions to society and history and have rarely been accorded the notoriety that they deserve.
Thank you NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for a copy.
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LibraryThing member nyiper
I wasn't sure I "liked" Lady Clementine as she was producing this historical novel, presented as a memoir by Benedict...but what wonderful writing to make the reader really believe this IS a memoir and this IS Clementine writing. Showing her place in history was so well done, at least for me....and
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also giving such a personal, from Clementine again, view of Winston Churchill. This was so well done...wonderful to read. I would have loved for Benedict to continue on for Clementine's later life. Show Less
LibraryThing member brangwinn
BRAVO to Benedict for pulling an important character out from the shadow of her husband. I kept thinking about the strength of Lady Clementine and thought how amazing it was that both she and Eleanor Roosevelt did so much to help their countries during World War, too. My NetGalley version didn’t
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have an afterword to tell how life treated Lady Clementine after World War II, so I had to look it up. I agree that the author ended the story at the right place. Show Less
LibraryThing member Dianekeenoy
I have to admit that this book took me some time to become invested in the story. I found that Clementine, while quite a force to be reckoned with, could be very strident and there was a lot of the Me, Me, Me whining that makes me crazy. However, once I got over myself and just sat down and stuck
I’ve read and loved Marie Benedict’s books, The Only Woman in the Room and The Other Einstein. While this book wasn’t quite as good as these, it was certainly very good and once again gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of women who supported, with very little or no recognition for their hard work, the lives of men who are well remembered in our history books. Recommended.
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with the book, it finally pulled me in. You have to remember this book starts with the marriage of Clementine Hozier and Winston Churchill which was September 12, 1908. The fact that this was a true love match back when marriages were more for practical purposes sets the tone for this book. Then, the fact that Clementine was a huge part of Churchill’s decision making and his speech analyst was unheard of in that day and age. I’ve read and loved Marie Benedict’s books, The Only Woman in the Room and The Other Einstein. While this book wasn’t quite as good as these, it was certainly very good and once again gives the reader a glimpse into the lives of women who supported, with very little or no recognition for their hard work, the lives of men who are well remembered in our history books. Recommended.
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LibraryThing member ethel55
I was intrigued to learn more about Clementine Churchill. I had no idea of her upbringing, how she met Winston and how they coped through two World Wars and various job titles. The book didn't grab me in the way I had hoped. While it was very interesting historically speaking, there wasn't much
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emotion put forth in the recitation of her life. But maybe that's the stiff upper lip thing. Show Less
LibraryThing member etxgardener
I was looking forward to reading this book as I liked the author's book on Hedy Lamarr, The Only Woman in the Room. Unfortunately, this book did is not nearly as good as the other book was. I'm not quite sure why since Clementine Churchill was certainly an exceptional woman and played a crucial
The lack of appearing as a three dimensional character is not help that the book is written in the first person narrative voice and all the action takes place in the present tense. A big disappointment
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role in keeping her mercurial husband focused to his monumental task of leading Britain during World War II. But in this book, she never seems to come to life as a flesh and blood woman.The lack of appearing as a three dimensional character is not help that the book is written in the first person narrative voice and all the action takes place in the present tense. A big disappointment
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LibraryThing member linda.marsheells
I don't read political books, and that was my fear in choosing Lady Clementine....fear not! This was a very humanizing book of the woman behind the man ,Winston Churchill. Kind of a British Eleanor Roosevelt with softer edges....
Enlightening.
Enlightening.
LibraryThing member wagner.sarah35
I've been reading a lot of books (fiction and non-fiction) about WWII lately and this one, while good, just isn't quite as good as some of the others. It's centered on Clementine Churchill, the wife of Britain's Winston Churchill, and covers much of their long marriage. I didn't know much about
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Clementine prior to this novel and there were several things I really appreciated about how the author told this story. The discussion of Clementine's mental health, her feelings about motherhood, and how she sometimes wanted to escape the life she was living are almost too real and too close to some of my own personal experiences. Still, there was also something about Clementine I didn't like too - how she catered to her husband's needs, how she blamed herself for her children. It's not that I wish to impose more modern values on a woman from the past, but these issues deserve more historical context. Overall, an interesting novel about an overlooked woman. Show Less
LibraryThing member maryreinert
This is the third "biography" I've read by this author and probably my last. While the events in the book are based on facts, I find the first person narrator just too much. "I walked down the steps in my celadon green dress" - All those details of the story come through the mind of the main
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character. Just seems awkward to me. Didn't finish. Show Less
LibraryThing member EllenH
Another one of those well written novels about people that makes you want to know more! Clementine Churchill was a woman before her time as was her husband a man ahead of his, to have such a partnership!
LibraryThing member JanaRose1
This book opens on the eve of Clementine's marriage to Winston and follows their life through the end of WWII. Understanding that a life with Winston demands loyalty, and that she take a back seat, Clementine does her best to cater to his needs and support his political career. At times the strain
This was a pretty interesting read. Clementine was a very likeable character, and well rounded. At times Winston comes across as a bumbling, stubborn man with little common sense, which is at great contrast to his legacy. The passing of time was done particularly well, leaving the story with a nice flow. Overall, well worth picking up.
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is too much, as she is forced to put her needs, and the needs of her children second to the charismatic, unstoppable force that is her husband. This was a pretty interesting read. Clementine was a very likeable character, and well rounded. At times Winston comes across as a bumbling, stubborn man with little common sense, which is at great contrast to his legacy. The passing of time was done particularly well, leaving the story with a nice flow. Overall, well worth picking up.
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LibraryThing member 4leschats
Winston Churchill is an iconic symbol of WWII, but his life is significantly shaped by the woman he marries. Clementine Churchill becomes a new kind of political wife, heavily involved in his career, she must balances her views and the needs of her children with the mercurial demands of her
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husband. Though she struggles on the domestic front, she finds her place at Winston's side as they pursue change and protect England and the world Show Less
LibraryThing member fredreeca
This book has been burning a hole in my bookshelf. I received it at Book Expo 2019 but have not had time to pick it up. Marie Benedict has become one of my favorite authors. She always chooses a strong woman from history to focus on. This time she chose Winston Churchill's wife,
Clementine was an amazing lady. She definitely was a force to be reckoned with, especially where Winston was concerned. She was a huge part of his decision making. Plus, she was also his speech analyst. She undeniably bucked him up when he needed it.
I adore a book which teaches me something I did not know. And almost all of Marie Benedict's books do this. Now, is this book perfect...no. There are several places where the daily tasks were just mundane. So, this is not my favorite Marie Benedict book. But, it is still not to be missed. Clementine was a minor character in history. I virtually knew nothing about her. But, boy...she had a huge influence on the world today.
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Clementine.
Clementine was an amazing lady. She definitely was a force to be reckoned with, especially where Winston was concerned. She was a huge part of his decision making. Plus, she was also his speech analyst. She undeniably bucked him up when he needed it.
I adore a book which teaches me something I did not know. And almost all of Marie Benedict's books do this. Now, is this book perfect...no. There are several places where the daily tasks were just mundane. So, this is not my favorite Marie Benedict book. But, it is still not to be missed. Clementine was a minor character in history. I virtually knew nothing about her. But, boy...she had a huge influence on the world today.
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LibraryThing member judithrs
Lady Clementine: a Novel. Marie Benedict. 2020. This is an enjoyable, readable fictionalized biography of Winston Churchill’s wife, Clementine Hozier. Written in the first person, we follow Clementine’s life from her marriage until the end of World War II. Both Winston and Clementine came from
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dysfunctional families so theirs was dysfunctional too. The children were given over to nannies while Clementine did everything she could to help Winston further his career. She apparently served as a good buffer between Winston and his staff and helped him write and practice his speeches. Needless to say she suffered a lot of criticism, as did he. Show Less
LibraryThing member Katyefk
Interesting fictionalize story of Clementine Churchill's life. As Winston's wife she made an amazing difference to the outcome of the war and to the British people. According to this book, it was equal to what Winston did. I wonder how true the stories are, they seem to make sense. If they are
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true, I am very impressed. Even if they are not, the stories were believable for the times and inspiring for all that us wives do for our husbands and our families and the community. Show Less
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Audible audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Sastre
3.5***
This work of historical fiction focuses on Lady Clementine Churchill, the woman beside (not behind) the man, Winston Churchill. As she has done with other subject, Benedict delves into research to bring this woman, whose role in history was
The novel follows the couple from their wedding day through several decades. Benedict was privileged to have access to many of the letters Winston and Clementine wrote to one another throughout their lives. This gave her insight into not just the historical facts, but their personal feelings for one another, and about the situations in which they found themselves. Lady Clementine emerges from the pages as a strong woman, with the courage of her convictions and easily able to stand up to (and for) the man in her life, helping Winston Churchill achieve the successes for which he is so well known. She was more than simply a witness to history, she helped to shape history.
I have a hard time, however, leaving behind my expectations of a modern-day woman who juggles career and motherhood with the expectations and restrictions of the era and society in which Clementine Churchill lived. That is my failing, not the author’s.
Elizabeth Sastre does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. She sets a good pace and has clear diction, so she was easily understandable, even when listening at double speed.
3.5***
This work of historical fiction focuses on Lady Clementine Churchill, the woman beside (not behind) the man, Winston Churchill. As she has done with other subject, Benedict delves into research to bring this woman, whose role in history was
Show More
previously unheralded, to light. The novel follows the couple from their wedding day through several decades. Benedict was privileged to have access to many of the letters Winston and Clementine wrote to one another throughout their lives. This gave her insight into not just the historical facts, but their personal feelings for one another, and about the situations in which they found themselves. Lady Clementine emerges from the pages as a strong woman, with the courage of her convictions and easily able to stand up to (and for) the man in her life, helping Winston Churchill achieve the successes for which he is so well known. She was more than simply a witness to history, she helped to shape history.
I have a hard time, however, leaving behind my expectations of a modern-day woman who juggles career and motherhood with the expectations and restrictions of the era and society in which Clementine Churchill lived. That is my failing, not the author’s.
Elizabeth Sastre does a fine job of narrating the audiobook. She sets a good pace and has clear diction, so she was easily understandable, even when listening at double speed.
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LibraryThing member gypsysmom
My book club picked this to read in November 2021. I found the historical part of it very interesting but I was less impressed with the quality of the writing. Told in the first person by Clementine Churchill I did not feel like her character was fully developed; instead we mainly heard a
Clementine (pronounced to rhyme with between not the American women memorialized in My Darling Clementine) Hozier was born to the British upper class but because her mother had numerous affairs she was not sure who her father was. Her mother separated from her husband and took her four children back and forth across the English Channel, sometimes with another man and sometimes to evade creditors. Clementine met Winston Churchill at a ball in 1904 when she was under 20 but their romance didn't start until 1908 when they met again at a dinner party held by a relative of Clementine's. Winston was struck not just by her beauty but also her intellect and social conscience. They married in 1908, a marriage that survived two world wars, his depression and her nervous condition, the death of an infant girl and financial stresses. Churchill was First Lord of the Admiralty during World War I and he championed the invasion of Turkey leading to the disastrous routing of the British forces at Gallipoli. Shortly after that he was removed from Cabinet and he fought overseas in France to show his support for the forces. According to this book it was Clementine's idea that he serve in the army. She was always assisting him in his political endeavours although Winston's return to the Conservative party drove a wedge between their political ideologies. They had five children but Marigold died at the age of 2 when she was in the care of an inexperienced nanny while Winston was working and Clementine was playing tennis at the friend's country house. Clementine felt she was not a natural mother, no doubt as a result of her own upbringing. When their final daughter Mary was born she hired a cousin to act as nanny and general helpmeet and she felt this led to Mary becoming a kind and gracious soul. In the 1930s Winston became concerned about the rise of militarism in Germany and urged that Britain engage in rearmament to get ready for a looming war. When World War II broke out he was again appointed Lord of the Admiralty and soon after he took over as Prime Minister. Clementine redoubled her efforts to support him, often going out with him to inspect neighbourhoods devastated by the bombing. She also spearheaded efforts to revamp the bomb shelters so that people spending hours each day in them would have some amenities. Once it became clear that the people of Russia were suffering horribly from the war on the Eastern front, she organized a fund to raise money and supplies to ship to Russia. For her efforts she was thanked by the Russian government and was actually away on a trip there when VE day occurred. At home she had entertained notable Americans before the Americans joined the war and her efforts, according to this book, were largely responsible for the lend-lease program that provided much needed armaments and planes to Britain. Clementine was greatly hurt when she learned from Eleanor Roosevelt that Winston had told the Roosevelts when he visited Washington that Clementine "did not engage in any public activities or services of any sort." While still supporting her husband she takes on more independent roles for herself. The book ends with the end of the war in Europe which disappointed me somewhat as there was still much more to the Churchills' lives after that. Winston died in 1965, having served once more as prime minister from 1951 to 1955. Clementine lived until 1977 when she was 92, surviving all of her children except Mary. Surely there would have been lots of fodder for material in those 30 plus years.
I had not known before I read this that Winston Churchill was in the Liberal party for a time. He always seems to me the very picture of a Conservative politician. I was glad to know that Clementine did not really share his Conservative views. Her personal philosophy was much more concerned with human rights and support for the ordinary Briton and she was also supportive of the women's right to vote. I think I would have found much in common with her.
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recitation of her various endeavours as the wife of a prominent politician. Clementine (pronounced to rhyme with between not the American women memorialized in My Darling Clementine) Hozier was born to the British upper class but because her mother had numerous affairs she was not sure who her father was. Her mother separated from her husband and took her four children back and forth across the English Channel, sometimes with another man and sometimes to evade creditors. Clementine met Winston Churchill at a ball in 1904 when she was under 20 but their romance didn't start until 1908 when they met again at a dinner party held by a relative of Clementine's. Winston was struck not just by her beauty but also her intellect and social conscience. They married in 1908, a marriage that survived two world wars, his depression and her nervous condition, the death of an infant girl and financial stresses. Churchill was First Lord of the Admiralty during World War I and he championed the invasion of Turkey leading to the disastrous routing of the British forces at Gallipoli. Shortly after that he was removed from Cabinet and he fought overseas in France to show his support for the forces. According to this book it was Clementine's idea that he serve in the army. She was always assisting him in his political endeavours although Winston's return to the Conservative party drove a wedge between their political ideologies. They had five children but Marigold died at the age of 2 when she was in the care of an inexperienced nanny while Winston was working and Clementine was playing tennis at the friend's country house. Clementine felt she was not a natural mother, no doubt as a result of her own upbringing. When their final daughter Mary was born she hired a cousin to act as nanny and general helpmeet and she felt this led to Mary becoming a kind and gracious soul. In the 1930s Winston became concerned about the rise of militarism in Germany and urged that Britain engage in rearmament to get ready for a looming war. When World War II broke out he was again appointed Lord of the Admiralty and soon after he took over as Prime Minister. Clementine redoubled her efforts to support him, often going out with him to inspect neighbourhoods devastated by the bombing. She also spearheaded efforts to revamp the bomb shelters so that people spending hours each day in them would have some amenities. Once it became clear that the people of Russia were suffering horribly from the war on the Eastern front, she organized a fund to raise money and supplies to ship to Russia. For her efforts she was thanked by the Russian government and was actually away on a trip there when VE day occurred. At home she had entertained notable Americans before the Americans joined the war and her efforts, according to this book, were largely responsible for the lend-lease program that provided much needed armaments and planes to Britain. Clementine was greatly hurt when she learned from Eleanor Roosevelt that Winston had told the Roosevelts when he visited Washington that Clementine "did not engage in any public activities or services of any sort." While still supporting her husband she takes on more independent roles for herself. The book ends with the end of the war in Europe which disappointed me somewhat as there was still much more to the Churchills' lives after that. Winston died in 1965, having served once more as prime minister from 1951 to 1955. Clementine lived until 1977 when she was 92, surviving all of her children except Mary. Surely there would have been lots of fodder for material in those 30 plus years.
I had not known before I read this that Winston Churchill was in the Liberal party for a time. He always seems to me the very picture of a Conservative politician. I was glad to know that Clementine did not really share his Conservative views. Her personal philosophy was much more concerned with human rights and support for the ordinary Briton and she was also supportive of the women's right to vote. I think I would have found much in common with her.
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LibraryThing member hemlokgang
I really enjoyed this piece of historical fiction. The protagonist, Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston, was an effective tool to illuminate their relationship, and the story of their relationship. There are multiple layers to the story, a bit of something for everyone. There is love, loss,
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feminism, the nature of marriage, politics, survival during the London Blitz and all of WWII. I was most taken by the nature of being a powerful person's spouse. As always, a novel of this nature makes me a bit frustrated knowing that the dialogue is 100% fictitious, meaning the reader must not assume accuracy of the details and dialogue in what is supposedly historical. Show Less
LibraryThing member mlhershey
All MB books are well researched and educational. Too much British War lately and too much Marie Benedict
LibraryThing member Whisper1
This is a good book providing fictional events, but overall most of the book is based on reality. Winston Churchill was a very difficult man. It was Clementine who poured water on some of his unrealistic ideas that could cause a lot of problems.
Covering WW1 and WW2, Clementine did quite a bit
Covering WW1 and WW2, Clementine did quite a bit
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behind the scenes, providing insightful suggestions to her husband. Show Less
LibraryThing member yukon92
Writing in almost diary form, this book follows Clementine Churchill from 1908 until 1945. I guess she didn't do anything of importance after the end of WW II.
Having read the biography of Mrs. Churchill I was looking forward to a lighter version of her life's story, but I really didn't care for the
Having read the biography of Mrs. Churchill I was looking forward to a lighter version of her life's story, but I really didn't care for the
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book. Show Less
LibraryThing member Micareads
Lady Clementine is more than just Winston Churchill's wife; she is his right hand. When they married she was expected to support his home, raise his children, and support him politically. Despite having an ongoing nervous condition, Clementine becomes Churchill's most trusted advisor although she
Marie Benedict is known for well-researched historical fiction of important women in history whose stories may not be reached by her audience. I had heard very little of Clementine Churchill prior to picking up this book and now feel I have a better understanding of her strength and her important role in the lives of the English people. I found the story kept my interest and made me want to know more.
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is never truly appreciated. She takes care of Churchill during both World Wars and lulls in his power, throughout this time she also finds herself and her ability to handle anything thrown her way.Marie Benedict is known for well-researched historical fiction of important women in history whose stories may not be reached by her audience. I had heard very little of Clementine Churchill prior to picking up this book and now feel I have a better understanding of her strength and her important role in the lives of the English people. I found the story kept my interest and made me want to know more.
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LibraryThing member KimD66
I learned quite a bit. Writing excellent, as expected. I just couldn't get my chops into the story. I wanted to like Cammie. I really did. She was strong, opinionated, treated as equal as it got by her peers. But she was a shit mom, a jealous wife and all around unlikable person IMO.
LibraryThing member bangerlm
I felt like this book read more like a biography than a novel and that was a bit diappointing for me. I think it would have been more enjoyable if told in the present tense and if Clemmie had some female confidants. The part where she met Eleanor Roosevelt was told more in that style and it was my
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favorite part of the book,. Show Less
LibraryThing member BrianEWilliams
I like the way the life story of Clementine Churchill is presented in this book. It's written in the first person in the style of a diary, with short chapters each written around an event. It made it a readable book for me. There's some standout scenes, like Lady Churchill's encounters with Charles
This is a well presented biography of an interesting person with a unique perspective on her life and times. Recommended.
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DeGaulle. One in 1940 when he was leader of the Free French, and a follow up in 1944. I was disappointed there was nothing about Churchill's support for King Edward VIII in 1936, prior to his abdication. Similarly, the message Clemintine delivered to Stalin in 1945 is not revealed even after a buildup.This is a well presented biography of an interesting person with a unique perspective on her life and times. Recommended.
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Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2020-01-07
ISBN
9781432872779