First Lady cover art

First Lady

The Life and Wars of Clementine Churchill

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First Lady

By: Sonia Purnell
Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens
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About this listen

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. Yet her ability to charm Britain's allies and her humanitarian efforts on the home front earned her deep respect. Now Sonia Purnell explores the peculiar dynamics of this fascinating union.

©2016 Sonia Purnell (P)2016 Oakhill Publishing Music Politicians Politics & Activism Thought-Provoking War Winston Churchill Imperialism Franklin D Roosevelt

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Critic reviews

"Engrossing.... Clementine Churchill became her husband's essential confidante and adviser, vetting his speeches, smoothing over his faux pas, dealing with his constituents.... Purnell's book is the first formal biography of a woman who has heretofore been relegated to the sidelines." ( The New York Times)
"Winston Churchill kept nothing from Clementine. 'You know,' he informed FDR, 'I tell Clemmie everything.' Purnell has delivered an astute, pacey account of a woman who hardly ever emerged from the shadows. It is a sharp analysis of what it meant to be a politician's wife...and shows how much we can learn about Winston Churchill from his wife and marriage." ( The Wall Street Journal)
"Thorough and engaging.... Purnell's extensive and insightful biography offers a much welcome portrait of Clementine Churchill, a woman whose remarkable life has long been overshadowed by her famous husband." ( Washington Post)
"Compellingly readable.... Sonia Purnell's biography of Winston's wife Clementine brings her out from behind the shadow cast by the Great Man. She became her husband's wise counselor, discreetly offering sound advice, re-writing his speeches, toning down his foolish or angry letters, preventing him from making certain terrible political mistakes.... Her wheeling and dealing was done behind a veil of gracious femininity." ( The Independent)
"Eye-opening.... A bold biography of a bold woman; at last Purnell has put Clementine Churchill at the center of her own extraordinary story, rather than in the shadow of her husband's." ( Mail on Sunday)
"Fascinating.... [Purnell's] book may leave you thinking Clementine is one of the most underrated, complex women in British history." ( The Daily Beast)
All stars
Most relevant  
Well written to bring the Churchills to life and with background history given with just the right touch. Well narrated too. Excellent and well worth a read.

Great book

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Super narration, telling a wonderful story about Clementine Churchill, so much information that was always beautifully read .

Wonderful story

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I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the narrator was superb and brought it all to life. Sorry it has finished. Hard act to follow.

Fascinating story

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I loved the narration as much as the narrative. As WS had said himself in a speech to a joint session of Congress, she might well have made her own way into our island history without her famous husband.

Exceptional

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Brilliant definitely one I will listen to again. and again a very remarkable woman.

One to listen to again, inspirational

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This book is just amazing. It brouht me closer to the already fascinating figure of Clementine Churchill. I love how it brings a new perspective on the achievements of an iconic man and proves that greatness is a more complex phenomenon than just actions and personality of one person. It is very nicely read as well

excellent

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Brilliant. It would make a excellent tv drama or movie. Her life sounds far more interesting and complex than his spoilt indulged life. Well read too. P

Why hasnt this been made into a film?

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This is my second Sonia Purnell book and I was once more captivated.
Not only for learning more about the history of Clementine but the events surrounding her (& Winston’s) life.
Excellent portrayal of characters, places, situations and a view of the times.
Wonderfully read I was engaged from start to end.

Another cracker of a book!

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I only downloaded this book because it was free but it's been one of my favourite ever audible books. I didn't realise what an amazing lady Clementine was. I had tears in my eyes at one point!
The narrator had a lovely, easy to listen to, voice. Ii highly recommend

What A Woman!

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Well told and researched account of the life and love of Clementine Churchill. The narrator has a lovely soothing British tone you'd imagine Clemmie may have sounded like herself. Would listen again

Lovely told story of a lovely lady

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