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Grandmère: A Personal History of Eleanor Roosevelt
Illustrated with dozens of never-before-seen family photographs, this unusual biography of Eleanor Roosevelt by her grandson shares personal family stories of a remarkable woman and provides an intimate glimpse into the life and accomplishments of a woman who changed the course of twentieth-century history. 60,000 first printing.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2002
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October 29, 2015
GRANDMÈRE
I always thought Eleanor Roosevelt was an amazing woman. After reading GRANDMÈRE A PERSONAL HISTORY OF ELEANOR ROOSEVELT by her grandson, David Roosevelt, I believe I underestimated her.
She was born in 1884 to a young mother who was remote and rejecting and a father who she adored but was an alcoholic. Her mother died when Eleanor was 8 and her father two years later. She lived with other relatives as she grew up and especially enjoyed spending time with her uncle, future President Theodore Roosevelt. Many of her relatives called her “Granny” and “an ugly duckling” which made her feel inferior.
At age 15, she was sent to Allenswood, an English boarding school run by a French woman who took an interest in young Eleanor and helped her gain some self-confidence and a purpose in life. Unlike most schools for upper class girls, the emphasis was on social responsibility and personal independence.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a distant cousin, was also raised with a social consciousness. During his sophomore year at Harvard, he wrote about the Roosevelts, “They have felt...that being born in a good positions there was no excuse for them if they did not do their duty by the community, and it because this idea was instilled in them from their birth that they have in nearly every case proved good citizens.”
Eleanor was 19 when she married Franklin. Almost immediately, she ran into opposition from her mother-in-law, Sara, who dominated the family. She did not approve of Eleanor’s independence and openness with people of different races, religions, and nations.
In 1917, Franklin was returning from Europe when he became deathly ill with pneumonia and influenza. As Eleanor unpacked his suitcases, she found a stack of love letters from her social secretary to Franklin. After spending the past 13 years of her life helping him reach his goals, she was devastated. Their marriage continued but changed profoundly as they became partners rather than traditional husband and wife.
The first election in which women could vote was 1920 and Franklin was selected as the Vice-Presidential candidate. Eleanor worked on the campaign. Although the Republican candidate won, Eleanor realized she wanted more in life than to be Franklin’s wife.
At one point during the campaign, she told a reporter that she thought The League of Nations was the only group that could prevent another war. While the US did not participate, her ideas prove very important in the formation of the United Nations.
In 1922, she joined the Women’s Trade Union League, formed in 1903 “to aid women workers in their efforts to organize...and secure better conditions.”
She believed the Democratic Party would be better in preventing another war because they were “more conscious of our world responsibility and more anxious to see some steps taken toward international cooperation.”
While she previously had advised a young relative that the party was more important than an individual candidate (but suggested working within the party to make changes) in 1940 she wrote,“The most important thing was to strive for the accomplishments of one’s beliefs and principles, and if it meant joining with an otherwise unlikely ally on an issue from time to time, so be it.” She made sure that all qualified women participated in the New Deal amd called for a White House conference to specifically mention women in the Civil Works administration resulting in the more than 100,000 women getting jobs through the program within one year.
She changed the tradition role of First Lady by taking she took a very active role as both an advisor to Franklin and working with programs that were important to her. She used “information, action, and understanding, not ...conflict” to resolve conflict.
She saw the “main cause of malnutrition...as not a lack of food but a lack of knowledge of menus that were inexpensive...and nourishing.”
In 1940, she helped the State Department issue visas to thousands of European refugees.
She disagreed with leaders who said that after the end of World War II, there should be a world order based on Anglo-American supremacy and supported a group recognizing the merit of all people. She replied to some Southerners blaming her and the president for stirring for stirring up the black population on purpose that the entire world was facing the effects of white governments suppressing minorities. “She felt strongly...that the effort to diminish human suffering could only be successful if people would transcend color and race barriers.”
At a time when black servicemen “were relegated to performing menial jobs or those jobs considered too dangerous for white servicemen, she badged FDR and his colleagues until blacks were eventually allowed to receive equal training, serve in all-black fighting units, and experience a significant increase in the number of black officers.
She pushed for equal pay for women in the Federal Emergency Relief Administration.
She promoted for meaningful jobs for young people noting, “I have periods of real terror, when I think that we may be losing this generation. We have got to bring these young people into the active life of the community and make them feel that they are necessary.”
After FDR’s death, Eleanor continued writing her newspaper column, giving speeches, and advocating for social, economic and political reforms. She was urged to run for the US Senate, she refused. She became an advisor to Harry S Truman.
She was influential in the formation of the United Nations, serving as the chairwoman of the Human Rights Committee. Many of her suggestions were incorporated into the declarations including saying “humans” instead of “men” and “from birth” instead of “created” to recognize differing beliefs. The entire words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is included in the book and is very worthwhile reading. It includes not only those in our Bill of Rights but also items such as the right to join trade unions, equal pay, protect against unemployment, rights of children and mother, and ownership of property (both physical and intellectual).
She served on the boards of organizations as diverse as Brandeis University and the Americans for Democratic Action and was a speaker for the United Jewish Appeal and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
She thought the Joseph McCarthy and the House Committee on Un-American Activities was more dangerous than the alleged Communists they were targeting.
One of Franklin’s statements during the 1936 campaign was “Never before in all our history have [Republican] forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hatred for me–and I welcome their hatred. I should like to have it said that in the forces of selfishness and of lust for power they have met their match.”
There have been many changes in American society since 1884. Eleanor Roosevelt was responsible for promoting and achieving many of them.
I always thought Eleanor Roosevelt was an amazing woman. After reading GRANDMÈRE A PERSONAL HISTORY OF ELEANOR ROOSEVELT by her grandson, David Roosevelt, I believe I underestimated her.
She was born in 1884 to a young mother who was remote and rejecting and a father who she adored but was an alcoholic. Her mother died when Eleanor was 8 and her father two years later. She lived with other relatives as she grew up and especially enjoyed spending time with her uncle, future President Theodore Roosevelt. Many of her relatives called her “Granny” and “an ugly duckling” which made her feel inferior.
At age 15, she was sent to Allenswood, an English boarding school run by a French woman who took an interest in young Eleanor and helped her gain some self-confidence and a purpose in life. Unlike most schools for upper class girls, the emphasis was on social responsibility and personal independence.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a distant cousin, was also raised with a social consciousness. During his sophomore year at Harvard, he wrote about the Roosevelts, “They have felt...that being born in a good positions there was no excuse for them if they did not do their duty by the community, and it because this idea was instilled in them from their birth that they have in nearly every case proved good citizens.”
Eleanor was 19 when she married Franklin. Almost immediately, she ran into opposition from her mother-in-law, Sara, who dominated the family. She did not approve of Eleanor’s independence and openness with people of different races, religions, and nations.
In 1917, Franklin was returning from Europe when he became deathly ill with pneumonia and influenza. As Eleanor unpacked his suitcases, she found a stack of love letters from her social secretary to Franklin. After spending the past 13 years of her life helping him reach his goals, she was devastated. Their marriage continued but changed profoundly as they became partners rather than traditional husband and wife.
The first election in which women could vote was 1920 and Franklin was selected as the Vice-Presidential candidate. Eleanor worked on the campaign. Although the Republican candidate won, Eleanor realized she wanted more in life than to be Franklin’s wife.
At one point during the campaign, she told a reporter that she thought The League of Nations was the only group that could prevent another war. While the US did not participate, her ideas prove very important in the formation of the United Nations.
In 1922, she joined the Women’s Trade Union League, formed in 1903 “to aid women workers in their efforts to organize...and secure better conditions.”
She believed the Democratic Party would be better in preventing another war because they were “more conscious of our world responsibility and more anxious to see some steps taken toward international cooperation.”
While she previously had advised a young relative that the party was more important than an individual candidate (but suggested working within the party to make changes) in 1940 she wrote,“The most important thing was to strive for the accomplishments of one’s beliefs and principles, and if it meant joining with an otherwise unlikely ally on an issue from time to time, so be it.” She made sure that all qualified women participated in the New Deal amd called for a White House conference to specifically mention women in the Civil Works administration resulting in the more than 100,000 women getting jobs through the program within one year.
She changed the tradition role of First Lady by taking she took a very active role as both an advisor to Franklin and working with programs that were important to her. She used “information, action, and understanding, not ...conflict” to resolve conflict.
She saw the “main cause of malnutrition...as not a lack of food but a lack of knowledge of menus that were inexpensive...and nourishing.”
In 1940, she helped the State Department issue visas to thousands of European refugees.
She disagreed with leaders who said that after the end of World War II, there should be a world order based on Anglo-American supremacy and supported a group recognizing the merit of all people. She replied to some Southerners blaming her and the president for stirring for stirring up the black population on purpose that the entire world was facing the effects of white governments suppressing minorities. “She felt strongly...that the effort to diminish human suffering could only be successful if people would transcend color and race barriers.”
At a time when black servicemen “were relegated to performing menial jobs or those jobs considered too dangerous for white servicemen, she badged FDR and his colleagues until blacks were eventually allowed to receive equal training, serve in all-black fighting units, and experience a significant increase in the number of black officers.
She pushed for equal pay for women in the Federal Emergency Relief Administration.
She promoted for meaningful jobs for young people noting, “I have periods of real terror, when I think that we may be losing this generation. We have got to bring these young people into the active life of the community and make them feel that they are necessary.”
After FDR’s death, Eleanor continued writing her newspaper column, giving speeches, and advocating for social, economic and political reforms. She was urged to run for the US Senate, she refused. She became an advisor to Harry S Truman.
She was influential in the formation of the United Nations, serving as the chairwoman of the Human Rights Committee. Many of her suggestions were incorporated into the declarations including saying “humans” instead of “men” and “from birth” instead of “created” to recognize differing beliefs. The entire words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is included in the book and is very worthwhile reading. It includes not only those in our Bill of Rights but also items such as the right to join trade unions, equal pay, protect against unemployment, rights of children and mother, and ownership of property (both physical and intellectual).
She served on the boards of organizations as diverse as Brandeis University and the Americans for Democratic Action and was a speaker for the United Jewish Appeal and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
She thought the Joseph McCarthy and the House Committee on Un-American Activities was more dangerous than the alleged Communists they were targeting.
One of Franklin’s statements during the 1936 campaign was “Never before in all our history have [Republican] forces been so united against one candidate as they stand today. They are unanimous in their hatred for me–and I welcome their hatred. I should like to have it said that in the forces of selfishness and of lust for power they have met their match.”
There have been many changes in American society since 1884. Eleanor Roosevelt was responsible for promoting and achieving many of them.
June 21, 2023
This book about David B. Roosevelt's grandmother (grandmère) who was Eleanor Roosevelt.
To do: New York--visit FDR's and Sarah Delano's apartment in NY; TR's NY apartment, too
The book was written in 2002 and its introduction is written by 60 Minutes Former Reporter, Mike Wallace, who interviewed ER in 1957.
ER's insight on friendship (written as a poem anonymously is also included:
"Many people will walk in and out of your life
But only true friends leave footprints in your heart." (Nice.)
New details about Eleanor's life--her little brother Ellie and her dad Elliott.
The year following her mother's death, her darling little brother Ellie died of diphtheria at age four. Elliott, her dad, wrote Eleanor a touching letter saying that Ellie would be up in heaven next to her mother. I put some flowers close by Ellie in your name as I knew you would like me to do. With abiding and most tender devotion and Love I am always, Your affectionate Father.
In 1903, Eleanor joined the Consumers' League and witnessed firsthand the poor working conditions of women in Factories and garment shops, gaining knowledge of how many millions of Americans toiled in the name of progress. Eleanor would recollect, "I was appalled...I saw little children of 4 or 5 sitting at work tables until they dropped their heads with fatigue."
FDR detail: He waged war against the economic depressions that gripped the country at the time of his election; pioneered the politics of inclusion; built a broad and long-lasting coalition uniting different regions, classes and races.
FDR at Harvard detail: When FDR applied to become a member of the prestigious Porcellian, the club to which both his father and TR belonged to, and was turned down, he felt the disappointment to be the worst of his life. He did join two other clubs: Hasty Pudding and Alpha Delta Phi. He also became a proud member of the Harvard "Crimson" the school newspaper.
Surprisingly, Eleanor did not counsel others getting involved in politics to "vote for the best man." ER said to work within the framework of the party. That is the only way to be politically effective, and while you may not agree with the man who is running for the office, the only way to change things is to vote for him.
With Louis Howe, who gave ER the encouragement necessary to turn her into a speaker. Both ER and FDR were spiritually transformed; he shedding the guise of the young, sheltered, self-serving aristocrat to don the mantle of a sensitive and thoughtful standard-bearer of the less fortunate, and she discarding the tentative for the more self-reliant and determined crusader against injustice.
ER's self-discipline together with her yearning to be needed were the motivational forces that allowed her to overcome her insecurities and finally position herself into the fore4ground.
To do: New York--visit FDR's and Sarah Delano's apartment in NY; TR's NY apartment, too
The book was written in 2002 and its introduction is written by 60 Minutes Former Reporter, Mike Wallace, who interviewed ER in 1957.
ER's insight on friendship (written as a poem anonymously is also included:
"Many people will walk in and out of your life
But only true friends leave footprints in your heart." (Nice.)
New details about Eleanor's life--her little brother Ellie and her dad Elliott.
The year following her mother's death, her darling little brother Ellie died of diphtheria at age four. Elliott, her dad, wrote Eleanor a touching letter saying that Ellie would be up in heaven next to her mother. I put some flowers close by Ellie in your name as I knew you would like me to do. With abiding and most tender devotion and Love I am always, Your affectionate Father.
In 1903, Eleanor joined the Consumers' League and witnessed firsthand the poor working conditions of women in Factories and garment shops, gaining knowledge of how many millions of Americans toiled in the name of progress. Eleanor would recollect, "I was appalled...I saw little children of 4 or 5 sitting at work tables until they dropped their heads with fatigue."
FDR detail: He waged war against the economic depressions that gripped the country at the time of his election; pioneered the politics of inclusion; built a broad and long-lasting coalition uniting different regions, classes and races.
FDR at Harvard detail: When FDR applied to become a member of the prestigious Porcellian, the club to which both his father and TR belonged to, and was turned down, he felt the disappointment to be the worst of his life. He did join two other clubs: Hasty Pudding and Alpha Delta Phi. He also became a proud member of the Harvard "Crimson" the school newspaper.
Surprisingly, Eleanor did not counsel others getting involved in politics to "vote for the best man." ER said to work within the framework of the party. That is the only way to be politically effective, and while you may not agree with the man who is running for the office, the only way to change things is to vote for him.
With Louis Howe, who gave ER the encouragement necessary to turn her into a speaker. Both ER and FDR were spiritually transformed; he shedding the guise of the young, sheltered, self-serving aristocrat to don the mantle of a sensitive and thoughtful standard-bearer of the less fortunate, and she discarding the tentative for the more self-reliant and determined crusader against injustice.
ER's self-discipline together with her yearning to be needed were the motivational forces that allowed her to overcome her insecurities and finally position herself into the fore4ground.
February 28, 2019
I've read a great deal about the Roosevelts but this added a few new touches. It focuses on Eleanor and is written by her grandson, David. It includes some photos that I've never seen before and has a family tree for both sides of the family. A good read.
January 23, 2016
Grandmere is a lovely inside look into the life of Eleanor Roosevelt from the point of view of her grandson David. He covers events in his grandmothers life with honesty and facts while still showing tenderness and fondness. The many family photos were especially interesting. The book also quotes Eleanor and Franklin's own children on different subjects concerning their parents that only immediate family would know. A pleasant read for sure.
August 14, 2020
A loving grandson reflects on the life of a beloved grandmother who happened to be a former first lady of the United States and "First Lady of the World." Looking back on Eleanor Roosevelt and the incredible family which shaped her, and the life she led with FDR, the author's affection and pride are evident. Family dysfunction and tragedy are not ignored. This volume is heavily illustrated with beautiful and personal photographs.
November 26, 2011
I'm really enjoying this gentle, loving view of Eleanor Roosevelt. The eBook is replete with typos that make me crazy though. This book continued to interest me. I didn't realize that she helped write the UN statement on human rights, presented in it's entirety here. It is continually and totally violated.
July 8, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Seeing photos of Val-Kill as I remember it in my childhood was wonderful. Eleanor Roosevelt was an extraordinary woman. The views presented here were interesting to read as they were more the views of family members than of historians or biographers. The family stories made me feel like I was given a personal glimpse inside the Roosevelt family.
April 28, 2018
I was curious about Eleanor Roosevelt after reading the fictionalized account of her life with Lorena Hickok.
I really enjoyed learning about Eleanor Roosevelt from her grandson David B. Roosevelt. David was surprisingly open by outlining Franklin Roosevelt's affair and how it affected his grandmother. He obviously loved his "Grandmere" very much and is adept at explaining why.
I really enjoyed learning about Eleanor Roosevelt from her grandson David B. Roosevelt. David was surprisingly open by outlining Franklin Roosevelt's affair and how it affected his grandmother. He obviously loved his "Grandmere" very much and is adept at explaining why.
February 11, 2010
I have read so many books about the Roosevelts. I picked this one up because it was written by her grandson, and I always like the personal remembrances of people who actually knew the subject of the book. This yielded a few new perspectives and overall was a delightful read.
August 9, 2010
Written by her grandson from a perspective that could only come from a grandchild that had spent a large part of his childhood around her. But also includes important events in her life and the family's thoughts about how she absorbed those events, struggled, prospered, etc.
February 22, 2016
Well written
Nice book. It was assigned in a book club and I found it enjoyable and educational. The first few paragraphs seem out of place, but the rest of the book has a nice flow to it.
Nice book. It was assigned in a book club and I found it enjoyable and educational. The first few paragraphs seem out of place, but the rest of the book has a nice flow to it.
February 27, 2015
An inside look at an amazing lady I knew very little about. She did some of her best work after the death of FDR, what a wonderful woman!!
November 26, 2021
Eleanor Roosevelt is my favorite first lady. She accomplished a lot in her life. This book is told from the perspective of her grandson. The personal stories are the best because the history doesn't tell much that we don't already know. The author was 21 when his grandmother died. How amazing would it be to say Eleanor Roosevelt was my grandmother!
December 11, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Written by her grandson, it felt more personal than other books I've read about her. I loved the many photos, especially of Valkill, since that was also a backyard playground for those of us who grew up on the borders of Valkill in the 50s and 60s.
December 18, 2018
Excellent, fills in all the details, doesnt pretty up the story, written by one of her grandchildren. A keeper
July 6, 2020
A biography of Eleanor from her grandson's perspective, so plenty of family insights. No matter, she was an amazing person.
June 6, 2025
Interesting personal take on Eleanor Roosevelt's life, written by one of her grandsons. Nothing startling or particularly revealing, but enjoyable...
September 22, 2025
Really interesting - have always loved her and really enjoyed the in depth dive into her life!
October 31, 2025
The grandson of Eleanor Roosevelt writes about his time growing up with his grandmother, with lots of photographs.
October 21, 2013
Written by her grandson, the book contains personal remembrances and family photos (as well as retelling the wonderful woman's history) giving it an extra sparkle. Eleanor Roosevelt is a favorite among the former First Ladies, and this book reaffirms the reasons why people hold her in such high regard.
For those not familiar with her services on behalf of this country, the book details her many achievements while she was a steadfast wife and loving mother to a large family. The fact that the book was written by a family member should in no way prevent anyone from considering to read it.
For those not familiar with her services on behalf of this country, the book details her many achievements while she was a steadfast wife and loving mother to a large family. The fact that the book was written by a family member should in no way prevent anyone from considering to read it.
June 6, 2021
Excellent read. A book written by her grandson and the love for her shines through! I learned a lot about this lovely lady
May 25, 2017
Inspired by our trip to Hyde Park, I picked up this book at the library. It is a personal remembrance, with many, many photos, of Eleanor Roosevelt by her grandson. I really enjoyed the book and it makes me want to know more of Eleanor and the Roosevelts.
August 23, 2012
A wonderful biography of Eleanor Roosevelt told by her grandson. Complete with lots of amazing photos and a family tree that helped me with the somewhat confusing connections. I loved hearing her story from the perspective of family. A truly amazing woman.
February 23, 2008
I really liked this book - it gave a "well-rounded" story of the life of Eleanor Roosevelt & included pictures.
May 13, 2009
Lots of pictures and interesting first (or second or third) hand information.
2009 Spring Challenge category: Fiction and non-fiction on same topic/theme
2009 Spring Challenge category: Fiction and non-fiction on same topic/theme
May 22, 2011
Written by one of ER and FDR's grandsons.
January 10, 2014
A great way to not just learn about Eleanor Roosevelt, but also meet her ... As a woman and of course as a grandmère!
November 1, 2014
The lovely and inspiring story of Eleanor Roosevelt.
September 1, 2016
Amazing woman! And interesting to read about her from her grandson's perspective.
December 30, 2017
A great read written by Eleanors grandson. It gives an inside look of what this amazing woman did in her early years with plenty of wonderful photos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews