THE Churchill girls by rachel trethewey
The Churchill Girls: The Story of Winston and Clementine's Daughters
Rating: 5 out of 5
As a history enthusiast, I've read many books about the Churchill family, including: First Lady: The Life and Wars of Clementine Churchill (by Sonia Purnell) and Churchill and Son (by Josh Ireland) . It could be argued that the lives of Winston Churchill's family are more intriguing than his own. Although he could sometimes be challenging to live with, Winston's wife, Clementine, and their three daughters, Sarah, Diana and Mary, were completely devoted to Britain's most resolute politician, and he just as equally devoted to them.
It is true the three girls lived in the shadow of the famous father, and the Churchill name only added to the pressures they faced as they struggled to make a name for themselves. Had they been born into a more normal family Sarah, Diana and Mary could have become formidable and hugely successful politicians in their own right. Yet all three put their strong, politically minded personalities to good use and could often be found on the campaign trail making electrified speeches to encourage the public to vote for Winston. Their unconditional love for their father shone through day after day, year after year, and conference after conference.
Some history books can feel too detailed, 'heavy going' and difficult to unpick. But the Churchill Girls is an easy read with short, digestible, chapters. Exceptionally well researched, with quotes from personal correspondence and diary entries, Rachel Trethewey documents the life (and loves) of the Churchill girls in exquisite detail. Whilst Trethewey effortlessly showcases the enviable glamour of these extraordinary women, she also exposes their vulnerabilities, specifically Sarah and Diana who struggled with their mental health and had several failed marriages between them. The book also details how Winston and Clementine were incredibly tolerant of Sarah and Diana 'misadventures', often turning a blind eye. Somewhat unusual for the times they lived in, and their social class.
Trethewey expertly brings Sarah, Diana and Mary Churchill back to life once more and allows them to shine for the first time in their own right, and as Winston's biggest assets.