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Jennie Churchill: Winston's American Mother
After a three-day romance Brooklyn-born Jennie Jerome married into the British aristocracy, becoming Lady Randolph Churchill. At a time when women were afforded few freedoms, she was a behind-the-scenes political dynamo. However it was Jennies love life that marked her out, earning her the epithet more panther than woman. In other ways, Jennie was deeply loyal to her husband. When he was dying of syphilis she took him on a round-the-world trip to conceal his violence and mania. Her great project became her son, Winston, with whom she was entwined in an intense mutual dependency. Jennie died suddenly in 1921 and although Winston was not to become the nation's leader for another two decades, he had acquired from his mother an unshakeable faith in his destiny. With unprecedented access to private family correspondence, newly discovered archival material and interviews with Jennie's two surviving granddaughters, Anne Sebba draws a vivid and frank portrait of her subject. She repositions Jennie as a woman who refused to be cowed by her eras customary repression of women. Jennie Churchill was creative and passionate, determined to live life to the full.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
204 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Anne Sebba
31 books295 followersAnne Sebba began her writing career at the BBC world service, Arabic section, while still a student. After graduating from King’s College, London in Modern European History, she worked as a foreign correspondent for Reuters in London and Rome, the first woman Reuters accepted on their Graduate Trainee Scheme. In 1975 she moved to New York with her husband and first baby returning two years later with a second baby and first book. From then on she was launched into a freelance career as a journalist, biographer, cruise lecturer and occasional broadcaster and is now also an officially accredited Nadfas lecturer. She has worked for many writers’ organisations including PEN Writers in Prison Committee and the Society of Authors chairing its Management Committee from 2013- 2015 and followed her bestselling biography That Woman, a life of Wallis Simpson, based on the discovery of 15 secret letters which Wallis wrote to her second husband Ernest Simpson, with Les Parisiennes : How the Women of Paris lived, loved and died in the 1940s published in the UK and US in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 28, 2019
This is extremely readable and I greatly enjoyed it.
Jennie was a dollar bride and part of the cash for titles exchange.
However her father wasn't really wealthy and money remained a struggle for all of her life.
She married pregnant, it's highly doubtful Winston was a preemie. Her 2nd son wasn't fathered by her husband and his actual father remains a mystery.
She married 3 times and after she's widowed by her first husband, both of her 2nd husbands are around the age of her sons.
She's a spendthrift and charming.
She joined her son in anti-suffragette activities.
She was instrumental to Winston's career.
I gave 1 star because the author includes antiblack racism really for no apparent reason. She refers to black people as 'negroes' not cool at all and makes reference to a Dr Sims as a wonderful gynecologist when actually he's the Dr Mengele of the USA. He tortured enslaved black women which is how he was able to make the medical advances he made.
He had anesthesia available to him and chose not to use it while he 'practiced' his techniques dozens of times.
The black women he tortured were human beings and he can't be mentioned as a 'good' doctor without his history being taken into account.
Also Churchill was famously racist and sexist. So was Jennie and this author.
Sigh.
Jennie was a dollar bride and part of the cash for titles exchange.
However her father wasn't really wealthy and money remained a struggle for all of her life.
She married pregnant, it's highly doubtful Winston was a preemie. Her 2nd son wasn't fathered by her husband and his actual father remains a mystery.
She married 3 times and after she's widowed by her first husband, both of her 2nd husbands are around the age of her sons.
She's a spendthrift and charming.
She joined her son in anti-suffragette activities.
She was instrumental to Winston's career.
I gave 1 star because the author includes antiblack racism really for no apparent reason. She refers to black people as 'negroes' not cool at all and makes reference to a Dr Sims as a wonderful gynecologist when actually he's the Dr Mengele of the USA. He tortured enslaved black women which is how he was able to make the medical advances he made.
He had anesthesia available to him and chose not to use it while he 'practiced' his techniques dozens of times.
The black women he tortured were human beings and he can't be mentioned as a 'good' doctor without his history being taken into account.
Also Churchill was famously racist and sexist. So was Jennie and this author.
Sigh.
January 5, 2019
Jennie Churchill (née Jerome) was the daughter of the wealthy and flamboyant American entrepreneur and racing enthusiast , Leonard Jerome. The Jeromes' had a lavish lifestyle, boasting a property with a 600-seater theatre which staged significant operatic events for the cream of society and where the stables,alone, cost $80.000.Jennie-and many others-adored her father.His friend,August Belmont,wrote that "One rode better, sailed better,banqueted better when Mr Jerome was a member of the party."However,when her son ,Winston Churchill commissioned a biography of his grandfather, he found sufficient evidence for preventing it's publication!Nevertheless I enjoyed reading about wealthy New York society with many familiar names well known to the family then and still well known today.
Jennie was a talented,extraordinarily beautiful lady who boldly married an English aristocrat and,after his death, two very much younger men!She mixed with royalty-including the French Empress Eugenie and-perhaps inevitably-Edward,Prince of Wales.The author cannot find evidence for their having been lovers but equally nothing to discount the possibility.Sadly,after fathering his children,Lord Randolph Churchill,the first husband with whom she had been passionately in love,developed poor health which was almost certainly syphilis.This kept him travelling and left her vulnerable to other affairs.However,her incredible loyalty to him saw an exchange of letters throughout their lives and she accompanied him-to great effect-whenever he needed her support.A diplomatic visit to Russia saw her glittering wardrobe mentioned more than her husband's speeches-not a little like the young Diana Spencer's experience when she first married the current Prince of Wales!
Jennie embarked on a world tour to accompany her dying husband which required all her love and patience due to his disturbed state of mind.However,she was unwilling to languish into widowhood being described by Eddie Marsh-later,Churchill's private secretary- as an incredible mixture of "Worldliness and Eternal Childhood.in thrall to fashion and luxury."So that "life didn't begin for her on a basis of less than forty pairs of shoes"yet it seemed that inspite of this she was never missing "one quality of
warmheartedness,humor,loyalty.sincerity or pugnacious courage."
Jennie was an eternal optimist and,like her adoring son,Winston,I found myself gazing in bemused wonder at her extraordinary adventures.For him,She had"not blood but the wine of life coursing through her veins."Perhaps her nearest modern equivalent would have been the much loved Dame Elizabeth Taylor.
Author,Anne Sebba,has not included much that is written about her subject.She has been selective and ignored gossip she can't in any way prove. It's clear that she made an attempt to prove some of the rumours and would obviously have liked more access to what she calls the "Windsor Archives"but, overall this biography is well worth reading!
Jennie was a talented,extraordinarily beautiful lady who boldly married an English aristocrat and,after his death, two very much younger men!She mixed with royalty-including the French Empress Eugenie and-perhaps inevitably-Edward,Prince of Wales.The author cannot find evidence for their having been lovers but equally nothing to discount the possibility.Sadly,after fathering his children,Lord Randolph Churchill,the first husband with whom she had been passionately in love,developed poor health which was almost certainly syphilis.This kept him travelling and left her vulnerable to other affairs.However,her incredible loyalty to him saw an exchange of letters throughout their lives and she accompanied him-to great effect-whenever he needed her support.A diplomatic visit to Russia saw her glittering wardrobe mentioned more than her husband's speeches-not a little like the young Diana Spencer's experience when she first married the current Prince of Wales!
Jennie embarked on a world tour to accompany her dying husband which required all her love and patience due to his disturbed state of mind.However,she was unwilling to languish into widowhood being described by Eddie Marsh-later,Churchill's private secretary- as an incredible mixture of "Worldliness and Eternal Childhood.in thrall to fashion and luxury."So that "life didn't begin for her on a basis of less than forty pairs of shoes"yet it seemed that inspite of this she was never missing "one quality of
warmheartedness,humor,loyalty.sincerity or pugnacious courage."
Jennie was an eternal optimist and,like her adoring son,Winston,I found myself gazing in bemused wonder at her extraordinary adventures.For him,She had"not blood but the wine of life coursing through her veins."Perhaps her nearest modern equivalent would have been the much loved Dame Elizabeth Taylor.
Author,Anne Sebba,has not included much that is written about her subject.She has been selective and ignored gossip she can't in any way prove. It's clear that she made an attempt to prove some of the rumours and would obviously have liked more access to what she calls the "Windsor Archives"but, overall this biography is well worth reading!
February 8, 2017
Great source material
February 16, 2013
I will admit that I came to this book with a bad attitude. It is a selection of my book club. My reaction was Jennie Jerome Churchill is only researched and written about because she was the mother of Winston Churchill and that he bore her mark (or scars). I did not vote for it and was disappointed when it was selected. I seriously considered not reading it because I will be away on vacation at the time of the discussion. But read it, I did and it just re-enforced my opinion.
Jennie was a spoiled, spend-thrift, social climber. Yes, she challenged the norms of society of the time but she got away with it because she could, a combination of her position, charm and chutzpah. While some middle class woman of the time who engaged is such shenanigans would have quickly been ostracized and sent to debtor's prison.
I think the story of her hospital ship during the Boer War was a great example. She fund-raised from the wealthy money (no school children pennies for her!) to re-furbish a yacht as a hospital ship. She even designed uniforms for the staff. Then she insisted on going with the ship to South Africa in her included-well-appointed rooms so she could see Winston who had recently escaped from captivity. She argued with the British military over how the ship was to be used and when she finally allowed them to ship injured soldiers back to England on the ship, she delayed the ship at Madeira so she could go ashore and dine.
From this book, it appears that she worked for her husband and son’s political careers, because she liked the attention and because she could have interesting parties!
The book is well enough written. I just don’t think the subject is worthy of attention.
Jennie was a spoiled, spend-thrift, social climber. Yes, she challenged the norms of society of the time but she got away with it because she could, a combination of her position, charm and chutzpah. While some middle class woman of the time who engaged is such shenanigans would have quickly been ostracized and sent to debtor's prison.
I think the story of her hospital ship during the Boer War was a great example. She fund-raised from the wealthy money (no school children pennies for her!) to re-furbish a yacht as a hospital ship. She even designed uniforms for the staff. Then she insisted on going with the ship to South Africa in her included-well-appointed rooms so she could see Winston who had recently escaped from captivity. She argued with the British military over how the ship was to be used and when she finally allowed them to ship injured soldiers back to England on the ship, she delayed the ship at Madeira so she could go ashore and dine.
From this book, it appears that she worked for her husband and son’s political careers, because she liked the attention and because she could have interesting parties!
The book is well enough written. I just don’t think the subject is worthy of attention.
March 26, 2008
I looked forward to reading this biography of Jennie Churchill, the mother of Winston and wife of Randolph. Born in Brooklyn, NY (and you can see the plaque in front of her home on Henry Street), she led an interesting and yet, frustrating life. The author of this book failed to bring Jennie alive for me, reporting in a factual but not always engaging manner, and sometimes reaching psychological conclusions that weren't necessarily justified.
October 25, 2014
I have done some reading on this remarkable woman already. What I gleaned from this volume is that her lack of money influenced many poor decisions. She also had a strong libido which also pushed her into unwise marriages. She might have taken over the world today. Instead she poured much of her strength into supporting Winston and his career.
April 24, 2013
As a connoisseur of books about the Gilded Age, particularly of the large numbers of American heiresses who traveled to Europe to marry nobility in this time, I was interested in this biography of Jennie Jerome who became the mother of Winston Churchill. What an interesting life she had! (And her death was worthy of Carrie Bradshaw...)
I read this between fiction, so it took a while. Too, it seemed sad that as she grew up, this woman never seemed to outgrow the rattling young woman that she'd been as a youngster.
Anyhow, an interesting look into one of the real life inspirations of books like The Buccaneers and The Shuttle.
I read this between fiction, so it took a while. Too, it seemed sad that as she grew up, this woman never seemed to outgrow the rattling young woman that she'd been as a youngster.
Anyhow, an interesting look into one of the real life inspirations of books like The Buccaneers and The Shuttle.
October 20, 2012
Certainly proof of the power of an involved mother. Jennie was the power behind the polital rise of Winston. She had earlier been very involved in the politial life of her husband, Randolph. Jennie was a beautiful, musically talented woman who always lived beyond her means and had a rather prolific 'love life.' Her American family moved to Europe with the goal of marrying their three daughters to nobility. An interesting book with coloraful characters, yet certainly not noble in character. I think my favorite was Clemintine, Winston's wife.
January 3, 2014
I have yet to find a completely satisfying biography of Lady Randolph Churchill. There is too much bias one way or the other in the ones I've read. I would also like to read the original letters several of her biographers have used.
All in all, an interesting read. I enjoyed learning more about this fascinating woman. Whether or not she was the most moral person, she lived a full and interesting life. She's one of those people from the past with whom I'd like to have lunch.
All in all, an interesting read. I enjoyed learning more about this fascinating woman. Whether or not she was the most moral person, she lived a full and interesting life. She's one of those people from the past with whom I'd like to have lunch.
February 19, 2015
Very well researched book telling the sad life of Lady Churchill. I'm not sure that I like her...she was spoiled and careless with her money, and desperate for love. She was fascinating though, especially since she was Winston Churchill's mother.
May 31, 2021
This was a well researched, fascinating biography of Jennie Jerome Churchill, and I enjoyed it. Although I did think it was a tad long, and some of it was repetitive (especially because I’d just read Elisabeth Kehoe’s book earlier this year). And wowowow Jennie and Randolph were terrible parents, especially when Winston and Jack were young. Terrible parents, and absolutely terrible at finances, my god. More money than anyone should have, and they still managed to just scrape by. How wild.
I did like this book, and I think for fans of The Gilded Age, the Dollar Princesses etc., they will find this interesting.
I did like this book, and I think for fans of The Gilded Age, the Dollar Princesses etc., they will find this interesting.
July 16, 2017
A book you own but have never read:
Jennie Churchill's life included, but was not limited to: (and in no particular order)
Extravagance, prejudice, costume parties, syphilis, three husbands (two of which would give her a modern day title of "cougar"), one possible conception out of wedlock, mental health concerns, close sisterhood, America, France, inconsistencies, two sons, more extravagance, debt, a lack of parenting, endless rumors, petty in-laws, borrowed money, a temperamental teen named Winston, business schemes, war, amputation, lots of letters by mail, play-writing, romantic rendezvous and strife, more debt, more extravagance, and best of all a son who would lead the British cause in defeating Nazi Germany.
As I read I thought to myself -- fast forward this about 100 years, change the name from Churchill to Trump and you might have mirroring stories. (I mean here's hoping America gets a top notch legacy out of all the scandal such as Great Britain.) Drama, selfishness, worldliness, and social strategy can be found in almost any time period, country, and famous family.
As the author stated, "The life of Jennie Churchill was so privileged, yet so deprived."
Jennie Churchill's life included, but was not limited to: (and in no particular order)
Extravagance, prejudice, costume parties, syphilis, three husbands (two of which would give her a modern day title of "cougar"), one possible conception out of wedlock, mental health concerns, close sisterhood, America, France, inconsistencies, two sons, more extravagance, debt, a lack of parenting, endless rumors, petty in-laws, borrowed money, a temperamental teen named Winston, business schemes, war, amputation, lots of letters by mail, play-writing, romantic rendezvous and strife, more debt, more extravagance, and best of all a son who would lead the British cause in defeating Nazi Germany.
As I read I thought to myself -- fast forward this about 100 years, change the name from Churchill to Trump and you might have mirroring stories. (I mean here's hoping America gets a top notch legacy out of all the scandal such as Great Britain.) Drama, selfishness, worldliness, and social strategy can be found in almost any time period, country, and famous family.
As the author stated, "The life of Jennie Churchill was so privileged, yet so deprived."
June 19, 2012
I love historical bios looking into someone's life from the past. It is certainly clear why Winston was the way he was with a never say fail attitude gotten clearly from his mother. Lady Churchill did whatever she had to to keep the life she wanted to have the best of everything. She knew what she wanted she went and got it.
December 14, 2009
Dull. This woman was not all that remarkable. I found her to be a whining, pampered rich man's daughter who couldn't accept rules for her and her son and tried in every way to circumvent them.
January 14, 2010
Good information, but dry, read more like a compilation of letters.
October 31, 2012
The subject is interesting but the writing is unclear and inconsistent. I haven't finished reading it yet and may not get around to it.
June 25, 2023
This book was chosen for our monthly book discussion. I read 1/3 of it and gave up. It read like a society page from a 100 years ago. I think her life sounded interesting but it was a difficult read. I did not give myself enough time (10 days) to read it.
October 11, 2025
A well researched and interesting biography
Sebba clearly liked Jennie and excuses her breathtaking extravagance and deep need for attention as the results of her upbringing by her wheeler dealer American father. I started out ready to dislike Jennie as I had heard of her spendthrift wasteful ways, her neglect of her children and her immoral sex life. However this beautifully written and well researched book made me like and admire her despite my prejudices. She was indefatigable and brave and organised a hospital ship and published a magazine amongst the myriad projects she took on during her lifetime. She dressed in wonderland clothes and loved many men. You can see where Winston got his Dunkirk spirit from. Excellent biography
Sebba clearly liked Jennie and excuses her breathtaking extravagance and deep need for attention as the results of her upbringing by her wheeler dealer American father. I started out ready to dislike Jennie as I had heard of her spendthrift wasteful ways, her neglect of her children and her immoral sex life. However this beautifully written and well researched book made me like and admire her despite my prejudices. She was indefatigable and brave and organised a hospital ship and published a magazine amongst the myriad projects she took on during her lifetime. She dressed in wonderland clothes and loved many men. You can see where Winston got his Dunkirk spirit from. Excellent biography
March 9, 2013
A very interesting account of the life of a woman I knew very little about before reading this book. A very strong and intelligent woman who used her wiles in to advance her family and raised amazing children. That the mother of Winston Churchill engaged in some of this behavior adds a very different demention to my idea of him and all he did. This book shows a different side of Victorian English society as well from the point of view of an outsider.
April 10, 2009
Fascinating life these Churchills lived; so different from mine. I think Jennie was way ahead of her time. I find it amazing Winston Churchill turned out so well given his upbringing; i.e. he was basically ignored by his parents.
May 8, 2008
The first few chapters were interesting and easy to read but now I'm stalled.
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April 8, 2008this book is great i recommend this to everyone
January 27, 2011
An interesting biography of Jennie Churchill, Winston Churchill's mother. I had known she was American, but didn't realize what an interesting life she had!
May 30, 2012
Excellent book. Extremely readable. I've read a lot about Winston Churchill but not about his mother. Recommend to anyone who enjoys history.
August 22, 2012
I am into all things Churchill, so I enjoyed this audiobook. She was amazing. This account of Jennie is good companion reading to enjoy with "The Last Lion" about her son Winston.
December 31, 2012
I love all things Churchill. The story/history is great,but the writing is a bit dry.
March 29, 2015
Educational story about Lady Randolph Churchill and her influence on her oldest son, Winston Churchill. Highly recommend.
June 6, 2015
Interesting insight into Victorian England. Funny so many titled people with so little money. They had to find rich Americans looking for social standing. A bit long
February 16, 2016
Interesting biography of a woman I knew very little about. I found the beginning a little slow, but once Jennie reached her late teens, the story was very interesting.
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April 12, 2016dnf
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews