“The question is not just what she did for him, but what could he have done without her?”–Sonia Purnell, Clementine
Much as been written about Winston Churchill and for good reason, but this biography of Clementine Churchill by Sonia Purnell finally gives the world a better understanding of Clementine and her incredibly important role as spouse, advisor, confidante, and even critic to Churchill.
Winston Churchill famously said that victory in WWII would have been impossible without Clementine by his side. Despite her importance, little has been known about her until now. Clementine was fiercely devoted to Churchill and sacrificed much to advance his career. These sacrifices included her family, her health, and even her children. She loved her children but they took a backseat to her devotion to Churchill and his mission with devasting consequences.
Through extensive research, Sonia Purnell has pieced together much about Clementine and the partnership she and Churchill shared. I was fascinated by this book and there is no doubt that Winston Churchill would not have been the man he was without Clementine.
Content Advisory: Death of a child