Lady Clementine (Benedict)

Lady Clementine 
Marie Benedict, 2020
Sourcebooks
336pp.
ISBN-13: 9781492666905


Summary
From Marie Benedict, the New York Times bestselling 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. (From the publisher.)

Author Bio
• AKA—Heather Terrell
• Birth—ca. 1968-69
• Raised—Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, USA
• Education—B.A., Boston College; J.D., Boston University
• Currently—lives in Sewickley, Pennsylvania


Marie Benedict, AKA Heather Terrell, writes both adult and young adult fiction. She is perhaps best known as Marie Benedict for her works of historical fiction: The Only Woman in the Room (2019), Carnegie's Maid (2018), and The Other Einstein (2016).

As Heather Terrell, she has written Brigid of Kildare (2010, based on the medieval life of Ireland's St. Brigid) and two suspense novels, The Map Thief (2008) and The Chrysalis (2007).

Her young adult books are also under Heather Terrell: the Books of Eva series (Relic, Boundary, and Chronicle), as well as the Fallen Angel series (Fallen Angel and Eternity).

Benedict/Terrill has been drawn to stories of strong women, especially unsung heroines, both real and fictional. A book lover from childhood, it was a gift from her aunt that sparked her imagination—Marion Zimmerman Bradley's tale about the women of the Arthurian legend, The Mists of Avalon. As she told Book Reporter:

This book opened my eyes to the hidden voices and truths lurking in history and legend—particularly the buried histories of women—and set me on an admittedly circuitous path toward a life of uncovering those unknown stories and memorializing them through fiction.

Before becoming an author Benedict/Terrill practiced law in New York City. She received her B.A. from Boston College and her J.D. from Boston University. She met her husband in 2002 while standing in the customs line after landing in Hong Kong. The two were married in 2002 and have since moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where they live with their children. (Adapted from various online sources.)

Book Reviews
A true tale of Clementine's ferocity and ambition through political unrest and two world wars, the novel spotlights one of the most influential behind-the-scenes women of her time.
Parade


A fascinating fictionalized account of the consummate political wife.
People


Benedict gives us a novel based on the life of the woman who historians say quietly advised Winston Churchill throughout his career.
Glamour


Benedict…delivers a winning fictionalized biography of Clementine Churchill…. It’s an intriguing novel, and the focus on the heroic counsel of a woman that has national and international impacts will resonate in the present day.
Publishers Weekly


(Starred review) This outstanding story deserves wide readership. Fans of historical fiction, especially set around World War II; readers who appreciate strong, intelligent female leads; or those who just want to read a compelling page-turner will enjoy this gem of a novel. —Pamela O'Sullivan, Coll. at Brockport Lib., SUNY
Library Journal


Well-researched, illuminating account of a complex, intelligent woman.
Booklist


[A] fast-paced narrative.… The thrilling ride is marred only by repetitive scenes of an impassioned Winston lashing out at Clemmie, whose stern looks immediately remind her Pug to take better care of his Cat. A rousing tale of ambition and love.
Kirkus Reviews

Discussion Questions
We'll add publisher questions if and when they're available; in the meantime, use our LitLovers Questions to help start a discussion for LADY CLEMENTINE … then take off on your own:

1. How would you describe Clementine? Talk about her childhood, her social position as an outsider, and her maternal insecurities.

2. Explore the influence Clementine had on her husband Winston throughout their marriage, especially during the vital years leading up to and including the Second World War. To what extent do you think Winston's success, and the Allied's, is due to Clementine's wise and steady guidance? Can you point to specific incidents in the book that stood out most vividly to you?

3. What traits in, or specific actions of, Clementine do you find most admirable, considering, that is, that you find her admirable? Are there aspects of her personality which you find less to admire than others?

4. How does Winston Churchill come across in this fictional account? Where you surprised at his frequent outbursts at Clementine?

5. What other books have you read, or films have you viewed, about the famous Churchill couple? How does this fictional account compare? What insights have you gained about the two after reading Lady Clementine?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online and off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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