Kingmaker: Pamela Harriman's Astonishing Life of Power, Seduction, and Intrigue By Sonia Purnell

Pamela Churchill Harriman, a figure often dismissed as a socialite, emerges as a power broker of the 20th century in Sonia Purnell's KINGMAKER. Harriman’s life was sensationalized for her romantic entanglements, but Purnell’s biography unveils her profound influence behind the scenes in politics, diplomacy, and global power.

At 20, she became Winston Churchill’s daughter-in-law and used her social savvy during World War II to sway American diplomats to the British cause. After the war, she transformed Fiat heir Gianni Agnelli into a political force in Italy and revitalized the U.S. Democratic Party, propelling Bill Clinton to prominence.

Harriman's political influence culminated in her role as U.S. Ambassador to France, where she played a key part in fostering peace in Bosnia and maintained U.S. supremacy during a critical era. Her circles included the most influential figures of her time, such as the Kennedys, Truman Capote, and Gloria Steinem.

Through meticulous research and newly uncovered sources, Purnell paints a detailed picture of Harriman's life, demonstrating her skill in navigating both elite social spheres and high-stakes political arenas. KINGMAKER reframes Harriman’s legacy, emphasizing her strategic brilliance, political influence, and the enduring impact she left on history across continents and decades.