Sonia Purnell's Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman's Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue stands as a model for what all biographies should strive for. It strikes the difficult balance of history, gossip, and journalistic insight in pitch-perfect prose that reads like a novel. This riveting account of Pamela Harriman's extraordinary life is highly recommended for readers interested in 20th-century history or politics, or in the lives of fascinating individuals.
Purnell follows Harriman through her early days as a socialite and courtesan who had "a strategic sex life" in service to the British government during World War II and to her farther-in-law, Winston Churchill; her third marriage, to diplomat Averell Harriman; and her later years as a political powerhouse and ambassador to France. The result is a detailed portrait of a woman who defied expectations and shaped the course of history. Harriman's relationships with world leaders and leading cultural figures, including John F. Kennedy, Edward R. Murrow, and Bill Clinton are explored in depth, providing a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of diplomacy and international politics.
Purnell's elegant and effortlessly engaging writing draws readers into Harriman's rarified world with vivid descriptions and insightful context. The biography unfolds briskly and is filled with dramatic twists and turns that make the book's 500-plus pages seem barely long enough. Harriman's life is a fascinating kaleidoscope of power, love, and ambition, and Purnell (A Woman of No Importance) expertly weaves these threads together into an irresistible story.
It is a testament to Purnell's skill as a biographer that she makes Harriman's life both relatable and extraordinary. --Elizabeth DeNoma, executive editor, DeNoma Literary Services, Seattle, Wash.