Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman's Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue Hardcover – September 17, 2024

This book provides a detailed and affecting view of a remarkable woman, especially her contribution to US and European politics. During World War 2 (as Winston Churchill's daughter-in-law) she nurtured the relationships that underpinned US support. In later life she became a major force in the US Democratic party, and was appointed the US ambassador to France in the Clinton years. She was awarded France's highest honor.The book's description of her passing was the saddest and most powerful writing I've experienced in a long time.I'm glad I read it.

Yes, I liked the book, it is very readable. However, it goes into a lot of minutia, many uninteresting details. It was definitely an incredible life, led by a human being with a formidable lust for power and influence. Nothing was going to stop her…

Terrific. Have known about her for a long time in reading about the politics of WWII. It is detailed, but more of an example of narrative history at its most fun.I have been listening to it at work, so I may not actually read the book. I have the Kindle edition. Love the narration too.

This book is so good. It is revealing, educational, and artistic. The life of this one great woman who bravely fought her way through life to do what she could, when she could for humanity. She didn’t care what other people thought of her. She lived life on her terms and in the end succeeded at everything she put her mind to. This is one of the greatest ladies of history, success, business, and legion.

Very interesting- well researched - behind the scenes book about a controversial woman. Covers a great deal of fascinating history - particularly supporting Churchill leading up to WW2 before he became PM.

This was a really enjoyable read. A well researched and very comprehensive story of a remarkable life, spanning both sides of the Pond. While the life of Pamela Harriman herself is the most fascinating aspect, the book also highlights the period in the 90s when the Northeast elites ruled the Democratic party. Harriman's status as a former Churchill, her well-connected husband Avrelle, and her financial means and ambition provided her an entre into the elite party leadership.

Pamela Harriman’s life is colorful and intriguing, offering great material for the books. I was excited to learn more, but the author’s clunky, unsophisticated and utterly boring writing style took away from my reading experience. Hasn’t she learned “show, don’t tell”in the writing exercises at school? Another example of the overhyped book.

Sonia Purcell has brought Pamela Harriman to life and detailed her heavy significance in decades of worldwide politics very clearly. Here is a woman trapped in the limits women faced in a male world but who turned herself into a brilliantly effective negotiator and influencer with class and grace. Most successful women are controversial, but Mrs. Harriman’s critics seem much too harsh, possibly because until her death, many inside stories could not be told. This biography describes world tensions in which Ambassador Harriman was involved very vividly and in page-turning excitement. Those who read this biography will not soon forget this incredible woman, if ever. I feel as though I had met her.