CLEMENTINE CHURCHILL MAIDEN NAME

CLEMENTINE CHURCHILL MAIDEN NAME

CLEMENTINE CHURCHILL MAIDEN NAME

"Sonia Purnell has at long last given Clementine Churchill the biography she deserves. Sensitive yet clear-eyed, Clementine tells the fascinating story of a complex woman struggling to maintain her own identity while serving as the conscience and principal adviser to one of the most important figures in history." –Lynn Olson, bestselling author of Citizens of London

Shortlisted for the 2016 Plutarch Award

A long-overdue tribute to the extraordinary woman behind Winston Churchill.

By Winston Churchills own admission, victory in the Second World War would have been "impossible without her." Until now, however, the only existing biography of Churchills 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 FDRs initial dislike of her husband and paving the way for Britains 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.


From the Hardcover edition.

Review
"Engrossing. . . . Purnells book is the first formal biography of a woman who has heretofore been relegated to the sidelines."
–The New York Times

"Winston Churchill kept nothing from Clementine. "You know,"he informed FDR, "I tell Clemmie everything." Purnell has delivered an astute, pacey account of a woman who hardly ever emerged from the shadows. It is a sharp analysis of what it meant to be a politicians wife. . . [and] shows how much we can learn about Winston Churchill from his wife and marriage."
–The Wall Street Journal

"Thorough and engaging. . . Purnells extensive and insightful biography offers a much welcome portrait of Clementine Churchill, a woman whose remarkable life has long been overshadowed by her famous husband."
—Washington Post

About the Author
Sonia Purnell is a biographer and journalist who has worked at The Telegraph and Sunday Times. Her first book, Just Boris, a candid portrait of London mayor and Brexit champion Boris Johnson, was longlisted for the Orwell prize. Clementine (published as First Lady in the UK) was chosen as a Book of the Year by The Telegraph and Independent and shortlisted for the Plutarch Award for biography. She is working now on a book on the daring exploits of Virginia Hall, Americas most courageous and unlikely wartime spy. Residence: London, UK Social: Twitter: SoniaPurnell