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The Churchills: In Love and War Audiobook
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(4.02) - 271 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The first Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722) was a soldier of such genius that a lavish palace, Blenheim, was built to honor his triumphs. Succeeding generations of Churchills sometimes achieved distinction but also included profligates and womanizers, and were saddled with the ruinous upkeep of Blenheim. The family fortunes were revived in the nineteenth century by the huge dowries of New York society beauties Jennie Jerome (Winston's mother) and Consuelo Vanderbilt (wife to Winston's cousin).
Mary S. Lovell brilliantly recounts the triumphant political and military campaigns, the construction of great houses, the domestic tragedies, and the happy marriage of Winston to Clementine Hosier set against the disastrous unions of most of his family, which ended in venereal disease, papal annulment, clinical depression, and adultery.
The Churchills were an extraordinary family: ambitious, impecunious, impulsive, brave, and arrogant. Winston—recently voted "The Greatest Briton"—dominates them all. His failures and triumphs are revealed in the context of a poignant and sometimes tragic private life.
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"Really enjoyable history, well researched but easy to read and not too full of fact & figures. I wouldn't have usually chosen a book that focused so much on a person such as Winston Churchill but the author constantly weaves the story around the other members of the family and I never felt it was too biased towards him. I've read a couple of Mary Lovell biographies in the past and will search out more."
— Jo (5 out of 5 stars)
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Lovell's writing style will keep [listeners] wanting more.
— Library Journal
The Churchills Listener Reviews
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" Another great, light, biography from Mary S. Lovell. My Granny worked with Winston Churchill during the war, so I found his story particularly interesting. Amazing times, extraordinary people. "
— Amy, 2/15/2014 -
" Mary Lovell did an excellent job in telling the Churchill saga. "
— Kevin, 2/5/2014 -
" A very readable history of the Churchill family with emphasis on Winston and his generation. The author clearly likes Winston and presents a very sympathetic, appealing vision of his life. "
— A, 1/31/2014 -
" The subjects of English history is always fascinating. Partly due to long lineages, and partly due to centuries of pomp and circumstance. The book was long but interesting. "
— Luann, 1/23/2014 -
" Very easy to read and interesting. Disappointed it didn't cover much on the extended Churchill family after Winston's death, particularly the Duke of Marlborough's family. "
— Rosalind, 1/3/2014 -
" An enjoyable read when it comes to Winston and his wife and children, but doesn't live up to its promise. Hardly the close look at earlier generations of the family suggested by the inclusion on the book cover of photos of Jenny and Randolph, but a rehash of old material, some of it very out of date, that has appeared in earlier, better biographies. "
— Sally, 12/26/2013 -
" Fascinating especially if you like Downton Abbey. "
— Gerry, 12/22/2013 -
" Absolutely fantastic, you should read it at once! "
— Kimberly, 9/13/2013 -
" A gossipy history of the Churchills, making it accessible and enjoyable for me. I am sure historians may consider this to be light-weight, but it has sparked my interest in reading Winston Churchill's own books. "
— PJ, 6/5/2013 -
" Loved the book. Felt like I was in the room with them watching them live their lives. I think that is the beauty of Ms. Lovell's writing. "
— Piumie, 3/17/2013 -
" a little too "gossipy" for me. "
— Tom, 8/17/2012 -
" Fascinating though a bit talky. "
— Stella, 7/7/2012 -
" Fab book. History + gossipy info which keeps it interesting. "
— H., 12/9/2011 -
" Gossipy fun, but still well written and referenced. Loved Lovell's Mitford Girls, this one did not disappoint. "
— Justine, 12/5/2011 -
" I love me some Winston! I really loved the history of this family and the story of his beloved mother, an American. "
— Angie, 10/23/2011 -
" I've read a number of books about the Churchills. This expands to the scope to include cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews of Winston. Included some photos I hadn't seen before. Readable. "
— Judy, 9/15/2011 -
" A very readable and highly informative biography with just enough scandal and gossip to pick up the pace and keep it alive and interesting. The book largely focuses on Winston Churchill with his relatives and ancestors acting as a backdrop to add depth to his actions and his personality. "
— Anne, 9/10/2011 -
" I enjoyed reading this book. I really admire Winston Churchill for his foresight and leadership during WWII. It was so interesting to read about his ancestors, family and the people in his life. He was an exceptional man who was born at the right time, in the right place. "
— Barbara, 5/31/2011 -
" Loved it :) Now, I want to read a Churchill historical/political biography - any suggestions, Emily :)? "
— Stephanie, 5/13/2011
About Mary S. Lovell
Mary S. Lovell is the author of the bestselling biographies The Sisters (about the Mitford family) and Straight on Till Morning (about Beryl Markham), as well as A Rage to Live, Bess of Hardwick, The Sound of Wings: The Life of Amelia Earhart, and several others. She lives in England.
About Anne Flosnik
Anne Flosnik, a seasoned audiobook narrator, has over four hundred titles to her credit and several awards and distinctions, including AudioFile Earphones Awards, a USA Today Recommended Listening selection, an AudioFile “Best Narration of the Year” selection in 2009, and the American Library Association’s Special Services to Children Award. She has also been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for best narration. She is an award-winning British actress with lead credits on stage, on television, and in commercials and voice-overs.