Helpful Score: 2
Amy Bloom's research into the romantic life of Lorena Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt was purportedly extensive, resulting in a fictional account of their relationship through the voice of Hickok. Historical fiction often leads to the pursuit of more information about the subjects, which was the case for me after reading this novel.
The iconic Eleanor Roosevelt endured the humiliation of knowledge about FDR's numerous affairs while in office despite his significant paralysis, both of which the press managed to hide from the public. I have been to Warm Springs, GA and been in the "little white house" where Franklin often visited with his secretary and to the pool where many polio victims hoped to find healing. Eleanor's loneliness no doubt led to an attraction to Hickok, a renown journalist with a hardscrabble past, who loved her unconditionally. Hickok is very forthcoming about her negative perceptions of the Roosevelt children, which are all borne out in their biographies.
This is a fascinating story, and a glimpse into the history of an American first lady, her marriage and her family. None of her children seemed to inherit their parents' determination to change the world for the better, but Eleanor will be long remembered for her resolve to help those most deeply affected by poverty and oppression.
The iconic Eleanor Roosevelt endured the humiliation of knowledge about FDR's numerous affairs while in office despite his significant paralysis, both of which the press managed to hide from the public. I have been to Warm Springs, GA and been in the "little white house" where Franklin often visited with his secretary and to the pool where many polio victims hoped to find healing. Eleanor's loneliness no doubt led to an attraction to Hickok, a renown journalist with a hardscrabble past, who loved her unconditionally. Hickok is very forthcoming about her negative perceptions of the Roosevelt children, which are all borne out in their biographies.
This is a fascinating story, and a glimpse into the history of an American first lady, her marriage and her family. None of her children seemed to inherit their parents' determination to change the world for the better, but Eleanor will be long remembered for her resolve to help those most deeply affected by poverty and oppression.
