Clementine Churchill was a woman defined by war and politics. Her husband, Winston, is arguably one of the most important figures of the 20th century, however, his accomplishments would not have been possible without his wife. Clementine Churchill, A Life in Pictures by Sonia Purnell examines the choices Clementine made and the lasting impacts she created. Churchill represented a time when political wives were establishing their own roles and Clementine did so masterfully. She took great care to position her husband for military and political success by crafting her own adept analytical mind. Clementine Churchill is often overlooked because of her gender and her choice to support her husband's aspirations over her own, but her personal history was one that influenced the entire world during WWII. The inclusion of pictures from Clementine's life only enriches the fascinating history.

Hi I was really looking forward to reading about Clemmie as I think she must have been a very strong woman to be married to Winston and all that entailed not to mention her family!

Unfortunately because it was a protected PDF, I just couldn't download. Neither my tablet nor phone would do it.

What a shame!

A really interesting book, and I always enjoy hearing about the great women behind the great men & leaders of our country. However, the format to read this book was slightly difficult, as it was not Kindle-enabled, thus necessitating reading it on my computer. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.

I’m sorry, I do not have a program that allows me to read the copy you sent me. I read on Kindle. If you are able to send a copy I can open in Kindle, I would be happy to read and review this book.

This was a very interesting insight into a woman who was so much more than a dutiful wife trailing behind her husband - she was a force to be reckoned with & today could easily have been a politician or diplomat in her own right. From her difficult childhood, Clemmie developed a strong sense of purpose. She was not easily swayed, turning down several marriage proposals to very "suitable" young men before finally meeting a young Winston Churchill, in whom she seemed to find a kindred spirit. He wasn't the aristocrat that her mother had hoped that she would marry, and their marriage was not without some significant challenges, however they were a true partnership, and it is widely acknowledged that without Clemmie, Winston Churchill would not have been the great statesman that he was.
As well as the "public" side of Clementine, we see something of the private side too & the photos are a fabulous addition to the text.

Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book free via NetGalley, but all opinions are my own

SOUL
“When you photograph a face . . .you photograph the soul behind it,” said famed film director Jean-Luc Godard. This marvelous book, a fully illustrated edition of Sonia Purnell’s famed bio FIRST LADY, includes over 100 stunning rarely seen photos revealing Clemmie as never before.

HUNGRY
We see her as a child hungry for love, security and even food despite her birthright as an aristocrat. As a young woman bullied in high society. A wife whose husband Winston, emotionally wounded as she, nonetheless offers her purpose through his career that calls them to make history together.

DUCKADILLY
There is a poignant shot with toddler Marigold, nicknamed Duckadilly, who died of septicemia ... rarely spoken of again by Clementine, who felt guilt for being away when her child took ill.

BLITZ-BOMBED
More photos feature her famous head wraps, worn in solidarity with female factory workers. An arresting shot traveling the Thames with Winnie, roads too blitz-bombed to traverse in ‘40. Swathed in a satin robe and borrowed tiara at the coronation of Elizabeth II. Her note laid on her husband’s grave with a wreath of roses.

TRIUMPH!
And so many more, offering a triumphant record of a life lived valiantly, with text that adds luster and depth. I highly recommend this pictorial masterpiece for lovers of history and remarkable women!

Pub Date 08 Oct 2019.

Thanks to Sonia Purnell, Quarto Publishing Group — White Lion Publishing, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.

#ClementineChurchill #NetGalley

Disapointed as unable to download. tried but comes up as unreadable on computer so therefore unable to comment