Jennie, Lady Randolph Churchill: a portrait with letters

by Julian Mitchell

product_description

Genres: History, Biography

Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book at a used book sale some time ago. I thought a biography on Winston Churchill's beloved mother, Jennie, would be an interesting read--especially since I knew very little about her. While I did learn some things, I was very disappointed in the way this book was put together. One of the authors, Peregrine Churchill, was Jennie's grandson (and Winston's nephew) so I expected great insight. Instead, the book contained letter after letter--some written by Jennie and some written by others. The letters were hard to read and didn't necessarily tell the whole story. I would have much preferred a narrative form of biography with excerpts from the letters to help enlighten the reader. Unfortunately, the authors took the easy way out and just printed letter after letter with a few words in between. The book did get my attention and I will be looking for a better biography to read in the future. The Churchills were a colorful bunch and Jennie was no exception. Too bad that this book did not make the cut.

[Miss Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely done. Letters are interspersed with authors comments that 'connect the dots.' Sharing Jennie's letters, as well as those close to her, was a true eye into her life and the Edwardian elite. Edited by Peregrine Churchill (grandson) and Julian Mitchell (script writer of the British TV series "Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill" made in the early '70's). I am aware that some events were not explained fully; not surprising knowing the creators. But even with that it's a book that most definitely shares insight to a time and a level of society that the majority of us could never imagine.

[Richard]

I was reading a lot of Churchill in the early 90s, I recall. One of them had this title, but there seem to be several floating around. It might have been one of the others. Anyway, that woman had a fascinating and somewhat scandalous life, some of which certainly had an impact on young Winston.

[Lori Watson koenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made me want to start writing letters again!
Jennie was so expressive in her letters and her suitors wrote some pretty romantic stuff!
This was one amazing, intelligent lady.
I'm adding her to my list of people who truly interest me.