Mary Churchill

This extraordinary book is a gift to the reader. It highlights a lost art; the art of letter writing, journal writing and of diary entries that is today dispersed in the ether in bits and pieces, that do not fully represent the emotion or intent of the author that is writing such a personal record of the memorable moments of life, has disappeared. The internet and social media concentrate on clickbait, rather than worthy information representing the record of lives well lived. Mary Churchill's diary entries remind us of the important personal histories of the past, the emotional turmoil and destructive energy of those times, as well as the other side of life, the side concentrating on joy, family, values and devotion to one's country.

Mary Churchill’s fanciful real life contrasts completely with her rigorous volunteer war efforts, until her true identity is revealed. When she is exposed, her position becomes more political and diplomatic. Her joy and trepidation when she meets prospective suitors, reacts to the political demands of her father’s position and her family life, yearns to live a regular life or comes of age in a time of terrible travail, is exquisitely told through her pen strokes. She manages to maintain her aristocratic life throughout the war years, never truly suffering the deprivation of rationing as most did, if her diary represents her experiences accurately. Even when she suffers indignities, she is refreshed when she returns to her home where she feels accepted and loved by her parents. Her emotions are raw, at times, as she writes about the dilemmas that she faces as she comes of age. Her romantic dreams are the same of any young girl who is maturing in times of war or peace.

As the book takes you through the rise of Hitler, to the war’s end, and a bit beyond, the history expressed in Mary’s diary becomes especially pertinent today. England's betrayal of Churchill, removing him from office after he had accomplished so much for them, left a scar on Mary, Winston, and the family. With the recent political atmosphere in America, prominent on everyone's mind, coupled with the Hamas attack on Israel and Judaism, once again, the book is even more pertinent and relevant.

Mary's confusion and feelings of contradiction, as she views the human suffering during the Holocaust and afterwards, as she tours war torn cities of Germany and Europe, is representative today in the minds and behaviors of many who are not sure where their loyalty lies. Often, the lines between right and wrong, good and evil, are blurred, by a lack of maturity, education and the ability to think critically. However, barbarism still exists, we have discovered, although we have insisted “never again”. As Mary examines her feelings and beliefs, so must the reader.

Mary is filled with a love of her country and her desire to be a credit to her father, never bringing shame to him or her family. She is on the world stage and mixes with the rich and famous, comfortably, most times. She grows into the role of soldier, companion and assistant, to her father and mother and her country, even though she is a very young girl when she begins. She is brave and a credit to her country, her family, and to women. Although she is often romantically confused, she has a genuine moral compass and an ability to analyze the flaws of her own judgment. Her romantic interludes are those of any young girl and are a pleasure to witness, as she matures.

The inclusion of bits and pieces of Winston Churchill’s speeches in the audio, is a gift to the listener, and I wish there had been more of those moments presented. He was a wonderful orator and leader, and his was a voice I used to listen to often, in the library at my college. He is mesmerizing and captivating in his speeches. His daughter is likewise, in her diary.

The narrators are perfect for their roles in this memoir. Mary’s charm and "joie de vivre", as well as her confusion and immaturity, deep nationalism and devotion to her father and her family life, as she grows more able to deal with her station in life, is evident in every written word. Beginning in her mid-teens, the diary exposes her anguish and utter pleasure, as she grows wiser and older, mostly through the years of 1939-1946, the time of her father's leadership of Great Britain, and the time of the terrible turmoil and tragedy of WWII.… (más)