Title:Lady Clementine
Author: Marie Benedict
Published: 2020
Call #: Fic Benedict
http://pclib.polarislibrary.com/view.aspx?author=benedict&title=lady+clementine
This is the fictional story of Mrs. Winston Churchill. Clementine had a difficult childhood without much security or good parenting. As a result, she was insecure, but very intelligent and interested in politics. When she met Winston, they were instantly attracted to one another. They were kindred spirits since Winston’s childhood and family life were difficult too. They bonded over politics and they gave each other the sense of belonging and stability lacking in their childhoods.
I knew Clementine played a major role during WWII, but not WWI. The story of her involvement and hard work during the WWI is very interesting and foreshadows the phenomenal work she did in WWII, especially getting women involved in so many kinds of war work. Clementine was a staunch believer in women getting the vote very early on. Women’s equality and the belief in women’s abilities was a fundamental value. Clementine joined the ranks of women doing war work by being a fire-watcher, giving aid to Russia’s people, and worked with the Red Cross among other roles. She made tours of the destruction and the air raid shelters. She brought her ideas to make things more comfortable for all the people of Britain. She had great persuasive power that she used to influence officials in Britain and around the world.
On a more personal level we learn that Clemintine suffers from a “nervous disorder” which I think we would call an anxiety disorder today. Winston suffers from the “Black Dog” or depression. In Clementine’s case she needs to put some distance between herself and her family at times which makes her feel guilty for not being a better mother. The death of one of their children brings another wave of guilt. She tries so hard to support Winston that her children don’t always get the attention they deserve she thinks. She had a very bad example of motherhood from her mother and finds parenting very difficult. All these family issues and Winston’s political career fluctuating between party affiliations and various roles had a big impact on the marriage. Frequent moves to different houses was similar to Clementine's childhood and again impacted her ability to mother her children and focus on her marriage, which left her feeling guilty.
I learned a lot about Clementine herself, Winston, and their family. I really enjoy historical fiction that helps me to learn about real people and real events. I find Clementine to be as very complicated as all humans are and as she evolves in this story, I understand her much better. I found this story compelling, well told, and very interesting. I thoroughly recommend it.
Michaelle S
Popular Materials Asst.
