Kingmaker

Pamela Harriman's Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue

By: Sonia Purnell

Narrated by: Louise Brealey

From the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, an electrifying re-examination of one of the 20th century’s greatest unsung power players

When Pamela Churchill Harriman died in 1997, the obituaries that followed were predictably scathing – and many were downright sexist. Written off as a mere courtesan and social climber, her true legacy was overshadowed by a glamorous social life and her infamous erotic adventures. Much of what she did behind the scenes – on both sides of the Atlantic - remained invisible and secret. That is, until now: with a wealth of fresh research, interviews and newly discovered sources, Sonia Purnell unveils for the first time the full, spectacular story of how she left an indelible mark on the world today.

At age 20 Churchill’s beloved daughter-in-law became a “secret weapon” during World War II, strategically wining, dining, and seducing diplomats and generals to help win over American sentiment (and secrets) to the British cause against Hitler. After the war, she helped to transform Fiat heir Gianni Agnelli into Italy’s ‘uncrowned king’ on the international stage and after moving to the US brought a struggling Democratic party back to life, hand-picking Bill Clinton from obscurity and vaulting him to the presidency.

Picked as Ambassador to France, she deployed her legendary subtle powers to charm world leaders and help efforts to bring peace to Bosnia, playing her part in what was arguably the high-water mark of American global supremacy.

There are few at any time who have operated as close to the center of power over five decades and two continents, and there is practically no one in 20th Century politics, culture, and fashion whose lives she did not touch, including the Kennedys, Truman Capote, Aly Khan, Kay Graham, Gloria Steinem, Ed Murrow, and Frank Sinatra. Written with the novelistic richness and investigative rigor that only Sonia Purnell could bring to this story full of sex, politics, yachts, palaces and fabulous clothes, KINGMAKER re-asserts Harriman’s rightful place at the heart of history.


* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of Pamela Harriman's life through images.

Excellent in every way!

Enlightening, educational, humanizing portrayal of a great female historical and world figure. Not a dull moment. Excellent writing and beautifully narrated. May purchase hard copy for my home library.

What a remarkable real person!

Great narration and very interesting subject. A mixture of great and not great choices in life. Her family had issues and she was one who gave much to the world.

Enjoyable for history, buffs, and political junkies

First half appealed to me as a history, buff, the second half appealed to me as a political junkie

Fascinating history!

Highly detailed yet not bogged down with worthless minutiae. Details DO matter with this story; the author does not skimp.

The book is long, but her life was so jam-packed with adventures that an abbreviated version would have fallen flat and would not have adequately presented her complex story.

If details matter, context matters more. If you cast judgement on her robust sexual history, this story does not oversimplify or glorify her choices. The author seems to have faithfully reported the genuine and lasting consequences Pamela wrestled with her entire life.

Her flaws, faults, and foibles seemed to be equally presented in this book as are her personal, professional, and public triumphs.

The reader was a pleasant guide through this adventure!

Listen!

The determination, the passion and focus of Pamela Harriman

I was spellbound by it all.
I was very saddened at the end when it talks about her death. This is not a spoiler alert as that is in the opening pages.