Lady Clementine

By: Marie Benedict

Narrated by: Elizabeth Sastre

Length: 10 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's Summary

From Marie Benedict, the New York Times best-selling author of The Only Woman in the Room! An incredible novel that focuses on one of the people who had the most influence during World War I and World War II: Clementine Churchill. 

In 1909, Clementine steps off a train with her new husband, Winston. An angry woman emerges from the crowd to attack, shoving him in the direction of an oncoming train. Just before he stumbles, Clementine grabs him by his suit jacket. This will not be the last time Clementine Churchill will save her husband. 

Lady Clementine is the ferocious story of the ambitious woman beside Winston Churchill, the story of a partner who did not flinch through the sweeping darkness of war, and who would not surrender either to expectations or to enemies. 

Also by Marie Benedict:
The Only Woman in the Room
The Other Einstein
Carnegie's Maid

Praise for Lady Clementine:  

"Benedict is a true master at weaving the threads of the past into a compelling story for today. Here is the fictionalized account of the person who was the unequivocal wind beneath Winston Churchill's wings - a woman whose impact on the world-shaper that was WW2 has been begging to be told. A remarkable story of remarkable woman." (Susan Meissner, best-selling author of The Last Year of the War)

"The atmospheric prose of Marie Benedict draws me in every single time. Lady Clementine's powerful and spirited story is both compelling and immersive. Benedict fully inhabits the measured and intelligent voice of Clementine Churchill. Entranced throughout, I discovered the secrets behind a familiar story I thought I knew. Deftly moving from the early nineteen hundreds through World War II, Benedict skillfully paints a vivid picture of the times and life of Clementine, the remarkable woman who was the steady force beside Winston Churchill." (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times best-selling author of Becoming Mrs. Lewis)

"In her latest novel, Lady Clementine, Marie Benedict has gifted us all with another thoughtful and illuminating behind-the-scenes look at one of history's most unusual and extraordinary women. Benedict stuns readers with a glorious assortment of Clementine Churchill's most personal secrets: her scandalous childhood, her unexpected role as a social outsider, her maternal insecurities, and the daily struggles she faces to smooth her husband's political blunders and to keep up with his relentless demands for guidance and attention. With a historian's eye and a writer's heart, Benedict provides an unforgettable glimpse into the private world of a brilliant woman whose impact and influence on world events deserves to be acknowledged." (Lynda Cohen Loigman, USA Today author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters)

©2020 Marie Benedict (P)2020 Audible, Inc.

Fantastic— one sitting listen

I’ve been waiting for this book; it more than delivered. We think of Churchill as a singular man. Now, we know the truth: there is no Churchill without a Clementine, just as there is no Roosevelt without an Eleanor. Clementine was not elected to a post, but more than did her duty.

Chalk full of marriage, politics, and endurance, this book is for both women and men. And I’m glad Clementine has had her say. It seems to hit the nail on the head regarding the conversations and tone of those conversations between the Churchill’s. Also, I loved its deeper story of how Clementine had to learn to help her “nerves,” which were, in fact, caused by Churchill, despite their great love. He was just a big personality. It also deals with her Mommy guilt. All this packed into a fast paced treatment of the events from a knee, wonderfully vocal and modern female voice.

One writing difference which may cause listeners to hit the back button a few times: the book is written in present tense with backstory in past tense. May Hilary Mantel’s legacy continue (think Wolf Hall); it helps make HF seem as if is unfolding before our eyes, rather than being so yesterday.

7 people found this helpful

Fascinating & Personal

I honestly knew nothing about Clementine Churchill before starting this book.
It’s a journal-style view of her life from Meeting Winston through the end of WWII. It encompasses their personal and political endeavors, while highlighting the friction and strife of being a woman, let alone a woman of power. Some of the best moments were the emotional family dynamics, layered in with a struggle to balance being a mother and serving her country. It goes to show that all families struggle with addiction, loss, and work-life balance.
Elizabeth Sastre does a great job carrying Clementine’s story, as well as all the family and interim characters. Her portrayals of the Roosevelts were my favorite.

2 people found this helpful

Exceptional

I have read the biographies of Clementine Churchill (1885-1977). But this historical fiction brings this formidable woman to life.

The book is well written and researched. Winston and Clemmie were a definite power couple. She must have been an amazing woman to deal with the ups and downs of Winston, bear five children, manage a large household on a shoestring budget and deal with a constant stream of angry people left in Winston’s wake. I am a huge fan of Winston Churchill and with Clemmie being a key part of it, I have acquired a great deal of information about her over the years. I am sure the book was not written with someone like me in mind, but I thoroughly enjoyed examining how Benedict wove the history with the fiction. I think that Clemmie would have been a great politician and maybe even an exceptional prime minister. If you are looking for something a bit different, give this book a try.

The book is ten hours and forty-five minutes. Elizabeth Sastre does a good job narrating the book. This is my first experience listening to Sastre. Sastre is an English actress and audiobook narrator.

2 people found this helpful

Who knew that Lady Clementine was so influential?

Lady Clementine deserves the thanks of the allies for the help she gave Winston Churchill.

2 people found this helpful

Utter Tosh

Apparently Sir WSC would have not thought of a single thing without Clemmie. Would not have fought in WW1 without her pushing him to volunteer. Would not have pursued the Dardanelles. Would not have started painting. Amazing. I own all the books he’s ever written and all the books his daughter wrote and most biographies- and yet I was completely unaware that Clemmie was the brain behind the man. Don’t waste the credit.

1 person found this helpful

good book, poor narration

This excellent portrayal of an interesting woman iliving in interesting times is undermined by the narrator's childish way of reading and inability to maintain the accent.