I discovered author Marie Benedict during a trip to Warwick’s book store in San Diego in February. Benedict’s book Lady Clementine was one of the staff picks of the month, and because I am a historical fiction fan, I was intrigued. Benedict’s bio on Amazon states, “While drafting her first book, [Benedict] realized that she could excavate the possible truths lurking in history through fiction.” This is exactly what I feel like she has done with Lady Clementine, who was not only the wife of Winston Churchill, but his trusted political advisor and an ambitious difference-maker for Great Britain in her time.
Written in first-person from Clementine’s perspective, this book offers a very personal glimpse into the woman at Winston Churchill’s side. In the Author’s Notes at the end of the book, Benedict states she was “hooked by this bright, complicated, loyal, bold, and sometimes contentious woman. Her legacy was important yet largely unknown.”
I love learning about history through the stories of the people who lived through and made history. (Maybe that’s part of why I love family history so much!) This book was no exception. If you are a history buff or simply a historical fiction fan like me, you will love the story of Lady Clementine. If you want to add not just one but a few great books to your summer reading list, I also read and loved Benedict’s The Only Woman in the Room about Hedy Lamarr: actress, inventor, and former wife of Austrian arms dealer. She overheard the Third Reich’s plans while at her husband’s side and understood more than anyone would guess. The Other Einstein (also by Benedict) is next on my list.
What are you reading this summer?
I already finished The Other Einstein. I couldn’t put it down. I have read Jennifer Chiaverini’s Elm Creek Quilts series. I’ll have to try her historical fiction! The German Heiress sounds good too. Thanks for the recommendations!