Book SummaryKingmaker, by Sonia Purnell

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Kingmaker

Pamela Harriman grew up surrounded by the influence of the aristocracy.

He grew up surrounded by affluence but encountered limitations in the county of Dorset.

Pamela's early ambitions were curtailed by financial constraints, despite her noble lineage.

The story highlights the contradiction inherent in Pamela's background: she was born into a social class typically associated with lasting privileges, yet her family lacked wealth. Purnell emphasizes Pamela's quest for the opulent life she felt entitled to, a yearning that grew due to her precarious financial situation, leading her to pursue it by marrying. For almost five centuries her ancestors - the Digbys - had owned large estates in Dorset, Ireland and London but money worries were ever-present, and these difficulties were compounded by national political upheavals.

During the Irish Civil War, Geashill Castle was consumed by flames, which led to the subsequent sale of the family's London property. Pamela's mother faced significant financial difficulties, compelling her to sell some of her jewelry. Pamela's parents strove to maintain their social status and financial position, even though they reduced the size of their once substantial household staff, which was indicative of their aristocratic lineage. Pamela felt that being a woman restricted her access to the wider opportunities and educational experiences that a man would have had.

Context

• The Irish Civil War (1922-1923) and other political changes often led to the loss of property and wealth for many noble families, as seen with the destruction of Geashill Castle.
• Primogeniture, the practice of passing estates to the eldest son, often left daughters with little financial security, making marriage a crucial means of maintaining their social standing.
• The early 20th century saw significant economic changes, including the decline of the landed gentry's wealth, which affected many aristocratic families who had to adapt to new economic realities.
• Owning large estates for centuries often indicated a family's longstanding influence and power within the British aristocracy. This was a sign of stability and prestige, as land ownership was a primary source of wealth and social status.
• Wars and political upheavals often lead to economic downturns, affecting land values and income from estates. The Digbys, reliant on their landholdings, would have faced reduced income and increased financial pressure.
• Geashill Castle was a historic estate in County Offaly, Ireland, associated with the Digby family. It was a symbol of their aristocratic heritage and social standing.
• For an aristocratic family, selling jewelry could be seen as a sign of financial distress, potentially affecting their social standing and reputation within their community.
• The rigid class structure of the time made it difficult for families to move down the social ladder without significant stigma, prompting efforts to maintain appearances despite financial difficulties.
• A smaller household staff meant that the family had to adjust to a different lifestyle, often taking on more responsibilities themselves or living with reduced services, which could be a significant cultural shift for those accustomed to a life of leisure.
• Legal rights for women, including property rights and voting rights, were limited, affecting their ability to independently pursue opportunities.

Pamela's yearning for a unique life was ignited by contrasting the exhilarating freedom she experienced in America with the societal constraints she faced in England.

Purnell depicts how the rhythmic patterns of English countryside living offered Pamela comfort, yet her travels to New York and Toronto with her parents when she was seventeen had a deep impact on her. She took great pleasure in the dynamic cultural scene and the freedoms that came with city life, and through her engagements with shrewd business figures like the Canadian media tycoon George McCullagh, she was treated with the dignity accorded to an adult. He captivated her with his concentration and valued her perspectives on her experiences in Munich during the rise of Nazi influence.

The revelation stood in stark opposition to England's stringent societal conventions, designed to curtail the prospects afforded to females. While residing in the United States, Pamela noted that her contemporaries experienced a wider range of social freedoms, in contrast to her own upbringing which restricted her to the confines of her home until her formal introduction to society. Her dynamic personality and sharp political acumen, honed at a Munich finishing school, captivated the men she encountered in New York during her engagements with McCullagh. Pamela's ambitions extended beyond the limited hopes of her parents, which centered mainly on her finding an appropriate marital partner.

Context

• The vibrancy of cities like New York, known for their cultural diversity and economic opportunities, would have been a stark contrast to the slower-paced, more insular life in the English countryside.
• During the early to mid-20th century, rural England was steeped in tradition, with a strong emphasis on maintaining social order and class distinctions. This setting often contrasted with the rapidly changing urban environments of the time.
• The experience of traveling at a young age can be formative, providing a sense of independence and self-discovery that might not have been possible in her home country.
• Compared to England, the United States and Canada offered more progressive social norms for women, including greater access to education and employment opportunities, as well as more relaxed attitudes toward social interactions and personal expression.
• As a prominent media tycoon in Canada, George McCullagh would have been a significant figure in shaping public opinion and media landscapes. His engagement with Pamela suggests he...

Kingmaker Summary Pamela Harriman's substantial role in supporting Britain's wartime endeavors and her impactful political engagements during that era.

She transformed from a French interpreter into a key counselor to Churchill.

Witnessing Winston's rise to a position of significance during a time characterized by intense survival competition deeply impacted Pamela's lasting commitment to peace.

Sonia Purnell, the author known for her work on Winston Churchill's wife Clementine, underscores the significant impact that Pamela's union with the Churchill family had on her life. At a time when Britain was gearing up for war and he was the most vocal critic of Chamberlain's appeasement policy toward Hitler, Pamela's family disapproved of Winston and his politics. Pamela, who had initially viewed him as excessively assertive, quickly became a resident alongside Winston and Clementine at the Prime Minister's residence, Downing Street, and grew to be a trusted advisor to them as the global conflict from 1939 to 1945 progressed. He was privy to gatherings and discussions of the utmost secrecy.

Pamela's steadfast commitment was paralleled by her scrupulous maintenance of confidentiality as she witnessed her father-in-law ascend to a position of significant historical prominence and authority. She observed his capacity to...

Kingmaker Summary Pamela Harriman's personal relationships and love affairs with powerful men.

Early romances highlighting a yearning for excitement and recognition.

Clementine Churchill entered her union with Randolph Churchill with a practical attitude, ready to take chances to become part of the elite social groups she desired to join.

This part explores the frequently stormy and contentious dynamics that persisted between Pamela and Randolph Churchill, with lasting tragic consequences. From the beginning, Purnell highlights the clear divergence in their aspirations – Pamela was in pursuit of thrill and sophistication, whereas Randolph desired a compliant spouse to provide solace and to have his children before he left for military duty. Pamela, despite recognizing his rudeness and arrogance, was willing to disregard his apparent shortcomings.

Her friends and family, fully aware of Randolph's unsettling traits, advised her to think again about the rash decision to marry him. Pamela was not a fool, however – she recognized that he had neither money nor title nor good education – and thought that if the marriage turned out intolerable, she could consider ending the marriage, and at a minimum, she would escape the restrictions of her family home for an...

Kingmaker Summary After the turmoil, Pamela Harriman rose to prominence as a significant political force.

Navigating the shifting terrain that women face.

Upon her return to London, she encountered challenges as she tried to reintegrate into a society whose perceptions of women had shifted after the war.

Purnell highlights the difficulties faced by many women as the freedoms linked to wartime jobs and opportunities started to diminish in order to accommodate servicemen coming back from the war. Over the past five years, Pamela excelled in her dual capacities, serving both as a reliable counselor and a clandestine representative for Churchill, all the while accumulating substantial wealth that enabled her to lead a lavish life without reliance on her family or romantic relationships.

With the war now over, English society was returning to its usual conservatism. She struggled to adapt to a society that had far more restrictive expectations for the conduct of unmarried women.

Practical Tips

• Set up a 'mock' counseling session with friends or family where you act as their counselor to develop your listening and empathy skills.
• Engage with local history by visiting museums or archives to see firsthand the artifacts and exhibits from the post-war period. Take...

Kingmaker Summary Pamela Harriman's subsequent endeavors in the realm of international relations involved engaging in foreign affairs.

Guided and supported by Averell, she ventured into political territories that were previously unexplored.

The establishment of a true alliance, characterized by reciprocal esteem and common goals, was a significant departure from her prior associations.

In this segment, Purnell depicts the progression of Pamela's bond with Averell Harriman, starting as a complex love affair during the war and developing into a genuine partnership marked by shared trust, respect, and comprehension, culminating in Pamela's rise to become a globally recognized figure wielding considerable sway as she approached the milestone of seventy years.

This was a world away however from her earlier years with the Churchills, Aly Khan, Gianni Agnelli or her second husband, Leland Hayward. Pamela's political ambitions and her understanding of the intricate interplay of power, as well as her astute choice of allies and partners, fascinated Averell, marking a stark contrast to the oversimplified perception of her as merely a consort.

Context

• The relationship between Pamela and Harriman began during World War II, a time of intense political and social upheaval. Their initial affair was set...