Member Reviews
Lady Clementine is a great historical fiction novel. It pulls a little research into the fiction. It is well written and the characters are well developed.
Thank you to netgalley.com for an ARC. Loved Marie Benedict’s ability to shine the light on another GREAT “woman behind the man” this time Clementine Churchill. Benedict’s storytelling leaves you wanting more!
I believe there are currently two historical fiction novels out about Clementine Churchill and including this one, two more coming out. I thought Lady Clementine was quite well done. Highly readable, it focuses on how Mrs Churchill worked behind the scenes and played an important role in her husband’s life. Although highly fictionized, key points in the Churchill history were hit upon. The book starts when they met and end at the end of WWII.
I really enjoyed this book and thought it would be great for a book club. Thanks Netgalley!
Really interesting story of the wife of Winston Churchill. He was extremely needy, wanting his wife by his side always. She struggled to be all things, a mother who left her children in the care of the nanny too often, a supportive wife bearing up with his tirades, and a woman wanting to do more for herself. Read this story.
Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict available January 7. 2020
Marie Benedict's books focus on important women in history that may not have received the credit they deserved for their contributions at the time. "Lady Clementine" tells the story of Clementine Church, wife of Winston Churchill.
After reading "The Only Woman in the Room" (my personal favorite of Marie Benedict's books), I started working my way through her backlist. When I saw she had a new book coming, I knew I had to read it sooner rather than later. While this one couldn't top my favorite, I still enjoyed the story of Clementine Churchill and found the influence she had on her husband to be interesting. It is clear she played a big part in his influence as prime minister. I love how the author's books promote women's role in history when they were not given credit at the time and I think many women will find the books empowering.
Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark Publishing and NetGalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I had high hopes for this book- Winston Churchill is one of my favorite historical figures and I was excited to learn about his wife. I was kind of disappointed- I felt some parts dragged and a few parts were very boring. The author clearly did a lot of research and really showcased Winston and Clementine Churchill.
Lady Clementine by Marie Benedict
Clementine Hozier surely took on a load of worries when she said “I do” to Winston Churchill. As Mr. Churchill grew in importance to England and the world, so did Clementine’s duties as his wife.
Wearing many hats to keep Winston put together, Clementine blossomed in her role as Lady Churchill. She acted as political advisor and speech prompter to Winston through two world wars, while tending to two families and three children of their own. Clementine was always on the run. Friends? No time. Motherhood? There are nannies for that. Wife? 100%.
Benedict’s story informs us as it gives a view of the scenes behind one of the world’s greatest leaders at one of the world’s most critical historical events. You sometimes feel that Mr. Churchill couldn’t tie his own shoes without his Clemmie, but we’ll forgive that as the overall story is good.
Marie Benedict is in her element in writing historical fiction, and I’ll be waiting for more
Lady Clementine , such a great read! Marie Benedict gave the perfect voice to Clementine Churchill. (Yes that Clementine). This story took you from the time Clementine and Winston met and thru WWI and WWII. Frankly, I could have kept going. She made this historical fiction book seem like a true history lesson, and that made me love it that much more!! 4⭐
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for letting me review this ebook!
An interesting look at the life of a wife of a great man Winston Churchill. I learned a lot about the part she patinhis success
In September 1908, 23-year-old Clementine Hozier became Mrs. Winston Churchill. As a powerful statesman’s wife, Clementine was expected to be an intuitive and devoted woman playing a supporting role to her husband’s endeavors. However, Clementine Churchill would be more than just the woman behind one of history’s most powerful men.
Through the decades of Winston’s political prowess and key military roles, Clementine supported him and served as his “secret weapon,” - saving his skin countless times and providing key insights into his political relations. Clementine weathered two world wars and overcame the expectations of what a woman can do. She never relinquished her independence or her values.
Lady Clementine gives a new look at one of the unsung women of history. Marie Benedict, author of The Only Woman in the Room, Carnegie’s Maid, and The Other Einstein, creates a compelling tale of historical fiction. This book paints a realistic picture of the trials and victories of the wife of Winston Churchill and provides a personal perspective on the Churchill family.
The author has a great writing style--the book is over 300 pages, but flows swiftly. Clementine Churchill deserves more recognition in history, and hopefully this book will correct this oversight. In reading this novelization of her life, you fall in love with this character. She was a strong and gracious person throughout a life that was often difficult.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a digital ARC.
I have read a lot about Winston Churchill but not a lot has been written about his wife, Clementine. Mrs Churchill is a force to be reckoned with in her own right. I absolutely ?i've this book and encourage everybody to read it.
I really enjoy historical fiction, especially from the WW II Era. This book did not disappoint. This was a story about Clementine Churchill. In getting to know her story I learned about her husband Winston Churchill. This story is told from the point of view of Clementine Churchill.
The Churchill's, both Winston and Clementine are portrayed as deeply committed to each other. But also committed to working for their country. Clementine wanted to help her husband achieve his political goals. She was often behind the scenes supporting her husband. And making things happen at home.
While reading the book, it was clear Clementine struggled with the role of motherhood; often leaving her children in the care of others. But Clementine did appear to embrace her political duties.
Clementine also times struggled with her role as the wife of a powerful politician in a rapidly changing world.
Historical fiction fans will enjoy this read.
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.
Marie Benedict once again delivers an historical novel as brilliantly incisive as a portrait and as relentlessly paced as a watch. She makes an overlooked woman spring to life in these pages. Irresistible reading!
I knew absolutely nothing about Clementine Churchill and that was why I picked this book from @netgalley. Thank you for the ARC. I ended up doing some research and while the book is fiction, the events are true and it appears that Mrs. Churchill was portrayed in a realistic light. She was a powerful woman in her own right and really a trendsetter for women at that time.
Having read all of Ms. Benedict's previous books, I was delighted to have the opportunity of read "Lad Clementine". Clementine Churchill was truly the great woman behind a great man. She felt a duty to serve her country by using her public position to help make the lives of her fellow citizens a little better. I appreciated knowing that, although Clementine's life was not easy, she looked for was to make a difference in very difficult times. I enjoyed reading about how Winston and Clementine met and how they cherished each other. I wouldn't have minded if the story had continued past the end of World War II. Thanks for bringing her story to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for allowing me to read this book. I was provided a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The theme of strong woman behind the celebrated man is again demonstrated in this work. Clementine Churchill came from a loveless childhood and believed her beloved Winston would give her the stability she lacked. She finds, however, her lifelong mate demands her constant affection, attention and approval. She provides what he seeks at the expense of her physical and emotional health and, in efforts to regain her strength through “time alone” periods and travel, at the expense of her children. She is his sounding board through two world wars and most often provides strategic suggestions. She takes full credit for advancing his historic image. She seems in this portrait by Marie Benedict to be selectively sympathetic to the people she meets and overly protective of her husband. Once again I am grateful for the knowledgeable reading experience provided by this author.
I absolutely loved this book and will be recommending it to others. I've read a lot about Lady Clementine but the author's take on her influence is fascinating.
Thank you to NetGalley, Author Marie Benedict and Sourcebooks Landmark for the early copy of the book for my review.
What a delightful book, a historical fiction story about Clementine Churchill. A book full of history, and a great storyline about a wonderful and inspiring woman
This book was enlightening and interesting, and flowed really well. A book for all lovers of history, and historical fiction. One I would gladly recommend