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There are currently 20 member reviews
for Lady Clementine
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Judy B. (Santa Fe, NM)
I Never Knew
I am a history major and I never knew that much about World War ll and how much of a part Lady Clementine Churchill played in it! This book has all the parts she played from her point of view! I loved this book and it is one that everyone should read. I did not know about the rift between the Churchills and President Roosevelt and the part the Russians played in this rift. Nor the fact that Eleanor Roosevelt did not share her husband's dislike of the Churchills nor the strain that Roosevelt put on the relationship between the two countries. This is the story of Mrs. Churchill's personal relationship with her husband, the British government, and her part in World War ll--one I found very interesting and I think you will, too. I highly recommend reading this book!
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Jennifer B. (Oviedo, FL)
Superlative Woman
Reading Lady Clementine was as pleasurable as I had hoped it would be. Marie Benedict created a feeling of intimacy with the main characters by setting up vivid scenarios. I realize this is a work of historical fiction, but the book was so well researched and believable that I want this story to be the absolute truth. Learning that Clementine was just as ambitious as her husband was a bit surprising to me. Consequently I hold her in high regard, much as I have always felt highly of Sir Winston.
In reading the book I did feel that there could have been smoother transitions from one chapter to the next. Possibly the author wanted to set a quicker pace for readers as there was so much material to cover. I was enjoying the book so much that I wished it had delved more deeply into the story. I will definitely seek other books written by Benedict.
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Florence K. (Northridge, CA)
Lady Clementine
A gem of a book! Chronicled by a woman of incredible valor - Clementine Hosier Churchill - she describes herself, her feelings, her thoughts, her actions, and her lifelong romance with her brilliant but fractious husband, Winston. Although he claimed she was his "secret weapon" for advice, criticism, support and help, she managed to keep him under a modicum of control.
She was by his side after the disastrous British defeat at Gallipoli in 1915, his years of ignominy, and his rise to Prime Minister before and during .World War11. She worked assiduously to make the bomb shelters comfortable and sanitary and did so many other behind-the-scenes deeds. Members of her own family served valiantly as well.
A fine book of historical fiction about a woman whose name we Americans do not even pronounce correctly!
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Linda C. (Carlisle, MA)
Behind Every Great Man.......
It is said that behind every great man is a great woman.
Marie Benedict disproves this over and over again in her books as she writes about underestimated, overlooked and invisible women in history. She looks for possible truths about these women and creates captivating historical fiction. Lady Clementine is no exception, as I became totally consumed by the powerful influence she had beside Winston Churchill throughout their marriage. Between Benedict's detailed research and her imagination, she made Clementine come alive with endless possibilities. The reader becomes intimately involved in Clementine's lonely childhood, her unusual marriage, and her struggle with motherhood. I find myself cheering her on, and enjoy each of Marie Benedict's exploration of these amazing women!
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Cynthia F. (Treasure Island, FL)
Bouncing Through History - Lady Clementine
This is the first historical novel I have read that bounces through history from the viewpoint of the main character. Lady Clementine, wife of Winston Churchill, follows her experiences through two world wars.
While I found much of the book interesting, I did not like the bouncing - to read this book, one needs a good background in what was happening in England, and Europe and who the various players were.
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Sheryl M. (Marietta, GA)
The Unheralded Churchill
"Lady Clementine" came from a genteel, though impoverished, background, which provided the pathway for her to meet and marry Winston Churchill. It was clear from their first meeting that Clementine's knowledge about history and politics set her apart from other young women of his acquaintance and quickly led to a brief courtship and marriage.
Clementine or "Clemmie," as Churchill would call her throughout their lives, quickly determined that to love and build a strong marriage, she would have to become directly involved in his political life. She began attending all his meetings so that she gained understanding of his world and could discuss and debate issues with him. Attendance clearly startled the all-male associates of Winston, but did not deter Clemmie. It was the first of many new precedents she would establish.
"Lady Clementine" is a fast-paced and informative novel by an excellent storyteller. It was fascinating to learn how Clemmie addressed the special needs of women and children and also involved them directly in the response to Hitler's launch of the Battle of Britain. Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction and especially British history. Also an excellent read for book clubs.
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Mary C. (Plano, TX)
Lady Clementine
While I have read much about the life of Winston Churchill, I have never delved into the historic facts about Clementine. Marie Benedict allows the reader an interesting perspective, a historic fictional account of Clementine, not just as the Prime Minister's wife, but as an influential force in her own right. It was interesting to be privy to the inner workings of the relationship between Clementine and her more famous husband. The novel made me wonder which parts of the relationship were accurate, founded on fact. The interplay of the relationship between husband and wife is very realistic, as is the dialogue. Now after reading the book, I feel the need to explore more about the life of these two historical figures. Isn't that what good historical fiction should do, make us want to explore more about the subject? I see far-ranging ideas for book club groups as the readers discuss such topics as the effect of war on the day-to-day lives of the British people and the role Clementine Churchill played in serving the citizens - not just of Britain but other countries as well.
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