An interesting and sometimes riveting read at times, this is a in depth analysis of a very complicated character. Pamela Digby, daughter of minor British Aristocracy who ended up US Ambassador to France under President Bill Clinton, how could this happen? This book explores it all, she married the son of Winston Churchill during wartime and the fascination of the Blitz time in our history is wonderfully described here, I think a lot of Pamela’s almost care free attitude to life stems from this period, a period of life and death whilst drinking champagne at the Ritz. But under all that was a steely core, a woman who wanted to make a difference, an uneducated woman, expected to marry well being the height of her ambition but who realised the power she had over men and powerful men at that could mean a different life. She used them as much as they used her and her final act of Ambassador to France was a culmination of her steady and ambitious climb to become her true self. Sonia Purnell does a fine job in exploring the whiles and whims of such a character, but the only reason this is 4 star review is that some issues are skated over in I believe Sonia’s ambition to rehabilitate a controversial figure. Pamela at times acted awfully, to her loyal assistant in her later years, to all the wives of the men she slept with and to her own son, she was a dreadful mother, and this rather dark side of her character is not really explored as fully as I think is warranted. Having said that it can not be said that by the end of the book I was not somewhat impressed by what this intriguing woman had achieved. I book I would recommend.

I have read the authors book on Clementine Churchill and found her to be selfish and lazy. The laziness is aparent in this book about Pamela Churchill/Hariman where Clementine steps back and gives Pamela a front seat where war time politcs is concerned. A different era where women could not really succeed and in power and wonder if times were different would she have resorted to sex- I dont know. Whilst Britain was on rations she was hosting lavish parties with American food to entice them to stand by Great Britian in World War 2- was she pivitol in persuading America to join the war- if it were not for Pearl Harbour would her attempts have been futile? we will never know. She did socialise in high circles with high ranking official and I hoped I may gain some insight into whether Eisenhower had an affair with his war time driver - Kay Somersby but that was not to be.
Again different times but she was full of her own importance, lavish lifestyle and a dreadful mother.
Well researched and the author has taken alot of time to put the research together - there is a lot of attention to detail and historical accuracy. Interesting read.
Thank you to NetGalley for letting me review this pre publication.

This book is absolutely electrifying. There’s so much social history about a period still within recent memory and I’ve found it fascinating. It gives real insight into the upper class mores of the 20th century; a world dominated by debutante parties, fast living and for a ‘gal’, making the right marriage.
Sonia Purnell’s research appears meticulous and whilst I recall Various snippets about Pamela Harriman, as she was known for some years, I had no idea that she had such an intriguing background. Unreliable has unearthed previously unseen material which sheds a whole new and very different light on this extraordinary woman. As often happens, women are misjudged and impressions become fixed. This remarkable lady was largely depicted by the popular press of the time ( and many associates) as an inconsequential social climber. She used her position to her advantage and had the grace to ignore the many slights she received throughout her life. Her talents were underestimated but significant and having read this book, it’s clear to see that she helped influence and shape a political world. Until now, that hasn’t been recognised and it’s good to see the balance redressed to some extent with this stunning biography.

It’s well written and very easy to read with extensive notation and source references. Fascinating, exciting and compelling reading about a woman ahead of her time.

My first book by this author but surely not my last. This was an enjoyable biography even before you delved into the subject matter and the reclamation of an overlooked and undervalued historical figure. Well researched and well written. If you are a fan of Juliet Barker or Lucy Worsley, this is for you.

Sonia Purcell is an excellent biographer and really brings the character of Pamela to life. As a woman in the early part of the 20th century she was undervalued and much maligned and Purcell sets out to re evaluate her contribution to diplomatic and political life and to put her reputation where it belongs. Very interesting.

What an absolute amazing book. I forgot that it was about a real person. Her life's work behind the scenes, with no public accolades but vital to so many national and international events over her lifetime.
I only picked up the book because I have read previous books by the author and loved them. I had no knowledge of Pamela, her family, her place in the Churchill dynasty, her marriages, finances, political ambitions and her ambassadorship to France. I know of many of the events detailed in the book but I now have a greater understanding and view of these events.
I look forward to the next book and learning about someone else's life in such a fantastic way