Her curious nature may often be misunderstood as questionable mischief, but Clementine has good intentions as she attempts to help solve problems as best as she can. Karen’s escape from D and L.A. has the potential for self-reckoning and liberation. She represents the best of a bygone era - very inspiring. Many women would have either abandoned the kind of marriage she had or become total doormats but she did neither. Her support of her husband was unflagging often to her own detriment and that of their children. I think one mark of a good biography is whether the reader can take away any lessons from the subject's life. Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill. Gallagher finds ready compatriots in tweaking and then downshifting the film’s moods. Winston Churchill's accomplishments are well known - and the post World War II world would have looked quite different without him. This biography is hands down the best biography I have ever read. The book is well written and researched. Only this “Clementine” is no toss off. It seems as though it was at the time, although the extent of her involvement in and knowledge of high level meetings probably wasn't known. The only biographer until now was her daughter Mary Soames. It rushes through her early life until she meets Winston, spends most of its time on WW II, and then wraps up in a hurry once he dies. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. Parents need to know that the main character, Clementine, is a precocious third-grader who frequently gets into mischief, though with the good intention to solve problems. A disappointment. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free. Despite Clementine's tendency to find herself in trouble, she often acts with good intentions that seem to be misunderstood by authority figures. Could not put it down. These seem to get much more space in the book than Clementine herself, who is needed to tie together the narrative and give Winston the occasional push, but otherwise seems fairly secondary to the main historical events. Clementine, an artistically talented character, encourages readers to recognize their skills as gifts. She comes across as unpleasant without being really interesting. It is not hyperbole to say that without Clementine Churchill, Lend Lease would have been a non starter in the US congress, and the war in Europe could not have been won. The main reason for the 4 is that the author took the time to write about Mrs. Churchill. I enjoyed getting to know her warts and all. Although Winston Churchill’s pivotal role in modern history is widely recognized, little has been written about this intriguing woman and the vital part she played. Despite all of Clementine's challenges, the reader also knows that she'll land on her feet or more likely, in the arms of loving parents. She homes in on the lake house to suss the authentic from the falsely promised in her and D’s relationship. I love reading about women in history and Sonia Purnell made Clementine's life absolutely fascinating. Suggest an update to this review. And let’s be honest, to take advantage of the lovely Walden-esque seclusion. Although she seems to have had all the mothering instincts of a crocodile, which is no small wonder considering her own abysmal upbringing, Clementine Churchill's contribution to victory in WWII is an achievement which outshines any other faults in her character. However, the book was great!