The English Wife by Anna Stuart is a beautifully told historical fiction about Clementine Churchill and her experiences during World War II.
The English Wife is a fantastic historical fiction novel about the brilliant Clementine Churchill. This book focuses on her time during World War II and how she kept one of the world’s leaders strong and stable while trying to keep Hitler from taking over Europe. Winston Churchill was a formidable man many know but not many people know about his wife. This book is perfect for anyone who loves books about World War II and strong female characters.
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The English Wife Overview
Title: The English Wife
Author: Anna Stuart
Pages: 396 Pages
Publish Date: March 26th, 2025
Genre: Historical Fiction
My Star Rating: 5 out of 5 stars! (I loved this book and would recommend everyone reads it)
Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/43CHt48
Synopsis from Amazon
1940, England: Clementine Churchill is standing alone on a rooftop in London as bombs rain down on the city when a nearby explosion almost knocks her off her feet. Shaking, she rushes homewards to 10 Downing Street and breathes a sigh of relief when she sees the famous building is still there. It means the Prime Minister – her husband – is still alive.
Stepping into Winston’s reassuring arms, she hears his steady heartbeat. She knew from the day they married thirty years ago that he wanted to lead the country. Since then, they’ve been a partnership in love and in politics. Tragedy once almost tore them apart… but now, Winston is Prime Minister, just as he always dreamed. Except, with the war against Hitler, it’s a much bigger responsibility than either of them ever expected: The world needs Winston, and Winston needs her.
While Winston co-ordinates battles across Europe, Clementine finds herself in the spotlight for the first time. Her husband’s name may be on the lips of every soldier and politician but she knows as she visits hospitals and campaigns for better conditions in air raid shelters, that the ordinary people speak her name just as much. She realises she has the potential to make a difference – not as Winston’s shadow in the background but as Clementine Churchill.
One evening, as she looks into Winston’s dear face, Clementine can tell his bravery comes at a cost. But can she overcome the heartbreaking loss in her past to help the man she loves succeed? And, together, can they finish the fight for freedom?
My Review of The English Wife
Thank you to NetGalley, Anna Stuart, and Bookouture Audio for this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
In recent years I started getting really into historical fiction. I especially love books written about strong women in the past. Clementine Churchill is a name I had never heard of before. She is the strong pillar that helped keep Winston Churchill going throughout World War II.
I loved listening to the way that Clementine supported her husband, and family, and made strong contributions on the home front, like creating hospitals for pregnant women of soldiers fighting in the war and making bomb shelters safer for the people who had to stay there.
I loved the character of Jenny (loosely based on Janet Murrow) and her American view of the war before America joined. Both the main female characters are strong, passionate, and loved helping other people. They are definitely an inspiration.
Anna Stuart has an extraordinary talent for setting a scene. I really felt like I was on the rooftops with Clementine ready to put out fire from the bomb. Also, I could feel the guilt coursing through Jenny and Clementine’s veins when they were relieved the bombs landed somewhere else knowing that someone else was hurt. World War II was a tumultuous time in England and the Churchills went through the ringer.
Jane McDowell did a fantastic job at narrating this book. I felt like she was reading straight from Clementine’s and Jenny’s diaries.
Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/43CHt48
Who Would Enjoy This Book?
This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction novels. If you have an interest in World War II or want to learn about the woman behind Winston Churchill you should check out this book. The English Wife is filled with strong female characters and if that sounds like something you like to read, check it out! It’s such a great story that I truly believe everyone should read this book.
Grab your copy here: https://amzn.to/43CHt48
Other Book Reviews To Check Out
- NetGalley Book Review: The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock
- NetGalley Book Review: Fun for the Whole Family
- The Starlets by Lee Kelly and Jennifer Thorne Book Review
- When We Grow Up by Angelica Baker Book Review
Final Thoughts
One of the many reasons why I love being a NetGalley reviewer is because once in a while I will read or listen to a book I thoroughly enjoy. The English Wife is one of those books. It was stunning and captivating. I never knew just how much effort Clementine made to help make life in England during the war more bearable. I’m so thankful to have listened to this book and I hope you enjoyed my review.
If you liked this review or have any questions, let me know in the comments below. Lastly, if you liked this review please share it. I appreciate all the love and support.
Thanks for reading,
Kel
Looks like an excellent book. Thanks for sharing.
Well, if the synopsis hadn’t captured my attention, your review has convinced me that I need to read this book. I don’t read a ton of historical fiction, but I do enjoy it from time to time, and this sounds like one I would really enjoy. I have read and listened to quite a few books and documentaries that mention Wilson Churchill, but I can’t recall any mentions of Clemetine in any of them.
I’m not typically a fan of historical fiction, but your review of this book convinced me that it is one I need to add to my reading list.
My kind of book! I love historical fiction, especially if set during the Second World War. My favorite author in this genre is Kate Quinn. Will add this to my TBR list. Thanks for sharing.