First Lady: The Life and Wars of Clementine Churchill

by Sonia Purnell

Without Churchill’s inspiring leadership Britain could not have survived its darkest hour and repelled the Nazi menace. Without his wife Clementine, however, he might never have become Prime Minister. By his own admission, the Second World War would have been ‘impossible without her’.


Clementine was Winston’s emotional rock and his most trusted confidante; not only was she involved in some of the most crucial decisions of war, but she exerted an influence over her husband and the Government that would appear scandalous to modern eyes. Yet her ability to charm Britain’s allies and her humanitarian efforts on the Home Front earned her deep respect, both behind closed doors in Whitehall and among the population at large.


That Clementine should become Britain’s ‘First Lady’ was by no means pre-ordained. Born into impecunious aristocracy, her childhood was far from gilded. Her mother was a serial adulteress and gambler, who spent many years uprooting her children to escape the clutches of their erstwhile father, and by the time Clementine entered polite society she had become the target of cruel snobbery and rumours about her parentage.


In Winston, however, she discovered a partner as emotionally insecure as herself, and in his career she found her mission. Her dedication to his cause may have had tragic consequences for their children, but theirs was a marriage that changed the course of history.     


Now, acclaimed biographer Sonia Purnell explores the peculiar dynamics of this fascinating union. From the personal and political upheavals of the Great War, through the Churchills’ ‘wilderness years’ in the 1930s, to Clementine’s desperate efforts to preserve her husband’s health during the struggle against Hitler, Sonia presents the inspiring but often ignored story of one of the most important women in modern history.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, World War II, War, Audiobook, European History

563 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 14, 2015

About the author

Sonia Purnell is a biographer and journalist who has worked at The Economist, The Telegraph, and The Sunday Times. Her book Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill (published as First Lady in the UK) was chosen as a book of the year by The Telegraph and The Independent, and was a finalist for the Plutarch Award. Her first book, Just Boris, was longlisted for the Orwell prize.

Reviews

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, I really AM impressed. This is VERY good. It starts out good and amazingly enough gets better and better. It is about time somebody turned their focus on Winston Churchill's wife, a person behind the scenes who did so much.

*********************

On completion:

I liked this book because it so well portrays the complicated relationships between the members of the Churchill family – Winston and his wife Clementine and their five children. I thought about the love between Winston and Clementine. One sees both the love and also the hurt they caused each other. I thought about the parents’ respective relationships with the children. No two relationships were the same and this gives food for thought. Did Clementine learn from her earlier mistakes in child-raising? Could Clementine ever relate to her children as Winston did? How did the children relate to their parents, and why did each one behave so differently? There is deep suffering within this family but for different reasons and with different outcomes. The personal interactions are well explored. I didn’t see any of them drawn in a superficially favorable light.

The events of the First and Second World War are drawn from a British point of view, in a concise and clear manner only referring to those events directly related to the Churchills. The Dardanelles disaster, Winston’s “wilderness years” of the 30s and the efforts of him and his wife in drawing America into the Second World War are told from a perspective I have not read before. Hearing of Clementine’s views and behind-the-scenes involvement is eye-opening. I appreciated the explanation of why even after victory at the end of the Second World War Churchill failed to be reelected. Generally a victor is honored! How Churchill reacted and how Clementine reacted to losing the election in 1945 and what they felt and did is interesting to observe. I found it revealing to compare the respective couples - the Roosevelts and the Churchills. Clementine was so very different from Eleanor, yet both helped, guided and opposed their respective husband in their own way. One views markedly different personalities and different cultures. The close look at Clementine’s importance to Winston and her role in his career has not been covered with such depth in the other books I have read as it is here.

The audiobook is well narrated by Charlotte Strevens. The pronunciation is British rather than American and it should be so. It took me a while to accustom myself to this. Once I got the hang of it I had no trouble understanding. The speed was good.

I really cannot say I have any complaints with the book. I thought first I should give it five stars because of this very fact. Instead I am going by my gut reaction; I REALLY like the book so I am giving it four stars. For me a five star book has to have something that makes it shine exceptionally, an element of superb imagination. The book is a very good analysis of the complex relationships found within the Churchill family and a clear review of the individuals’ lives. There are zillions of books on Winston Churchill and his role in the wars but this book fills a gap not covered before!

Other books on the Churchills:
The Private Lives of Winston Churchill (3 stars)
Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill (4 stars)
A Daughter's Tale: The Memoir of Winston and Clementine Churchill's Youngest Child (3 stars)

[Dem · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this one on audio and while the narrator is adequate I realised 30% into the audio that we would have to part company quickly as I was finding this one very boring listening and felt it was dragging and and knew I wasn't get the best from the book. I retuned it to Audible (thank you audible) and hope to purchase a hard copy of this one in the future as I do believe it deserves a second chance and hopefully my reading experience of it will be more favourable next time.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historians have mostly ignored Mrs. Churchill. The only biographer until now was her daughter Mary Soames. Purnell appears to have been fair minded and scrupulous in her biography. The book is well written and researched. There are lots of pictures to peruse.
Purnell portrayed Clementine as a strong willed and ambitious woman who was a great support to Winston Churchill. The author, as well as many other historians, made it clear in the book that Winston Churchill was a difficult man to live with. They both were products of unstable marriages. Clementine’s mother was Lady Blanche Hosier and her husband was Colonel Henry Hosier but it is thought that Blanches, bother- in- law Lord Bertie Mitford was Clementine’s father. Blanche’s brother Lord Redesdale gave Clementine away at her wedding to Winston.
The author says that it appears both were faithful to their marriage for over 60 years. Clementine had a flirtation with a man on a cruise one time when their marriage was at a rocky point but she says nothing was acted upon. Purnell quotes Winston fondly described an enraged Clemmie as “a jaguar dropping out of a tree.”
Their mutual goal was the office of Prime Minister. Clementine had a genius both at patching up the wreckage caused by Winston’s bad decisions and at offering good advice. Clementine was a committed suffragist who unfailingly put her husband first. Their intimate relationship was crucially tested during the “wilderness years.” The Churchill's thrived on the combination of crisis and chaos. Clementine volunteered for the job of rooftop fire watcher during WWII. She was respected for her humanitarian efforts on the home front and as a great First Lady during WWII.
If you enjoy reading about the Churchill’s this is a must read book. I read the hardback book the book is 392 pages long and was published in 2015.

[Vaiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gal čia ir yra knygos gėris, kad skaitant ją kyla nevienareikšmės ir labai prieštaringos mintys ir jausmai. Iš tikro esame pratę nuolat kalbėti apie Vinstono Čerčilio nuopelnus kovojant tiek su naciais, tiek toliaregiškai įžvelgiant "raudonojo maro" užkrato plitimą pasaulyje ir niekas jais neabejoja bei nesiekia jų sumenkinti. Tačiau niekada nebuvo kalbama apie moterį, visą tą laiką buvusią šalia jo. Ne veltui sakoma, kad už kiekvieno didžio žmogaus stovi moteris. Kartais net pranokstanti patį vyrą. Tiesa, stipraus ir genealaus vyro užnugarį "dengti" turi taip pat stipri, įžvalgi, išmintinga ir kantri moteris. Net sakyčiau savotiškai "pačiuožusi", nes tokį fizinį ir psichologinį krūvį ne visi galėtų ir atlaikyti. Nebuvome pratę kalbėti apie Čerčilį ir kaip apie žmogų, gyvą būtybę, kuri ir džiaugėsi, ir liūdėjo, ir pyko, ir mylėjo. Daugeliui jis buvo ir yra legenda. Todėl galimybė pažvelgti atidžiau į šios šeimos gyvenimą iš dalies nutrina tą vadovėlinį supratimą apie garsųjį Britanijos MP ir jo aplinką. Žinoma, sunku suvokti tai, kad visgi Clementine labiau mylėjo savo vyrą, o ne vaikus (bet didele meile vaikams tais laikais turbūt niekas nespinduliavo), kad palikdavo savo šeimą ir išvykdavo "gydytis" į prabandius kurorotus net ir šeimai labai stokojant pinigų, kad iš aukšto žvelgė į žemesnės klasės atstovus, nors pati santuokos su Vinstonu pradžioje buvo "vargo pelė", kad buvo įžeidi ir impulsyvi. Bet galbūt tai ir lėmė, kad viskas dabar pasaulyje yra taip, kaip yra. Laimėtas Antrasis pasaulinis karas (iš tiesų tai vieniems tai reiškė pergalę, o kitiems penkiasdeišimt metų trukusią okupaciją), sutriurškinta nacistinė Vokietija (gaila, kad Britanijai tuo metu nepavyko sustabdyti ir komunizmo). O ant šios istorinės pergalės aukuro buvo paaukota šeimos laimė ir pilnatvė.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. A remarkable woman who sacrificed her own ambitions to support her husband. She represents the best of a bygone era - very inspiring

[Tina Chooses Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clementine was Winston Churchill's closest advisor, critic, PR person and confidante, but she also held many other time-consuming war-related jobs. Add to that her many difficulties with family and her health and it equals a hard life - not what I was expecting. I'll remember her story long after I've finished the book.

[Jo Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy and entertaining, lots of juicy details about Clementine and her extraordinary life and times. I read it after Boris Johnson's book about Churchill himself, and realised just how much Churchill in fact relied on Clementine's unswerving devotion - the unsung heroine of the story.

[Tuesdayschild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Started out with a library book, switched to audio.
Purnell gifts us with a balanced portrayal of the Churchills, warts and all. (I did laugh at the cleverly worded account of Winston’s bath pinked, naked, 5ft 6”, 16 stone figure dashing down the hall way after his baths calling out, “Coming through. Don’t look”.) I’m so thankful I did not have either Winston’s or Clementine’s parents as mine – abusive, self-centred, negligent of their non-favourite children, and, seriously promiscuous.
Their individual childhoods had a profound effect in how they conducted themselves as a couple with all their collective energy going into Winston – sadly, their children ranked second to that task which bore harvests of broken relationships, substance abuse, violent rages, and suicide (Diana) in later life. The Churchill’s life seemed to be ALL about Winston and his political career, and, Purnell portrayed them as a couple that used people for that express purpose. Clementine was not only Winston’s mainstay during their devoted, complex, and often, very difficult marriage - she was also a key, though unrecognised, figure in the WWII effort.

I think this books shows providence at work through the Churchill’s lives; what would our post-war world have been without this couple. (Any fans of President Roosevelt may want to skip portions of this book – he certainly does not shine in this literary setting.)

First Lady was such an interesting read, both my husband and I enjoyed it and we thought it was a little sad, for the Churchills, how quickly Britain discarded them after V.E day. The nation desperately wanted to move beyond warmongering and Churchill did not present himself as the leader to spearhead the more positive post-war change the people craved.
Clementine passed away at 92yrs of age having lived a very full, highly pressured life – it’s not until reading this biography that I was even aware of her as anything other than Winston Churchill’s wife.
If you don’t want to read the book I’d recommend listening to the Chartwells Bookstore interview with Sonia Purnell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_Y0l....

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is 3.5 star book, but alas I do not have the option.

Clementine was a trusted adviser to her husband, knew every major movement of World War II, which was the complete opposite of Eleanor Roosevelt. She knew how to put Winston in his place, pull him back when necessary and went about doing everything she could do help the war effort. Clementine deserves sainthood in addition to every award she received in her lifetime. There would be no Winston Churchill without his Clemmie.

[Graham Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Largely written out of history, not least by her husband, this book is a timely corrective. Seems to me their marriage is an example of opposites attracting. He might have been a great man but she was a great woman to put up with him. And as for their kids, dear oh dear. But definitely a book worth reading and enjoyable with it.

[Elise Noorda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading about this remarkable woman who lived her life in the shadows- and about the remarkable man that she partnered with. Both deeply flawed, they complemented each other and she strengthened and supported him. Her influence is felt, even though it wasn't seen at the time.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such an interesting story and family. The writing was SO dry that it was hard to give it a good review. Loved the content. Didn't love the writing.

[Annie Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely riveting. A wonderfully written biography of a fascinating woman.

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book written with a certain perspective in mind (old school, Sunday Times centre right) but all the same an excellent book that highlights the vital role that Clementine Churchill played in WW2.



To understand and fully appreciate how brilliant Clementine Churchill was, you first have to understand WC. Violet Asquith, a cousin of WC, and who had a slightly incestual feeling towards WC (as did WC for her) noted how strangely vulnerable WC was, and in want of protection. In the 17000 letters they wrote each other, loneliness was the dominant theme. That is also not to mention in WC’s view that the stomach governs the world. CC very nearly twice divorced WC out of sheer exhaustion, unhappiness and loneliness in the dark years of 1920 to 1937.



Although legally the daughter of Sir Henry Hozier, her paternity is a subject of much debate, as Lady Blanche was well known for infidelity. Hozier was famous for his innovation of Lloyds insurance. Clementine was educated first at home, then briefly at the Edinburgh school and later at Berkhamsted School. She was twice secretly engaged to Sir Sidney Peel, who had fallen in love with her when she was 18. Under pressure from her family to accept the marriage CC did the complete opposite, recognising that he was very dull. Another example of pressured marriages being the worst sort, and best avoided. Her terrible relationship with her mother led her distant relative Lady St Helier to care for her, lending her clothes and introducing her to friends. CC had very little money however, something that snobby people picked up on. She often felt humiliated, particularly when people referred to her as the Hozier (her father who had a bad reputation). CC was in short no upper class aristocrat like WC. CC was often lonely as her siblings were only three years old and gained the full attention of their mother, while CC was often ignored. The snobbiness CC endured would later in life to become inverted snobby to the upper classes and made a point at times of showing indifference to the elevated. WC privately loved it, and would also love it when CC told him off in front of others. CC and WC were both terrible parents, with CC’s main focus being on WC and WC main focus being himself. WC would spoil his only son Randolph Churchill, and later would join the SAS to show to his mother that he was worth something. Mary, their last child was to the be their most successful and lived to 2014 and felt the most loved.



CC first met WC at a ball hosted by Lord and Lady Crew in Curzon street. WC set eyes on her (she was 10 years younger than him) and froze. CC signalled to her male Friend Charles Hoare to save her from ‘frightful WC’ who at the time was controversial having moved from the Tory to Liberal part over his opposition to tariffs which he thought would impact free trade. Winston was motived by ambition, not sex, according to friends. It led him, at mid Thirty to be assigned the tag ‘confirmed bachelor’. Four years later he was forced to attend a dinner and was put next to CC. WC was amazed at a women who earned her own living. At 22 (WC was 33) she seemed so much more substantial that other women and they share conversation about France. WC wasted no time in impressing her, inviting her to Blenim, where he had just been made minister for Trade. WC enjoyed showing off how important he was, and CC became interested in politics and they engaged a couple of years later, to the derision of society who thought her not suitable for WC (Asquith in particular). CC on the other hand said she had no illusions how challenging marrying WC would be, but that it would likely be stimulating. WC and CC married at St Margret’s Church in Parliament Square. The wedding was a dress rehearsal for WC’s life. During the signing of the marriage register, WC went off to speak to Lloyds George about politics. Both CC and WC were novices in love and were almost certainty virgins. WC had to ask his mother for advice. WC loved his mother and would link arms with her. WC would often adopt baby talk with CC, referring to her as Pussy Cat. On PG286, some people who wanted to try and flirt with CC and called her Clemmie found that she hated the name. Always best to continue using someone’s full name which is both charming and polite.



WC and CC moved into 33 Eccleston Square and had their first child. WC was uninterested in the children. During the early years of their marriage, CC was always worried that WC would become like her father and cheat on her, or develop further feelings for his cousin Violet Asquith, something WC would goad CC for. CC could not understand WC’s extravagance when money was short. They promptly had a huge row about why she was buying his expensive Army & Navy boxers. He said they were for his delicate skin. WC did have quite a traditional view towards women, viewing them as lesser folk. CC politics could be defined as ‘do not let the glamour or elegance of old associations bind you. Real Tories are ignorant, vulgar prejudices. They cannot bear the idea of the lower classes being independent and free’. Throughout most of her life, WC and CC, virtually friendless due to the intensity of WC’s life, spent a lot of time around people they did not trust.



As WC became more important, CC became adept at hosting his colleagues for lunch, charming them and making them feel special. It was clear their marriage was as much a personal relationship as a professional one. WC was desperate to become PM and CC did whatever she could to do that. She often became very skilled at advising WC saying ‘if I were doing it’. CC’s instincts were sharp, and she was nervous about Kitcher, and Fisher, the naval commander’s WC had chosen to run the disastrous Dardanelles campaign, but would have a nervous breakdown. Sometimes however her unfailing eye for WC’s best interest did blind her to the bigger picture. WC was sacked by Lloyd George after the campaign. Short of money and depressed WC on CC advice went to serve on the WW1 front in Belgium to repair his public image. WC was given a semi-ruined farm house and by far one of the most cossetted officers on the front. While WC was away CC charmed journalists and subtly created a campaign to ‘bring WC back’ in order to highlight his bravery. When CC got wind that a new post called minister for air was being created she immediately smoozed Lord Curzon who ran the air defence board. CC sent all the press cuttings to WC about him during the war. Lloyds George despite promising to CC that he would bring back WC, he did his best not to, leading CC to note Lloyds George as ‘fair of speech, shifty of eye and treacherous of heart’. CC created a huge network of food kitchen for people damaged by bombing or for soldiers who came back home and were short of food. ‘Soldiers and their wives were the only real people’ and encouraged WC to continue on the front, but accept a cabinet position as soon as possible, something that was achieved in 1918 as minister of munitions. It was at that point in that WC first met the future president Roosevelt during a Grays Inn event to welcome the US to the war. At the end of WW1, CC was given an OBE for her services to the war effort. After the war the first of three of WC’s five children were to die, the first one from ill health. CC entered depression, and only a holiday on the French Rivera saved her. The timing was especially bad given that the Labour Party won more seats that the liberals for the first time in the 1922 election, something that left WC without a seat. This period would be his and CC’s worst period particular given their shortage of money. This led to huge arguments, particular given that WC had splashed out on Chartwell and left the family reliant upon people’s kindness to rent a flat in London. When CC did get angry, WC would say to the Chartwell staff ‘I am afraid Ms C is very angry with me’ thereby recruiting their underlying sympathy.



The Churchills lived for 10 years at Morpeth Mansions. The Daily Mail welcomed Hitler’s policies in 1934 something WC criticised them for, and got in turn called a theatric who wanted war. However, that position attracted people’s attention, not least President Roosevelt, who despite keen to keep the USA out of the war, agreed that Hitler had to be defeated, and despaired at Chamberlin’s position. WC and Roosevelt started to communicate and just before Britain declared war on Germany, Roosevelt was in close communication with WC through a secret line at WC’s Morpeth Mansion’ flat. Furthermore, the writing was on the wall for Chamberlin, who had become so ill he disliked being phoned about work during supper or at weekends. Indeed, right up to the inevitable, many around Chamberlin believed war could be avoided. CC was careful to charm as much of the current cabinet as possible so they would support WC if he was asked to become PM.



Once in power, CC kept a close check on WC’s behaviour, making sure that he was kind to staff, and that he always kept common people in mind, such as ensuring adequate provision of bomb shelters, and that beds in hospitals were big enough to ensure they could house a mother and their child. CC was also expert at charming foreign visitors. The most important of these visitors was to be Harry Hopkins, Roosevelt’s Chief of Staff. HH was naturally sceptical of Britain, as was most of the US. Britain would either fall to the Germans, or that any help that the US provided would drag them into the war. CC and Brendon Bracken who was parliamentary secretary for WC (who later founded the modern version of the Financial Times) however noted that Harry Hopkins combined a concern of the many with a love of hobnobbing with the rich and powerful. With this in mind, CC set up a schedule that combined viewing of the common folk by inspecting bombed parts of London, air raid shelters, with aristocratic zeal with the King and Blenim Palace. It was a potent mix for a poor boy for Iowa. CC and WC knew that getting Harry Hopkins on board was key to persuading President Roosevelt to support Britain. Part charm and part drama (WC kept reemphasising that Britain was in danger of invasion even though after the summer of 1940 WC know the Germans would give up). While Harry Hopkins was won over he increasingly became seen as a lapdog for WC, and after his very positive report back to PR in 1941 about Britain, which was key in getting PR to help the UK, his influence diminished. CC had also ensured that she had cultivated relationships with the wives of American diplomats who were often lonely. They provided an excellent avenue to then lobby the US diplomats themselves. They also took the extraordinary measure of getting their daughter Sarah to flirt and successfully bed a number of very high-ranking American generals, something that delighted Lord Beaverbrook and he became a recipient of top-secret information. Sex hung in the air in London like fog according to one American journalist. CC was privacy to all military intelligence that WC had as well, and she cunningly used it to direct Sarah Churchill to flirt with certain generals.



The next relationship of vital importance to WC and CC was that of the President (PR) himself and his wife Eleanor. PR and ER had a strange relationship. PR had committed many acts of adultery with his stunning secretary Lucy Mercer. However, they both recognised the professional benefits of staying together, not least for ER as she would often stand in for her husband as he became increasingly frail and after he died set up the UN Human Rights convention. WC clashed with ER’s dominant character, not least her slightly cold persona. CC would put in huge effort to get along with ER, and it worked, with ER showing great interest in Britain’s Homefront and being amazed by the spirt of the British people. WC visit to the US coincided with a tougher time at home, with the first no confidence vote held, which WC won 416-1. WC sought solace on his foreign trips, not least to the US for Christmas and started to get a criticism for being uninterested in the home front, something that was very true and only hidden by CC’s hard work to set up canteens and shelters and addressing fundraising events, including one held at the London Stock Exchange. Back with the US, once the attack on Pearl Harbour had been made and money and munitions came flooding in, PR became increasingly dismissive of WC, not least because PR was jealous of WC’s status of having saved the free world from Nazism. ‘In love, there is always one who kisses and one who offers the cheek’ as Mary Churchill noted. PR even started calling WC ‘Winnie’.



As victory became inevitable, WC started to feel more isolated, having survived another no confidence vote in 1943 which saw 16 MPs vote against him. CC continued to work hard to keep WC key people around him onside, leading one observer to ask who CC really liked for herself rather than for duty. Colville, WC’s loyal personal secretary noted that papers were started to not be read at the end of 1944, with WC more preoccupied with the end of the war and how he was going to deal with Russia, who were already starting to break their word that they would be neutral in any Polish elections.



The near ending of WW2 was the saddest part. On 13 April 1945 FDR keeled over with cerebral haemorrhage. None of the four women in attendance was his wife. The secretary who he had an affair with Lucy Mercer has packed up her White House possessions within an hour. CC who was in Russia trying to charm Stalin (and failed) when she heard the news of FDR’s death. CC was then still away when Hitler shot himself on 30 April and then victory on 8 May. CC who was deep inside Russia took a week to get back to London. After flying through flog, WC insisted on meeting CC who walked down the plane’s steps and kissed her victorious husband. WC’s mind quickly turned to the general election, which is dramatically misjudged. WC thought it would be a battle between labour socialism and Tory stability. But CC having been around the country observed the desire of people to rebuilt their homes, have access to healthcare and have stability. WC’s negative campaign was duly defeated. The feeling of rudderlessness was palpable by WC and CC and even after WC managed to regain power, his time in power was difficult as it was marred by strokes and much unhappiness for CC even if she enjoyed being pack in power. When WC lost the confidence of the cabinet, WC and CC had one last farewell at 10 Downing street before exiting for the final time. CC became desperately lonely and started trying to become friends with much younger people including her secretaries, and even their siblings (including one aged 18). CC looked after her like a surrogate daughter such was her loneliness. As for WC he started to become deaf, and even more unaware and was often used as a trophy asset by social climbers who invited him to dinners. WC begun to talk less and less and clearly wanted to die, which for the intelligent CC found it incredibly difficult, taking herself out to the theatre, and trying to make friends. Even when WC was invited back to Parliament after resigning his seat in 1963 (which for the previous four years Clementine had run such was WC’s dislike of constituency work) the ceremony was brief ‘politicians hurried back to the Commons and the present day’. Not long before WC’s death, Dianna their daughter killed herself with an overdose of sleeping pills. WC died soon after, and at the funeral CC simply wrote that ‘I will be with you again’. CC outlived her husband for 13 lonely years, who despite WC difficult final years was a character to CC loved dearly, no least according to a Times interview, his affection, energy and wit’. In his WW2 memoir’s WC only mentioned CC a staggering once. For a woman that sacrificed her health and happiness and took on the role as both a leader in her own right with such composure, wisdom and courage, but also be the force behind WC, this book rightly provides her with firmer place in history.

[Sherry Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An in-depth and provocative biography of the strong but complex woman in the shadows of an equally strong partner, her husband, Winston Churchill.

I'm finishing reading 'First Lady: the Life and Wars of Clementine Churchill' and have taken a breath for last night's viewing of Winston Churchill's 'The Darkest Hour' (2017).

The film was good in its portrayal of Winston's days before moving into the position of Prime Minister, mostly because England was placed upon a precarious tip of the iceberg that could easily fall victim to the strengthening spread of the Nazi regime that was gaining territory and momentum with France, Belgium and the Netherlands now overtaken and occupied.

I would recommend the film's watching to anyone, taking note of how human nature tends to ignore sign upon sign of impending catastrophe until becoming its victim.

What I didn't like was the film's portrayal of Clementine Churchill, who the biography painted as a brilliantly astute stateswoman and force of her own to reckon with. Winston Churchill totally relied upon her as his counsel, ambassador and even speech writer at times, as well as someone to bounce off his ideas and centre him when he went off-kilter. In fact, he relied on her totally, both privately and publicly. Incredibly, this wasn't at all represented or even hinted at in the film, where she took on a role of mere window dressing. Because of this, I recommend the biographic work more than the film, a work which spans the whole of the Churchill's complex, adventurous and equally frustrating life together that plainly spelled out the intricate part that Clementine played.

IMO, Clementine Hozier Churchill was an incredible role model of what it means to be a marvellous woman.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was keen to read this as will be visiting Chartwell in 2017.

My question would be what if there had been no first world war or second world war, would Churchill and his wife have been remembered. The other question would be if we had had a different prime minister at the helm during the second world war - would the outcome have been different? we will never know.

The lady herself I felt was born in the wrong time as today she would have gone to university and may have gone into politics herself. I was left thinking she was extremely selfish with her children, wanted to go on long holidays or take her self off to bed to the detriment of her children. Both sadly had been damaged from bad childhoods and that may account for this and it was a different time.

There had not been a role/job description for the prime ministers wife which she made this her own and changed the way things were run.

Clementine came into her own in the first world war as did a great many women running canteens across London.

During the second world war she did a great deal for the ordinary people, but allowed her female relatives to sleep with the American for the country.

I found at the end of the war extreme selfishness when they actually had to deal with rationing. I naively thought they were in it with the nation not so.

Interesting and never able to live within their means going from one financial crisis to another.

Good historical references and well written by the author she told the story warts and all.

[Paul Godwin · Rating 1 out of 5]

First Lady is a long, flat sermon about privilege that mistakes the subject's proximity to power for reader interest. The writing is pedestrian and patronising. Whenever I wanted analysis, I got household trivia; whenever I needed context, I got a glib paragraph; whenever I looked for evidence, I found air. I was bored by page 100 and remained bored for most of the rest.

Purnell leans hard on Clementine’s supposed influence yet rarely proves it; assertions pile up while sourcing thins. Meanwhile, the world outside the drawing room is treated like scenery: Parliament Acts, Dardanelles, the actual war are all skated over with the breeziness of a lifestyle column. The book keeps wandering back to Winston anyway, as if the author knows Clementine won’t hold the stage.

As for Clementine herself, what emerges is not a complicated human being but a frosty silhouette: status‑fixated, un‑maternal, hard to like. “The coldest woman I ever met” is the stray line that rang truest. Add the endless financial hand‑wringing from yachts, suites and country houses with ten bedrooms and you have a portrait so tone‑deaf it borders on comic.

If there is a point, it is lost beneath the cushions of privilege. I finished this out of duty, not pleasure. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. On my 10‑factor scale, it scrapes a few points for the occasional quip and the unintentional comedy of excess, but little else.

[Sarah Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clementine Churchill's mother walked away from her life of privilege and brought up her daughters in gentile poverty. However, Clementine met Winston Churchill through family contacts and married the short, fat man in whom many others had not been interested and was fascinated by him. Throughout their lives they were both concerned with his welfare, his happiness, his comfort, and his career to the exclusion of all else including their four children. Clementine learned how to manipulate him, both in public and private, to smooth out his rough edges, calm his frequent temper tantrums, and try to stop him from clinging to leaders who didn't respect him. She also learned, through managing him, how to manage others around her including some of the leaders with whom he dealt.

The book gives the reader insights into the history of Britain, then the world, through the first half of the 20th century and insight into a woman who, while not born with a strong nature, learned how to be a strong woman.

[Ruth Chippendale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not normally a keen reader of biographies but I picked this because I was intrigued by some of the press coverage around Clementine as a very significant historical figure, forgotten and under-rated due to being female.

The book was compelling and drew me into the Churchills' world which, despite a succession of amusing historical anecdotes and quotes, I found rather dour and depressing. There was a lot of detail about various members of the family's medical problems, which probably helped to build up a realistic picture of the era and circumstances, but went beyond my level of interest.

As for Clementine, no doubt (like many many women then and now), circumstances prevented her from meeting her potential. No doubt she worked incredibly hard to be a supportive wife and this also led her into the public arena. But somehow by the end of the book I felt I had not really connected with her, did not know her or fully understand what made her tick

[Vanda Bromwich · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written book, with photos from throughout her life. It illustrates the help she gave to Winston Churchill and the importance of her role as his wife.Her one concern seemed to be the rise of her husband and looking out for his reputation. She did a lot of good to help women in the fight for equality, although Winston didn't always agree with her views.
However, it may have been the norm at that time, but she comes across as a very uncaring mother as the children were passed from the sole charge of one nanny to another. In fact Marigold died in the care of an inexperienced nanny. The children seemed to spend very little time in the same house as their parents. After the death of Winston, she spent more time with her children and seemed to enjoy the role of grandmother.
Worth reading if only to find out about an important person in the life of Winston Churchill and her role in the war time years.

[Andrew Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, largely I have to be frank because it really shone a new light on Winston Churchill's many failings. Clementine ("teen" not "tine" I now know) was full of energy and action although a terrible mother by today's standards and undoubtedly a hypochondriac. The result was offspring that were a rolling disaster of epic family meltdown proportions. Nevertheless, she helped to suppress some of Winston Churchill's more disturbing entitled-class instincts and was highly instinctive about the needs of British people as well as tuned in to relationships with foreign leaders. It's sycophantic in places where it had no need to be which I imagine is an occupational hazard for biographers. The research required must have been very significant and I think that alone makes its shortcomings minor in comparison to the quality of the outcome.

[Margaret Conmey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having recently read Speaking for Themselves, a collection of the letters between Winston and Clementine Churchill edited by their daughter Mary , I was interested in learning more about Clementine Churchill, preferably not written by a family member
Initially I thought that there would be little new information in this book but how wrong I was - this has fascinating insights,especially about the relationship between Churchill and Roosevelt during Second World War
I was intrigued to learn about the very different relationship between the Roosevelt and the Churchill marriages; Winston is quoted as telling FDR “I tell Clemmie everything “
Both this biographer and their daughter Mary speculated on how Winston Churchill career ( and therefore the History of the World) would have been different, possibly less effective and successful with a different type of wife

[Ninaminacat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winston's wife - in a new light

This is a fascinating well researched biography which really back up the old adage "behind every great man stands a great woman". Sonia Purnell really makes a case for Clementine's unusual political contribution as the wife of the Prime Minister, so that every time Winston Churchill is fêted as a great Briton (or, indeed, the greatest), perhaps it is their partnership which should be celebrated. Apart from this I was particularly interested to read about her relationship with her husband (which seemed to thrive on periods of separation) and her friendship with Eleanor Roosevelt.

If you have an interest in Churchill, WWII in general, the time of women during the war or, more obviously, in Clementine - who was so much more than just Winston Churchill's wife, this is the book for you.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sought out this book after I read that Kristen Scott-Thomas would not take the role of Clementine Churchill in Darkest Hour unless the role was expanded which raised the question of how Clementine had been treated by the various Churchill biographies and by Winston himself in his writing.. A fair point I thought so I did a search on Kindle and chose this one. I'm glad I did as I not only enjoyed the book, but it opened my eyes on how society worked in that era, particularly for women. There is no doubt that Clementine was a major force behind Winston and greatly contributed to his success as a wartime leader. I am happy to recommend it as a book. I found it to be very readable and I must commend the author on the superb research.

[Evelina Rimkute · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 First lady - The life and wars of Clementine Churchill by Sonia Purnell @purnellsonia
💥💥💥💥

My journey through #herstory continues through one more great book. And here it is, another woman who often stays on the margins of what we learn - #clementinechurchill !

From my previous readings, I was skeptical about how many sins history forgot and forgave to Winston Churchill. Now I see how much better it was as it could have been without his devoted wife.
Their partnership was intense and full, and they were facing the wars together, including political matters. I was sincere impressed, how much this woman shaped the life in Great Britain for decades.

Another book to study for history!

[Cathy Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ended up being a bit of a labour of love in the end. It took me two weeks to finish it and it was a bit hard going in places.
This book follows the full life of Clementine Churchill. The bulk of the telling is unsurprisingly the two world wars, although a good chunk is dedicated to her youth. Winston obviously features heavily but this is very much a book about a woman who deserves recognition in her own right. Yes, it’s unlikely she would have done any of the things she did if she hadn’t been married to one of history’s most famous men, but as we learn, it’s unlikely he would have been the man he was if he hadn’t married her.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant biography of an amazing, underrated lady.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is little written about Mrs Churchill and this was well written and felt it was researched in depth. Clementine was a strong ambitious woman whose life work was to support and enhance Winston Churchill. She had a temper and was not to be toyed with. Winston described her enraged as “a jaguar dropping out of a tree.”
I was surprised to read that they were both faithful in their 60 year plus marriage. I thought Winston Churchill was very unfaithful but obviously got that wrong.
This was a bit ‘dry’ reading in parts but overall very interesting Im glad I read it and would recommend.

[elizabeth hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed insight into the life of Clementine Churchill, being brought up in an aristocratic environment with little money and minimal education from early childhood, the circles she mixed in. An eye opening insight into the more hidden aspects of Winston Churchill's life and personality and the influence Clementine had on him. Yes a love story but how would that have endured in today's world.

I was not expecting this to be such a page Turner.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for filling in the background to the life and times of Winston Churchill but also a timely appraisal of a fascinating and dynamic woman who also played a very full and active role in WW2. Clementine's involvement in preparing the ground for positive and creative 'diplomacy' is carefully illustrated by a biographer who has the minutiae of extraordinary domestic detail at her finger tips. An enthralling read.