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thepagelady's review against another edition
4.0
I will read anything by C.W. Gortner and so far I am never disappointed! Jennie Jerome, the mother of Winston Churchill. Was an interesting character The story has a fast pace and some nice characters! Nice read!
themis_biblos's review
adventurous
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I like it when characters of different historical tellings of Gortner's show up in each other's lives.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, War, Misogyny, and Racism
blodeuedd's review
3.0
I did not really know a lot about Jennie..or anything. I know some of the Dollar Princesses to come, but Jennie was one of the first, and what a life!
Jennie met and fell in love with the 2nd son of the Duke of Marlbourough. Some drama there, she being an American, he a nobleman. But they get each other in the end, have two kids, one being a certain Winston Churchill.
And then lots more. She had lots of affair, the most noted one with the future king of England. She still loved her husband, but noble marriages were strange. She also did a lot of things I could not have imagined. Like sending aid and going to the Boer war. Her marriages though, dang she must have been a very fascinating woman. One of a kind.
I do confess, I googled a lot! I just wanted to know things before and here at least I knew nothing tragic would happen.
An interesting book about an interesting woman.
First time listening to this narrator. Not the most variation among voices, but as this truly was Jennie's story that did not matter. Everything came from her. It was a good fit for a historical fiction and def something you should listen to
Jennie met and fell in love with the 2nd son of the Duke of Marlbourough. Some drama there, she being an American, he a nobleman. But they get each other in the end, have two kids, one being a certain Winston Churchill.
And then lots more. She had lots of affair, the most noted one with the future king of England. She still loved her husband, but noble marriages were strange. She also did a lot of things I could not have imagined. Like sending aid and going to the Boer war. Her marriages though, dang she must have been a very fascinating woman. One of a kind.
I do confess, I googled a lot! I just wanted to know things before and here at least I knew nothing tragic would happen.
An interesting book about an interesting woman.
First time listening to this narrator. Not the most variation among voices, but as this truly was Jennie's story that did not matter. Everything came from her. It was a good fit for a historical fiction and def something you should listen to
bonniereads777's review
5.0
I was completely immersed in this fictionalized biography of Jennie Jerome, the mother of Winston Churchill. I felt as if I was living history as I followed Jennie's life from her girlhood in 1860s New York all the way to her death in 1921.
One of the first American women to marry into the British aristocracy, Jennie was the daughter of a wealthy American businessman. She married Lord Randolph Churchill, son of the Duke of Marlborough, while she was still a teenager. She lived a life of means but often ran up more bills than she could pay. Her marriage was a love match, but they also had an agreement regarding sex outside the marriage. Her liaisons with many famous men, including the Prince of Wales at the time, were legendary. Often an absent mother in Winston’s childhood, her relationship with him as he began his political career is intriguing.
This novel can be shocking at times but takes us inside the lives of the privileged few, whose comings and goings were often decadent and scandalous, especially for those times. It introduces us to all the people in Jennie’s life in an intimate way. Jennie's sexual escapades are described in detail on a few occasions, so those readers who avoid that should be aware.
This is a superbly written novel that introduced me to Jennie in a fascinating way. I had no idea that Winston Churchill’s mother was an American, especially one with such a storied past. Jennie’s scandals and charitable work are interspersed throughout with concurrent events in history. It is a fascinating read that held me spellbound. C.W. Gortner has written an honest and fascinating fictionalized biography of a woman about whom many may never have known. You will meet her in these pages.
I received a free copy of this book from William Morrow via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
One of the first American women to marry into the British aristocracy, Jennie was the daughter of a wealthy American businessman. She married Lord Randolph Churchill, son of the Duke of Marlborough, while she was still a teenager. She lived a life of means but often ran up more bills than she could pay. Her marriage was a love match, but they also had an agreement regarding sex outside the marriage. Her liaisons with many famous men, including the Prince of Wales at the time, were legendary. Often an absent mother in Winston’s childhood, her relationship with him as he began his political career is intriguing.
This novel can be shocking at times but takes us inside the lives of the privileged few, whose comings and goings were often decadent and scandalous, especially for those times. It introduces us to all the people in Jennie’s life in an intimate way. Jennie's sexual escapades are described in detail on a few occasions, so those readers who avoid that should be aware.
This is a superbly written novel that introduced me to Jennie in a fascinating way. I had no idea that Winston Churchill’s mother was an American, especially one with such a storied past. Jennie’s scandals and charitable work are interspersed throughout with concurrent events in history. It is a fascinating read that held me spellbound. C.W. Gortner has written an honest and fascinating fictionalized biography of a woman about whom many may never have known. You will meet her in these pages.
I received a free copy of this book from William Morrow via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
marbooks88's review
4.0
this historical fiction title explores the life of Jennie Jerome Churchill, Winston Churchill's mother. From her early years in New York City Jennie was determined to be herself and not be defined by the rigid expectations of society. But is it possible to find love and live the life you want and not be ostracized?
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc for my honest review
misshuckleberry's review against another edition
5.0
I really, really loved this book. In fact,I took my time finishing it because I didn’t want it to end. I had the luxury of moving between the audio version (when I’m out for long bike rides) and the actual book, which made it very much “alive.”
First, I was stunned to discover that CW Goertner was a male. His female voice was so believable (which made me wonder if that’s why he uses initials? So the reader, like me, isn’t dissuaded before reading, as I often am?). As I got toward the end and kept slowing down, I went on a desperate search for more books that he’s written (already read the Chanel book years ago, and loved it).
Overall, I thought the writing was superb. The author seemed to capture the cadence and the tone of the voice perfectly. I also appreciated the seemingly authentic reflection of the times, with so many social standards, rules, and expectations being implicit within the book, just weaved into the beautiful writing.
A few little treats:Just as I don’t watch trailers, I read only the smallest bits which summarize plot. I was delighted when the baby was born, she named him “Winston,” and I discovered who it was. And I love reading about the Astors and Vanderbilts, so was also delighted to learn of the Churchill-Vandy connection.
Reading historical fiction these days can be tedious. So much about WW1 and 2, class distinctions, conflict, etc., but this was such a fresh take. Splendid read! So sad it’s over.
First, I was stunned to discover that CW Goertner was a male. His female voice was so believable (which made me wonder if that’s why he uses initials? So the reader, like me, isn’t dissuaded before reading, as I often am?). As I got toward the end and kept slowing down, I went on a desperate search for more books that he’s written (already read the Chanel book years ago, and loved it).
Overall, I thought the writing was superb. The author seemed to capture the cadence and the tone of the voice perfectly. I also appreciated the seemingly authentic reflection of the times, with so many social standards, rules, and expectations being implicit within the book, just weaved into the beautiful writing.
A few little treats:Just as I don’t watch trailers, I read only the smallest bits which summarize plot. I was delighted when the baby was born, she named him “Winston,” and I discovered who it was. And I love reading about the Astors and Vanderbilts, so was also delighted to learn of the Churchill-Vandy connection.
Reading historical fiction these days can be tedious. So much about WW1 and 2, class distinctions, conflict, etc., but this was such a fresh take. Splendid read! So sad it’s over.
riseclare's review
5.0
Spectacular! As usual, CW Gortner chooses someone you may or may not know of, and puts you in their shoes. Loved this choice of Jennie Jerome and wouldn’t have known her story otherwise. Want to learn history while reading a fantastically interesting book? Pick up anything by CWG.
myfrogmonster's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I chose this audiobook because I like the narrator. Bonus, it was a good story. Jennie led a fascinating life. It was interesting to learn about the mother of one of the most influential leaders in the 20th century.
prncss1204's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
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