Read if you: Love historical fiction stories featuring women, World War II, or are a Marie Benedict fan.

If you know historical fiction, you know Marie Benedict. Her recent novels featuring women who deserve greater recognition have been terrific reads, and Lady Clementine is no exception. Clementine Churchill (wife of Winston Churchill) had a remarkable life in her own right; the highlight of this book is in the World War II era, in which Clementine battled against expectations of a proper prime minster's wife. In doing so, she endeared herself to the everyday British people, and helped them to feel that they were not forgotten. If you're looking for a great book club pick, try this one (or really, you can't go wrong with any Marie Benedict title!). .

Many thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Clementine is a fascinating, engrossing novel about the life of Clementine Churchill. I knew very little about her life before reading this novel and found her to be a strong and formidable character in history - and in this book! I found her very inspiring.

Marie Benedict has written another exceptional historical fiction novel in the story of Clementine Churchill in Lady Clementine.

This is a story about an incredible woman who was an important force behind a very powerful and important man. Its a story of shared history and how that can bind us with the ones we love.

Enjoyed this book immensely. Thank you #netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I would recommend this book.

Marie Benedict has been a favorite author of mine. Unfortunately, I was greatly disappointed with this book. It was slow to read as it was monotonous and repetitive. Told in the first person by Clementine Churchill it was all about what she did to keep her husband successful in the British Government. Yes, women usually were not active in this role but the book just kept repeating her activities and how she supported him. I as disappointed and am glad to have finished it.

3 1/2 rounded up to 4 🌟
20 years ago while visiting the Cabinet War Rooms in London, I read a letter addressed to Winston Churchill from his daughter. It referred to his political defeat in 1945 and his despair - she lovingly relayed her own "never surrender" missive. How could one of the orchestrators of the D-Day invasion, and subsequent liberation of Europe lose this election? This led me to question how history distills facts into an often misleading summary of events, and prepared me to take the deep dive into the characters who were front-and-center during this time period.

I was thrilled to read another edition of Marie Benedict's "woman behind the man" novels, learning more about Churchill's wife, Clementine. I feel history under-represents this strong-willed partner who was instrumental in the success of ending the Nazi assault on the free world. The detailed interaction with her contemporary, Eleanor Roosevelt was quite interesting, but the companionship and shared leadership with Winston, is the heart of the story.

Fans of Ms. Benedict's historical novels will not be disappointed! Thank you Net Galley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks for an Advanced Reader Copy of Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict, in exchange for an honest review. I am very impressed by the subjects that Benedict selects for her works—strong women who have been overlooked by history. This was the first book I read from Benedict, but I have been and remain interested in reading more.

Lady Clementine is in fact the wife of Winston Churchill. The book opens on their wedding day but then backtracks to explore their first meeting, courting, and engagement. Winston selected Clementine as more than just a wife, but as a partner for his political career. The book relays the way in which he relied on her for advice, and to sometimes pave the way for his advancements. Meanwhile, Clementine also takes on the burden of managing the household and tending to her own political/charitable interests. In all this activity, with Winston and love for country at the forefront of her mind, she admittedly neglects their five children.

The book is presented in a first-person perspective from Clementine. It jumps to key moments and events, sometimes backtracking to fill in gaps between those jumps. Much of the early part of the book felt a little narrow or choppy in its scope. I found it somewhat difficult to become fully engaged. At the midway point, as the events of WWII started, I found myself feeling more immersed in the story. Clementine plays big roles that may have otherwise been forgotten. The book ended just after the conclusion of the war, rather than relaying events from the rest of her life. I found this abrupt ending a bit disappointing, as I would have liked to know more about her subsequent life, especially as she outlived Winston by many years. Perhaps an Epilogue would have been helpful. My copy did not have an Author’s Note, but that may also fill in the gaps and I would be interested in learning about Benedict’s approach towards the book.

I did not get as emotionally invested in this book as I tend to. I think it was the narrow focus on moments/events and Clementine’s first-person perspective. Clementine is presented as very bright but somewhat clinical in her approach to situations. She always seemed to know exactly what to say and do to cause the effect she wanted. While she seemed to lack some warmth, I did appreciate other aspects that made her feel like a real person. She did deal with a lot of tragedy in her life. She also found herself sometimes overwhelmed and worn-thin by Winston’s demands. As a result, she dealt with some mental health concerns and had to purposely attend to her own self-care through vacations or respites. While some might see this as weak, I feel Benedict made it clear that Clementine was quite strong to carry all she did throughout her life.

The book certainly made me think about society and how much progress women have made, but also how much more progress is needed (and how frustrating it is that the progress has been so slow). It seems likely Clementine would have been a formidable politician in her own right, had she been given the chance, rather than just working at it through Winston’s career. In the book, Clementine also acknowledges that she was perhaps not suited to motherhood. Indeed, it seemed as though she and Winston had children because that was the expected thing. However, I imagine they could have been much happier (and avoided the tragedies of neglected children), had they not felt the pressure of those expectations and had more choice. I think with these themes, Benedict has not only paid homage to an extraordinary woman, but she has also made a strong commentary on society then and society today.

When I think about this book and my overall reaction to it, there certainly is a lot to like. It is well-written and explores important people/important themes. Yet, if I had to sum my thoughts up in a word, it would be ‘uneven’—the first part seemed to drag a bit, the second half was much stronger, but then it had that abrupt ending. Some emotional depth was lacking, although it was thought-provoking. I think I found myself a bit underwhelmed, given the very strong reviews I have heard for Benedict’s other works. This is the reason for four stars, rather than five. Nonetheless, I still look forward to reading Benedict’s other works.

A few final notes—the cover depicts Clementine standing next to (presumably) Winston and she looks much shorter. The book indicates that in heels, and standing up straight, she was as tall or taller than him. Pictures also seem to show little height difference. I believe he was relatively short for a male, and she was relatively tall. I question whether he is needed on the cover at all—after all, this is Clementine’s story and he has overshadowed it enough.

Finally, I am in the early stages of developing my own blog and bookstagram, I will happily be including Lady Clementine in my reviews, so that others can pick up this valuable history lesson.

Sadly, I must admit to having never given a thought to Winston Churchill's wife. I am thrilled to have discovered this gem! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. What a strong, fearless and brilliant woman she was. Winston certainly met his match in her and to her credit, he knew it. She was literally and figuratively the woman behind the man. I am looking forward to reading more about her other than under historical fiction format butthis book is a great intoduction to a most remarkable woman.

Lady Clementine certainly was a moving force in the life and career of Sir Winston Churchill.. This book shows strength, determination, and areas of vulnerability of Clementine supporting her challenging husband, having children and how exhilarating but taxing her life became.

I loved Lady Clementine! It was interesting to learn more about someone in history I had never heard about before. I give it five stars.

Lady Clementine is a must read. The author shows the human side and struggles of the infamous Winston Churchill and his wife. It is a very easy read and captures your attention right through to the end.. Lady Clementine is torn as she dotes on her husband and his ego while trying to be a mother and having an identity of her own. She is so down to earth in a world of turmoil. I highly recommend this book. Sure to be a bestseller.

After recently reading ‘Clementine Churchill: A Life in Pictures’ by Sonia Purnell I was intrigued by the apparently marginalised life story of someone that was so instrumental in world history.
I know historians, authors, producers, etc. have been attempting to right the previous wrongs by portraying a more active role for Clementine in her support of Winston and the War efforts, and Sonia’s representation was my first exposure to this and I was keen to learn more.

‘Lady Clementine’ by Maria Benedict, although full of history and remarkable information, is of course still historical fiction and needs to be treated as such. Although I did find the book interesting, I did feel it was a little bit over the top at times when highlighting her contributions. And I have to mention the pug and cat references we’re getting a bit nauseating at times. This was still a good informative read that taught me a lot, but also reminded me that these were actual people, with feelings and flaws, and not just cogs in wheel that formed out history.

Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict is a novel told in the first person by Clementine Churchill, the wife of Winston Churchill. It seems very bold for the author to speak for Lady Clementine. However, the writing is so believable at times it read more like an autobiography instead of a novel.  It is apparent that in-depth research went into the writing of this very interesting story of a complex woman. 

Clementine Churchill, through her close relationship with her husband, was one of the most influential behind the scenes people during World War I and World War II. It was rare for Winston to give a speech without her editing and approval. She tried to ensure his speeches spoke to all British citizens, not just those with an education. She was a fierce proponent of Women's Suffrage and also was not afraid to make her own mark on the world without Winston's invitation.

Lady Clementine's biggest failure seemed to be parenting. She was raised by a bohemian mother, and she also was not a nurturing parent. She thought nothing of leaving her children in the care of nannies for long periods, including one trip for four months which left right before Christmas. Her toddler daughter Marigold became terminally ill while in the care of a nanny.  The novel contains many disparaging statements about the three oldest children, especially her son Randolph. The youngest child, Mary, was clearly her favorite, but her parenting was done by a cousin who was the child's full-time nanny.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Sourcebooks Landmark for my Advance Reader Copy.  The book will be published on January 7, 2020.  5 Stars.  Book Club Recommended.

I would say this is told as a series of vignettes, as compared to a consistent time period. It’s an ideal introduction to the remarkable life of Clementine Churchill. I do wish there had been a few chapters about their lives post WWII.

I have heard good things about Marie Benedict's novels so I was very curious about this new novel. When I started reading I felt like this could be really good but after 20-25% everything kind of felt flat for me. The characters weren't really developed in my opinion and I also realized that I don't like Clementine. The prose is flowing easy but I just wish I could have been more engaged in the story.

This was my second book I've read by Marie Benedict. I absolutely loved the first, Carnegie's Maid, which was about Andrew Carnegie. I've never known much about Winston Churchill let alone his wife Clementine so I thought I'd give it a try. I feel like this is a very well-researched book and that history buffs would really enjoy it. Clementine was a strong woman who stood by and helped her husband. She was an admirable woman who gave so much to her country during a very challenging time.

Lady Clementine is a well written, informative book which focuses on Winston Churchill’s wife. I enjoyed reading about this strong woman who supported her husband while helping behind the scenes.

Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks and Marie Benedict for my copy of her new book: Lady Clementine.
In 1908, Clementine Hozier married Winston Churchill and it's the start of one of history's greatest unions. Clementine was expected to be a Winston's wife, a mother to his future children and support his political career. Clementine Churchill was more than the wife of England's most powerful men, she was his friend, his confidant, his greatest supporter and together they made a formidable couple.

Not long into their marriage, Clementine saved Winston's political career after the his idea to attack The Dardanelles during WW I was an utter disaster, he was a demoted from the admiralty. she though of a way for Winston to redeem himself and it worked.
Her life wasn't an easy one, she had troubled childhood, her marriage to Winston was at times hard, trying to be a good mother to her five children, while being a busy politicians wife and of course living in England during the two world wars was difficult.

Both she and Winston had issues with " The Black Dog " as they called depression back then, the pressure of being in the public eye, loss of a child, juggling so many different roles and WW II. Took it's toll on both of the Churchill's mental state and of course their marriage.

Clementine was a very strong woman, she was smart and she was determined that her husband's time as England's Prime Minister would be a success. During WW II, not only was she her husband sounding board for his famous speeches, she encouraged him to change the wording, Winston used big complicated words and the average English working class person wouldn't understand what he meant!

Clementine, put her husband first, she struggled with terrible guilt regarding the lack of time she spent with her children while they were growing up and her life wasn't easy. But she was dedicated to her husband, she loved him, she supported her country and it's people. She went out herself to look at the damage the German bombs had done to London, she noticed the bomb shelters had issues, she discovered while they did protect women and children from harm? They lacked basic things, like somewhere for families to sleep and decent toilet facilities and she made changes. She was involved with the Red Cross, she also added her name to the fire spotters list, at night they sat on roofs of buildings for 8 hours shifts watching with binoculars fixed on the sky, they reported incoming German planes and also if any fires had started. Mrs Churchill was also was an excellent hostess, she made do with what food was available due to rationing and she always remembered her famous dinner guests favorite dishes.

Lady Clementine, is a story about a strong, brilliant, ambitious women who stood beside her husband, during England's darkest hour and in her own way she helped her country defeat the Germans.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, opinions expressed in this review are my own, I gave Lady Clementine 5 stars and I really enjoyed the book.

#LadyClementine #NetGalley
Lady Clementine, the new historical novel by Marie Benedict, is told in the first person. She felt more useful and adequate helping her husband Winston Churchill than raising their children.
“Was I really part of this or merely a bystander to world-shaping events? History would likely only record my husband, although I’ve played a significant hand in his affairs. I suppose only time will tell.”
She was the force behind the man. She also supported many projects he didn’t have time for. It’s hard to imagine what Churchill would have been like without his “Clemmie”.
I recommend this book to history buffs who want to know about the rises and falls of this famous man and the influence his wife had over him.

I have read many books about WW2, specifically from the point of view of England and Winston Churchill. I've watched Dunkirk and Darkest Hour and, in none of these books and movies do I recall hearing about Mrs. Churchill, Clementine. I know more about Winston's secretaries than I do about 'Clemmie' before reading this book. I am now questioning that, if Clementine played such an important role in Winston's life, politics, and behavior, then why haven't any of the other books and movies portrayed this? I really enjoyed reading about a totally different perspective involving the history of England and Churchill's reign through the 1920s, 30, and 40s and feel a little duped by what I've read/seen about this time period in the past. A good book makes you pause, think, and even look up how to play 'Bezique.'

Thank you Net Gallery and Marie Benedict for this ARC. Marie Benedict has done it again. She has written a well researched historical novel on the life of Clementine Churchill during her marriage to Winston. I truly enjoy the strong women, which Ms. Benedict writes about. She has the ability to educate without boring me. You will not be disappointed.