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Becoming Madam Secretary
She took on titans, battled generals, and changed the world as we know it…
New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating and dramatic new novel about an American heroine Frances Perkins.
Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City at the turn of the century, armed with her trusty parasol and an unyielding determination to make a difference.
When she’s not working with children in the crowded tenements in Hell’s Kitchen, Frances throws herself into the social scene in Greenwich Village, befriending an eclectic group of politicians, artists, and activists, including the millionaire socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, the flirtatious budding author Sinclair Lewis, and the brilliant but troubled reformer Paul Wilson, with whom she falls deeply in love.
But when Frances meets a young lawyer named Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a tea dance, sparks fly in all the wrong directions. She thinks he’s a rich, arrogant dilettante who gets by on a handsome face and a famous name. He thinks she’s a priggish bluestocking and insufferable do-gooder. Neither knows it yet, but over the next twenty years, they will form a historic partnership that will carry them both to the White House.
Frances is destined to rise in a political world dominated by men, facing down the Great Depression as FDR’s most trusted lieutenant—even as she struggles to balance the demands of a public career with marriage and motherhood. And when vicious political attacks mount and personal tragedies threaten to derail her ambitions, she must decide what she’s willing to do—and what she’s willing to sacrifice—to save a nation.
New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating and dramatic new novel about an American heroine Frances Perkins.
Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City at the turn of the century, armed with her trusty parasol and an unyielding determination to make a difference.
When she’s not working with children in the crowded tenements in Hell’s Kitchen, Frances throws herself into the social scene in Greenwich Village, befriending an eclectic group of politicians, artists, and activists, including the millionaire socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, the flirtatious budding author Sinclair Lewis, and the brilliant but troubled reformer Paul Wilson, with whom she falls deeply in love.
But when Frances meets a young lawyer named Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a tea dance, sparks fly in all the wrong directions. She thinks he’s a rich, arrogant dilettante who gets by on a handsome face and a famous name. He thinks she’s a priggish bluestocking and insufferable do-gooder. Neither knows it yet, but over the next twenty years, they will form a historic partnership that will carry them both to the White House.
Frances is destined to rise in a political world dominated by men, facing down the Great Depression as FDR’s most trusted lieutenant—even as she struggles to balance the demands of a public career with marriage and motherhood. And when vicious political attacks mount and personal tragedies threaten to derail her ambitions, she must decide what she’s willing to do—and what she’s willing to sacrifice—to save a nation.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2024
2786 people are currently reading
57275 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Dray
18 books4,651 followersSTEPHANIE DRAY is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into eight languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. She lives with her husband, cats, and history books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,654 reviews
May 18, 2024
**Many thanks to Berkley and Stephanie Dray for an ARC of this book provided via NetGalley! Now available as of 3.12!**
"Being a woman has only bothered me in climbing trees." - Frances Perkins
It is this frank and fearless nature that sets Frances Perkins apart...and from the moment she arrives in New York City, destined to bring about change, she truly has her work cut out for her. Working with some of the poorest in Hell's Kitchen's tenements, it is apparent that working conditions (and living conditions) are not sustainable for the people of her fair city. She has several compatriots, each with a fire for revolution in their bellies: there's Upton Sinclair, a cheeky young fire-haired writer who longs to be more than just friends with Frances, a wealthy but kind socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, and a brooding, sensitive young reformer Paul Wilson, each determined to change the landscape in their own way.
But after witnessing the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire firsthand (with workers literally LEAPING out of the burning building to the ground below), Frances knows that labor conditions need change: immediate and DRASTIC change. Though she isn't directly involved in politics herself, Frances gets word that Franklin "Feather Duster" Roosevelt, a rich and haughty man she encountered at a party once (who wasn't exactly her number one fan, to put it mildly!) is running for office...and he might actually WIN. Roosevelt has a plan that will take him up through the ranks, and quickly: a plan that will end with him in the White House. When all of this comes to pass, NO one is more surprised than Frances when FDR not only recognizes Frances' passion for reform and labor policy, but wants to appoint her to be his Secretary of Labor...making her the very FIRST woman in the presidential cabinet.
Although Frances is honored and perhaps more passionate and driven by her work than anyone around her, she is met with push-back and criticism over and over again. Many men assume she can't do her job AND be a wife and mother...but Frances isn't going to let anything stand in her way. But balancing the severe troubles experienced by members of her family...acting as an indomitable force during FDR's tenure...AND fighting for social security and labor reform proves to be nearly overwhelming for Frances, and she starts to wonder if she can TRULY make all of these dreams come true. Will her bold determination start a blaze of glory that will continue on for generations to come...or will everything she has worked for crumble before her very eyes?
I'm a bit ashamed to say that before picking up this book, I probably hadn't heard the name Frances Perkins since elementary school...and since this may have been back in the 2nd or 3rd grade I couldn't have told you a THING about her. After reading this book, it's not only shocking but saddening to me that such an integral part of history was not a MAJOR focus in the curriculum. As someone who is very passionate when it comes to workers' rights (and as a former Union member myself, when I had the opportunity to be in one!) it was easy for me to become VERY invested in Frances' mission as she fought to keep children out of factories, to enforce more limited working hours (No more fourteen hour days...and we think we have it bad now! ) and to establish programs like social security which would benefit ALL citizens, not just those born into wealth. Sadly, many of these fights persist today, but they would have been Dead on Arrival PERMANENTLY if not for the tireless work of Frances Perkins. To say this book is enlightening is an understatement: I feel I owe Frances a debt of gratitude!
Dray also does something special with this narrative: this is technically historical fiction, but almost reads more like a diary or a memoir. Perkins takes you through so many years of her life, but the chapters are fairly short and manageable, and there is a solid balance between Perkins' work life and her personal life. There is romance and heartache, inner turmoil and also an exploration of the power of friendship. While Perkins and FDR have a rocky start, the two learn to work in tandem in a truly powerful way, and like all of the relationships explored here, has a complexity and a beauty all its own. Perkins' choices are never easy, and this is the recurring theme underlying her entire career. Being a woman during this time was hard enough in and of itself, but to make some of the 'radical' statements and decisions Perkins was forced to make at times was what set her apart...and I am SO thrilled Dray chose to share this history in such an interesting way.
This book is also 500+ pages (!) which is usually somewhat of a red flag for me when it comes to historical fiction, but this one is written in such a way that it never feels overly long or complex. The chapters move along at a pretty good clip, and as a reader I felt that the only reason the book was this length was to make sure she captured as much detail about Perkins' life as possible: this one is meticulously researched, with Dray highlighting at the end any areas where she took creative liberty, but these are few and far between. There's always a stark difference between authors who TRULY do their research in historical fiction and those that rely on more 'basic' tropes and commonly known information. I applaud Dray's dedication to preserving the integrity of Frances Perkins and EVERYTHING she accomplished during her truly impactful time in office.
And through Dray, by the end of her journey, Perkins makes an observation true of so many bold and brilliant, brave and breathtaking revolutionaries of the past, present, and future: "So maybe a spark of madness is what it takes to accomplish anything truly revolutionary in this world."
One tiny, seemingly insignificant, but POWERFUL spark! 🔥 💪
4 stars
"Being a woman has only bothered me in climbing trees." - Frances Perkins
It is this frank and fearless nature that sets Frances Perkins apart...and from the moment she arrives in New York City, destined to bring about change, she truly has her work cut out for her. Working with some of the poorest in Hell's Kitchen's tenements, it is apparent that working conditions (and living conditions) are not sustainable for the people of her fair city. She has several compatriots, each with a fire for revolution in their bellies: there's Upton Sinclair, a cheeky young fire-haired writer who longs to be more than just friends with Frances, a wealthy but kind socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, and a brooding, sensitive young reformer Paul Wilson, each determined to change the landscape in their own way.
But after witnessing the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire firsthand (with workers literally LEAPING out of the burning building to the ground below), Frances knows that labor conditions need change: immediate and DRASTIC change. Though she isn't directly involved in politics herself, Frances gets word that Franklin "Feather Duster" Roosevelt, a rich and haughty man she encountered at a party once (who wasn't exactly her number one fan, to put it mildly!) is running for office...and he might actually WIN. Roosevelt has a plan that will take him up through the ranks, and quickly: a plan that will end with him in the White House. When all of this comes to pass, NO one is more surprised than Frances when FDR not only recognizes Frances' passion for reform and labor policy, but wants to appoint her to be his Secretary of Labor...making her the very FIRST woman in the presidential cabinet.
Although Frances is honored and perhaps more passionate and driven by her work than anyone around her, she is met with push-back and criticism over and over again. Many men assume she can't do her job AND be a wife and mother...but Frances isn't going to let anything stand in her way. But balancing the severe troubles experienced by members of her family...acting as an indomitable force during FDR's tenure...AND fighting for social security and labor reform proves to be nearly overwhelming for Frances, and she starts to wonder if she can TRULY make all of these dreams come true. Will her bold determination start a blaze of glory that will continue on for generations to come...or will everything she has worked for crumble before her very eyes?
I'm a bit ashamed to say that before picking up this book, I probably hadn't heard the name Frances Perkins since elementary school...and since this may have been back in the 2nd or 3rd grade I couldn't have told you a THING about her. After reading this book, it's not only shocking but saddening to me that such an integral part of history was not a MAJOR focus in the curriculum. As someone who is very passionate when it comes to workers' rights (and as a former Union member myself, when I had the opportunity to be in one!) it was easy for me to become VERY invested in Frances' mission as she fought to keep children out of factories, to enforce more limited working hours (No more fourteen hour days...and we think we have it bad now! ) and to establish programs like social security which would benefit ALL citizens, not just those born into wealth. Sadly, many of these fights persist today, but they would have been Dead on Arrival PERMANENTLY if not for the tireless work of Frances Perkins. To say this book is enlightening is an understatement: I feel I owe Frances a debt of gratitude!
Dray also does something special with this narrative: this is technically historical fiction, but almost reads more like a diary or a memoir. Perkins takes you through so many years of her life, but the chapters are fairly short and manageable, and there is a solid balance between Perkins' work life and her personal life. There is romance and heartache, inner turmoil and also an exploration of the power of friendship. While Perkins and FDR have a rocky start, the two learn to work in tandem in a truly powerful way, and like all of the relationships explored here, has a complexity and a beauty all its own. Perkins' choices are never easy, and this is the recurring theme underlying her entire career. Being a woman during this time was hard enough in and of itself, but to make some of the 'radical' statements and decisions Perkins was forced to make at times was what set her apart...and I am SO thrilled Dray chose to share this history in such an interesting way.
This book is also 500+ pages (!) which is usually somewhat of a red flag for me when it comes to historical fiction, but this one is written in such a way that it never feels overly long or complex. The chapters move along at a pretty good clip, and as a reader I felt that the only reason the book was this length was to make sure she captured as much detail about Perkins' life as possible: this one is meticulously researched, with Dray highlighting at the end any areas where she took creative liberty, but these are few and far between. There's always a stark difference between authors who TRULY do their research in historical fiction and those that rely on more 'basic' tropes and commonly known information. I applaud Dray's dedication to preserving the integrity of Frances Perkins and EVERYTHING she accomplished during her truly impactful time in office.
And through Dray, by the end of her journey, Perkins makes an observation true of so many bold and brilliant, brave and breathtaking revolutionaries of the past, present, and future: "So maybe a spark of madness is what it takes to accomplish anything truly revolutionary in this world."
One tiny, seemingly insignificant, but POWERFUL spark! 🔥 💪
4 stars
October 29, 2025
Amazing. To say this was a riveting and eye-opening education about the first female U.S. Cabinet member would be putting it lightly.
March 14, 2024
While historical fiction isn’t the first genre I typically go for I do enjoy it a lot, and I especially love stories like that this that take a piece of history that is not typically focused on. I will admit I didn’t know Frances Perkins or all that she did to change America. While I knew we didn’t always have fair labor laws or social security I didn’t understand the work she went through to make them happen. I also will admit I didn’t know as much as I should have about Franklin Roosevelt. I thought the book was well written and the voice it gave Frances was very believable. I will say it’s a hard book to read because there are a lot of sad turns, but life is sad and to shy away from that is a bigger shame. I did think the story moved slowly at times and it was a long, but overall I greatly enjoyed it. 4.5 stars rounded up for helping educate me while I was also being entertained.
August 9, 2024
This is a well-written, entertaining, informative, historical fiction novel which is based on actual persons and events. I was not aware of Frances Perkins prior to reading this book, and was awed by her brilliance, courage, and her legacy! Ms. Dray's writing made the inspiring Miss Perkins come alive. The author's notes are interesting and enlightening, and are truly appreciated. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Ms. Cassandra Campbell, has a lovely voice and is truly talented.
August 17, 2023
The author is one of my go-to histfic writers and her latest immersive novel is one of my favs so far this year. The life of Frances Perkins, US Secretary of Labor from 1933-1945, and the first woman to hold a federal cabinet position, is especially compelling as Dray pays loving attention to character development and historical detail. Histfic fans who adore books about exceptional women will cheer. Highly recommended!
July 13, 2024
Stephanie Dray has written another historical novel about a woman who should not be forgotten. The subject of her latest work is Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in the US Cabinet. With a master's degree in economics and sociology, Frances started fighting for better working conditions, and an end to child labor. After witnessing the Triangle shirtwaist factory fire with workers jumping to their deaths, she advocated for better safety laws in factories. Perkins was an advisor to two governors of New York State, Al Smith and Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
Roosevelt appointed Perkins to be the Secretary of Labor, a post she held for twelve years. Perkins helped FDR with the New Deal, the civilian Conservation Corp jobs program, and Social Security during the uncertain Great Depression years. She had to balance her work with motherhood and her marriage to Paul Wilson, an economist. Her husband developed severe mental health problems and spent years in an institution, so Perkins had to act as both mother and father to their daughter. Perkins later was on the faculty of Cornell University. Perkins was a trailblazer for women in her important job, and was responsible for some of the social safety nets (like Social Security) that we take for granted today.
Stephanie Dray brought Perkins, FDR, and other important people to life in her well-researched book. The 519 page book reads quicker than it might appear since the chapters are short and the print is comfortable on the eyes. The author's note at the end is very informative and should not be missed. I found "Becoming Madam Secretary" and her earlier "My Dear Hamilton" to both be compelling historical novels, so I should look for some of her other works that I missed.
Roosevelt appointed Perkins to be the Secretary of Labor, a post she held for twelve years. Perkins helped FDR with the New Deal, the civilian Conservation Corp jobs program, and Social Security during the uncertain Great Depression years. She had to balance her work with motherhood and her marriage to Paul Wilson, an economist. Her husband developed severe mental health problems and spent years in an institution, so Perkins had to act as both mother and father to their daughter. Perkins later was on the faculty of Cornell University. Perkins was a trailblazer for women in her important job, and was responsible for some of the social safety nets (like Social Security) that we take for granted today.
Stephanie Dray brought Perkins, FDR, and other important people to life in her well-researched book. The 519 page book reads quicker than it might appear since the chapters are short and the print is comfortable on the eyes. The author's note at the end is very informative and should not be missed. I found "Becoming Madam Secretary" and her earlier "My Dear Hamilton" to both be compelling historical novels, so I should look for some of her other works that I missed.
January 30, 2024
Becoming Madam Secretary is a historical fiction about Frances Perkins. Before starting this book I had absolutely no idea who she was (which is not too weird since I'm Belgian and don't know a whole lot about the United State's early 20th century history) but knowing that Stephanie Dray wrote it I didn't hesitate to sign up for the blog tour and to read this book. And as always Stephanie Dray excelled to teach me about amazing women and excel at writing an amazing story.
Frances Perkins was not only the first woman to be appointed to serve in a presidential cabinet, she was also the longest serving in the position of Secretary of Labor (from 1933 to 1945). She accomplished so much in a time when it wasn't at all normal for a woman to make a carreer such as she did, especially in the political world. During Franklin D. Roosevelt's terms as president, she helped lead the country through The Great Depression. She also played a really important role in developing a policy for social security, which it's taken for granted these days but was a big struggle in the 1930s. And of course we can't forget about World War II where many labor questions had to be answered. I can't possibly name all of her accomplishments. You're going to have to read this book to learn more about her.
I absolutely loved reading about Frances when she was just starting out, living in Hell's Kitchen in New York City and researching child malnutrition, which she wrote a thesis on. It's then that she met many new friends who were activits, politicans, artists and so on. Especially Mary Rumsey who became a lifetime friend and confidante. She lived in quite a tumulteous time, having witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire where 123 women and 23 men died in, which of course left a big impression on her.
Was she always a likable character in this book? No. She sacrificed a lot of her family time to her carreer. This could be a little sad to read about but that doesn't take away that she was an skilled politician in times of need especially, who made life a lot better for many people. Both her husband and daughter struggled with mental health issues which is something that must've also been incredibly difficult for Frances and her family, in particular because there weren't many treatments back then, unlike now. This definitely made my heart ache for everyone involved.
Although a fictionalized account of Perkins' life, it's clear that Stephanie Dray did her research very well. This is not something that surprised me because this author always does a great job of research and prep. This is also why I loved reading the author's note, to find out which events were totally real, fictionalized or a bit of both. If you end up reading Becoming Madam Secretary, definitely don't skip this when you finish the book because it's a really good one. The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is that in the end the book might've been a tad too drawn out for me, especially the last few chapters but other than that it was an excellent read.
Becoming Madam Secretary is yet another stunning story about a woman from history that absolutely deserves more recognition. The writing was engaging with a lot of character development and important historical events. Stephanie Dray remains one of the queens of historical fiction!
Frances Perkins was not only the first woman to be appointed to serve in a presidential cabinet, she was also the longest serving in the position of Secretary of Labor (from 1933 to 1945). She accomplished so much in a time when it wasn't at all normal for a woman to make a carreer such as she did, especially in the political world. During Franklin D. Roosevelt's terms as president, she helped lead the country through The Great Depression. She also played a really important role in developing a policy for social security, which it's taken for granted these days but was a big struggle in the 1930s. And of course we can't forget about World War II where many labor questions had to be answered. I can't possibly name all of her accomplishments. You're going to have to read this book to learn more about her.
I absolutely loved reading about Frances when she was just starting out, living in Hell's Kitchen in New York City and researching child malnutrition, which she wrote a thesis on. It's then that she met many new friends who were activits, politicans, artists and so on. Especially Mary Rumsey who became a lifetime friend and confidante. She lived in quite a tumulteous time, having witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire where 123 women and 23 men died in, which of course left a big impression on her.
Was she always a likable character in this book? No. She sacrificed a lot of her family time to her carreer. This could be a little sad to read about but that doesn't take away that she was an skilled politician in times of need especially, who made life a lot better for many people. Both her husband and daughter struggled with mental health issues which is something that must've also been incredibly difficult for Frances and her family, in particular because there weren't many treatments back then, unlike now. This definitely made my heart ache for everyone involved.
Although a fictionalized account of Perkins' life, it's clear that Stephanie Dray did her research very well. This is not something that surprised me because this author always does a great job of research and prep. This is also why I loved reading the author's note, to find out which events were totally real, fictionalized or a bit of both. If you end up reading Becoming Madam Secretary, definitely don't skip this when you finish the book because it's a really good one. The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is that in the end the book might've been a tad too drawn out for me, especially the last few chapters but other than that it was an excellent read.
Becoming Madam Secretary is yet another stunning story about a woman from history that absolutely deserves more recognition. The writing was engaging with a lot of character development and important historical events. Stephanie Dray remains one of the queens of historical fiction!
March 12, 2024
*Stephanie Dray weaves a captivating narrative, bringing to life the indomitable spirit of Frances Perkins.
*The novel immerses you into the tumultuous era of early 20th-century America. Dray’s meticulous research and vivid writing transport you to the tenements of Hell’s Kitchen, the bohemian circles of Greenwich Village, and the corridors of power in Washington, D.C.
*Frances Perkins was a multifaceted character—determined, compassionate, and fiercely intelligent. Her journey from idealistic young woman to the first female U.S. Secretary of Labor is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Dray skillfully portrays the complexities of Frances’s relationships, especially her evolving connection with FDR. Their partnership, marked by mutual respect and shared vision, becomes the backbone of the New Deal and leaves an indelible mark on American history.
*Becoming Madam Secretary is a testament to the power of women’s voices. Stephanie Dray masterfully blends historical accuracy with emotional depth, making this novel a must-read for anyone intrigued by the untold stories of remarkable women who shaped our world.
🎧Cassandra Campbell is a Golden Voice narrator for a reason! She has the ability to transport the listener into the heart of a narrative and captures the distinct voice of each character beautifully. The audiobook definitely enriches the reading experience.
*The novel immerses you into the tumultuous era of early 20th-century America. Dray’s meticulous research and vivid writing transport you to the tenements of Hell’s Kitchen, the bohemian circles of Greenwich Village, and the corridors of power in Washington, D.C.
*Frances Perkins was a multifaceted character—determined, compassionate, and fiercely intelligent. Her journey from idealistic young woman to the first female U.S. Secretary of Labor is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. Dray skillfully portrays the complexities of Frances’s relationships, especially her evolving connection with FDR. Their partnership, marked by mutual respect and shared vision, becomes the backbone of the New Deal and leaves an indelible mark on American history.
*Becoming Madam Secretary is a testament to the power of women’s voices. Stephanie Dray masterfully blends historical accuracy with emotional depth, making this novel a must-read for anyone intrigued by the untold stories of remarkable women who shaped our world.
🎧Cassandra Campbell is a Golden Voice narrator for a reason! She has the ability to transport the listener into the heart of a narrative and captures the distinct voice of each character beautifully. The audiobook definitely enriches the reading experience.
February 21, 2025
Frances Perkins, we owe you a huge debt of gratitude for so much! And yet a week ago, I must admit I did not know who you were. My sister told me I HAD to read this book, and I am very glad she insisted because of all the history I learned.
This is a historical novel and Ms. Dray explains at the end how she had to compress, change, rearrange and omit certain people, events and circumstances in Ms. Perkins' life story for various reasons. But she kept the larger part of it as it was; and it was fascinating.
Only a hundred years ago, there was no social security, child labor laws or fire code standards for factories. Young and old alike were worked seven days a week in unsafe, poorly ventilated facilities. They frequently died or were maimed by accidents with no compensation to them or their families regardless of impact. Frances Perkins set out to fight these injustices. Initially in New York City where she caught the eye of Al Smith and later came to work for him when he became governor of the state. From there she went to work for Franklin Roosevelt when he held the same job, and he invited her to Washington DC where she served twelve years as his Secretary of Labor and spearheaded the New Deal.
This is a great story of a remarkable lady who has left her mark on America.
This is a historical novel and Ms. Dray explains at the end how she had to compress, change, rearrange and omit certain people, events and circumstances in Ms. Perkins' life story for various reasons. But she kept the larger part of it as it was; and it was fascinating.
Only a hundred years ago, there was no social security, child labor laws or fire code standards for factories. Young and old alike were worked seven days a week in unsafe, poorly ventilated facilities. They frequently died or were maimed by accidents with no compensation to them or their families regardless of impact. Frances Perkins set out to fight these injustices. Initially in New York City where she caught the eye of Al Smith and later came to work for him when he became governor of the state. From there she went to work for Franklin Roosevelt when he held the same job, and he invited her to Washington DC where she served twelve years as his Secretary of Labor and spearheaded the New Deal.
This is a great story of a remarkable lady who has left her mark on America.
April 1, 2024
3.5
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray is a novel that was perfect to complete women’s history month. With strength and grace Frances Perkins defies odds of a woman surviving as the first woman to work in the cabinet of a US president. She did just that under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. To be honest, I never heard of her. She was responsible for bringing about Social Security under FDR. She wanted to wipe out childhood poverty. She spear headed wiping out child labor and brought Jewish Germans to during WW2 to America.
Her husband was diagnosed with severe mental health issue (manic depression). Essentially she served 12 years under FDR. Fighting women’s rights. She did not allow no to stop her. She also raised her daughter with hired help on her own as her husband was admitted to a sanitarium.
She did many amazing things for this country. The book was long. And tended to drag on in places. It was also very informative about this little known amazing lady.
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray is a novel that was perfect to complete women’s history month. With strength and grace Frances Perkins defies odds of a woman surviving as the first woman to work in the cabinet of a US president. She did just that under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. To be honest, I never heard of her. She was responsible for bringing about Social Security under FDR. She wanted to wipe out childhood poverty. She spear headed wiping out child labor and brought Jewish Germans to during WW2 to America.
Her husband was diagnosed with severe mental health issue (manic depression). Essentially she served 12 years under FDR. Fighting women’s rights. She did not allow no to stop her. She also raised her daughter with hired help on her own as her husband was admitted to a sanitarium.
She did many amazing things for this country. The book was long. And tended to drag on in places. It was also very informative about this little known amazing lady.
August 26, 2024
Another brilliant historical fiction novel by Stephanie! Full review (with historical spoilers) are on my channel. Watcher beware: I gush.
Go here for more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqEIo...
Go here for more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqEIo...
August 20, 2024
Miss Perkins was one heck of a lady. Not quite sure where FDR would’ve been without her. We have her to thank for Social Security, child labor laws and early industrial safety.
Did she sacrifice her family for her public service… you read the book and be the judge.
The most surprising part was how the Nazi refugees children were treated in this country, unforgivable!
My challenge question for this book is a real challenge to me, simply because I am not a celebrity expert.
If the book were made into a movie who would you cast as the main characters?
I will leave this question to ponder when you read this book.
If you ever were a Caldwell Taylor fan, then this book is definitely for you, truly ol’ school.
Did she sacrifice her family for her public service… you read the book and be the judge.
The most surprising part was how the Nazi refugees children were treated in this country, unforgivable!
My challenge question for this book is a real challenge to me, simply because I am not a celebrity expert.
If the book were made into a movie who would you cast as the main characters?
I will leave this question to ponder when you read this book.
If you ever were a Caldwell Taylor fan, then this book is definitely for you, truly ol’ school.
May 2, 2025
Great historical book about Frances Perkins.
January 28, 2024
What an amazing woman! I feel horrible to admit that I knew nothing about Frances Perkins and I majored in history in college. I am in awe of all that this woman accomplished in her lifetime. The fact that she is not more celebrated is a travesty!
This novel is great historical fiction. In reading about Frances, I never felt bored or lost interest. Sometimes this can happen when writing about real people especially someone who is in politics. I thought the author did a great job describing aspects of her life that are not known about. I feel like I learned a lot, but I was also entertained and wanted to keep reading.
This was a wonderful book that really enlightens the reader about Frances Perkins and all that she did to improve our country. Historical fiction at its finest!
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This novel is great historical fiction. In reading about Frances, I never felt bored or lost interest. Sometimes this can happen when writing about real people especially someone who is in politics. I thought the author did a great job describing aspects of her life that are not known about. I feel like I learned a lot, but I was also entertained and wanted to keep reading.
This was a wonderful book that really enlightens the reader about Frances Perkins and all that she did to improve our country. Historical fiction at its finest!
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2025
A Poignant, Thoughtful, and Moving Tale of an Impressive Woman
SUMMARY
Frances Perkins is a highly educated worker's rights advocate who was relatively new to NYC when she met a young and handsome FDR at an NYC tea dance in 1910. She immediately dislikes him. She thinks he is a wealthy, arrogant, conceited dilettante who will never amount to much. But in 1929 as Governor of NY he appoints her as the state Labor Secretary and in 1933 he appoints her as the first woman in American history to serve in a presidential cabinet. Frances fights valiantly for FDR and for a social security program to bring the country out of the midst of the Great Depression.
REVIEW
If you're a fan of books about strong, intelligent women, then I highly recommend this book. Author Stephanie Dray has done an incredible job in crafting a historical fiction story about an exceptional woman. The book chronicles the life of Frances Perkins, from her childhood to her career, marriage, motherhood, and friendships. I'm so glad to have discovered this wonderful novel that sheds light on the life of such an amazing woman.
One thing that I particularly appreciated about this book is how the author distinguishes between fact and fiction. Dray has done meticulous research, and it shows in her writing.
The author's writing is powerful and compelling, bringing to life a woman who was ahead of her time and faced many challenges during a tumultuous period in American history. Frances Perkins was a woman of great fortitude, and Dray does an excellent job in capturing her spirit on the pages of this book.
In this book, you'll read about how Frances Perkins fought tirelessly to create the social security system that we have today, and how she stood up against powerful men with intelligence and wit. Her drive to help those in need is truly inspiring. This is a poignant, thoughtful, and moving book that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Berkley Publishing Group
Published March 12, 2024
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
SUMMARY
Frances Perkins is a highly educated worker's rights advocate who was relatively new to NYC when she met a young and handsome FDR at an NYC tea dance in 1910. She immediately dislikes him. She thinks he is a wealthy, arrogant, conceited dilettante who will never amount to much. But in 1929 as Governor of NY he appoints her as the state Labor Secretary and in 1933 he appoints her as the first woman in American history to serve in a presidential cabinet. Frances fights valiantly for FDR and for a social security program to bring the country out of the midst of the Great Depression.
REVIEW
If you're a fan of books about strong, intelligent women, then I highly recommend this book. Author Stephanie Dray has done an incredible job in crafting a historical fiction story about an exceptional woman. The book chronicles the life of Frances Perkins, from her childhood to her career, marriage, motherhood, and friendships. I'm so glad to have discovered this wonderful novel that sheds light on the life of such an amazing woman.
One thing that I particularly appreciated about this book is how the author distinguishes between fact and fiction. Dray has done meticulous research, and it shows in her writing.
The author's writing is powerful and compelling, bringing to life a woman who was ahead of her time and faced many challenges during a tumultuous period in American history. Frances Perkins was a woman of great fortitude, and Dray does an excellent job in capturing her spirit on the pages of this book.
In this book, you'll read about how Frances Perkins fought tirelessly to create the social security system that we have today, and how she stood up against powerful men with intelligence and wit. Her drive to help those in need is truly inspiring. This is a poignant, thoughtful, and moving book that I highly recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Berkley Publishing Group
Published March 12, 2024
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
July 16, 2024
I don't think I've ever given a book a 2-star rating before, but I felt compelled to do so for this one. Although Dray did extensive and excellent research on this book, which I applaud, I found it unbelievable that Francis Perkins could be such a perfect creature. She did not make one misstep in all her years working for causes and in the government. Even when she thought she had done something wrong, it turned out to be the exact perfect move.
Really, all that hero worship became tiring and, aside from reading it for a book club, I'm not sure why I read the entire book. The more I read the more disgusted I was with the portrayal of Perkins.
I'm sure many people found this a fascinating book about the first woman cabinet member, among her other accomplishments, but if I'm going to read about goddesses, I'll stick to the old Roman and Greek myths.
Really, all that hero worship became tiring and, aside from reading it for a book club, I'm not sure why I read the entire book. The more I read the more disgusted I was with the portrayal of Perkins.
I'm sure many people found this a fascinating book about the first woman cabinet member, among her other accomplishments, but if I'm going to read about goddesses, I'll stick to the old Roman and Greek myths.
February 10, 2025
"Becoming Madam Secretary" was a fascinating historical fiction novel by Stephanie Dray that looks at the life of Frances Perkins - the first ever woman cabinet member (and longest serving) to FDR as Secretary of Labor along with being an activist deeply involved in societal issues during the early years of the 20th century. Many people are not aware of what we owe Miss Perkins who was instrumental in improving the lives of Americans by making factories safer, capping the hours women could work in factories, banning child labor, securing a federal minimum wage and most importantly, the architect of our Social Security insurance program. Thankfully, Stephanie Dray has written this novel to introduce us to someone most of us have never heard of but need to know about. I will admit that in our current political climate, I was deeply moved by the her fierce determination (along with FDR) to do the morally right thing to improve the lives of Americans that were struggling through the effects of the Great Depression. I don't think most of us can even begin to imagine the horror of that time. Also, this tells the story of her marriage and friendships with important people of this time. I have already downloaded her close friend, Sinclair Lewis's book "It Can't Happen Here"which is a warning about fascism taking hold in America. A definite five star book that I highly recommend as historical fiction is the most enjoyable way to learn about our history. Her notes are highly enlightening at the end of the book.
March 29, 2024
Really, really good.
July 9, 2024
5-
I knew that Frances Perkins had served FDR as Secretary of Labor, the first ever female Cabinet member. I'd seen old photographs of Miss Perkins, a solid, no nonsense, middle-aged woman rather starkly dressed. That was the sum of my knowledge until I listened to Stephanie Dray's historical fiction account of her life. This seemed a painless way to learn more about an important, but seemingly dull figure. The idea of trudging through an entire nonfiction account was quite daunting.
Historical Fiction can be an excellent path to learning about the past as well as the figures whose actions changed their world and ours. The point is to know how diligent an author is with their research on the subject and to understand that some liberties will be taken with historical events for the sake of plot. I had some experience with Dray's work so I chose this novel to learn a bit about Miss Perkins.
I actually learned a lot. Perkins did much over many years in the field of employment to help workers and the conditions they worked under. This placed her under the eye of newly elected President FDR who faced an epic crisis as he took office in 1933. The Great Depression raged, creating starving citizens, bank closures and farmland devastated by the Dust Bowl. In spite of strong objections by economic and political traditionalists, the president nominated and placed Frances Perkins into this vital role in his cabinet, knowing that he himself was then opposed to her ultimate goal of establishing the safety net which eventually became our Social Security system.
This novel takes readers through the childhood and youth of Miss Perkins as well as her marriage to economist Paul Caldwell Wilson. Both Paul and their daughter, Susanna, suffered from serious mental illness referred to at that time as "manic-depression." Frances was forced to work exceedingly hard, not only to achieve her own professional goals, but to support her family emotionally and financially. She lived a long, productive life and died in 1965 at the age of 85.
History provides us with the important professional achievements Miss Perkins' life and her contributions to improving circumstances for so many working people. She was, however, taciturn about her own personal life and family issues. Dray investigated to find what she could, compressed a few time lines, and gave warmth and interest to the staid figure I had seen in old photographs. Additionally, in Author's Notes at the end of her novel, she explained some of the deviations she had made from available documented evidence in order to manage the length of the book.
Having dipped my toes into the life of Frances Perkins, I may very well look into a nonfictional account in order to better understand this important female pioneer and the contributions she made to our country. I enjoyed this novel but, more importantly, I learned much from it.
I knew that Frances Perkins had served FDR as Secretary of Labor, the first ever female Cabinet member. I'd seen old photographs of Miss Perkins, a solid, no nonsense, middle-aged woman rather starkly dressed. That was the sum of my knowledge until I listened to Stephanie Dray's historical fiction account of her life. This seemed a painless way to learn more about an important, but seemingly dull figure. The idea of trudging through an entire nonfiction account was quite daunting.
Historical Fiction can be an excellent path to learning about the past as well as the figures whose actions changed their world and ours. The point is to know how diligent an author is with their research on the subject and to understand that some liberties will be taken with historical events for the sake of plot. I had some experience with Dray's work so I chose this novel to learn a bit about Miss Perkins.
I actually learned a lot. Perkins did much over many years in the field of employment to help workers and the conditions they worked under. This placed her under the eye of newly elected President FDR who faced an epic crisis as he took office in 1933. The Great Depression raged, creating starving citizens, bank closures and farmland devastated by the Dust Bowl. In spite of strong objections by economic and political traditionalists, the president nominated and placed Frances Perkins into this vital role in his cabinet, knowing that he himself was then opposed to her ultimate goal of establishing the safety net which eventually became our Social Security system.
This novel takes readers through the childhood and youth of Miss Perkins as well as her marriage to economist Paul Caldwell Wilson. Both Paul and their daughter, Susanna, suffered from serious mental illness referred to at that time as "manic-depression." Frances was forced to work exceedingly hard, not only to achieve her own professional goals, but to support her family emotionally and financially. She lived a long, productive life and died in 1965 at the age of 85.
History provides us with the important professional achievements Miss Perkins' life and her contributions to improving circumstances for so many working people. She was, however, taciturn about her own personal life and family issues. Dray investigated to find what she could, compressed a few time lines, and gave warmth and interest to the staid figure I had seen in old photographs. Additionally, in Author's Notes at the end of her novel, she explained some of the deviations she had made from available documented evidence in order to manage the length of the book.
Having dipped my toes into the life of Frances Perkins, I may very well look into a nonfictional account in order to better understand this important female pioneer and the contributions she made to our country. I enjoyed this novel but, more importantly, I learned much from it.
January 9, 2025
As a Canadian, I was unaware of Frances Perkins. I am in awe of all the positive changes she accomplished throughout her life. Her life's work was really incredible. The novel is well written and extremely well researched. I really enjoyed the first 60%. Unfortunately, it started to become tedious after that, and it didn't hold my interest quite as much. Despite that, this is an important and informative read.
October 1, 2023
An engaging historical fiction that follows the career of Francis Perkins. I had no idea she was responsible for many social policies I took for granted. This novel filled in a glaring gap in my knowledge. Read this to learn more.
Want to read
November 18, 2024July 2025 Booked for Lunch Book Club Pick!
March 1, 2024
Thank you, Berkley Pub, for the complimentary book for review.
From the very first page to the last, this book captivated me, drawing me into the intricate story of a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on American history. As a reader, I felt intimately involved in the process of uncovering the complex layers that constituted the life and achievements of Frances Perkins.
The narrative begins by exploring Perkins' early life, offering insights into the societal norms of the time. It vividly portrays how women were often reduced to mere objects and subjected to rigid societal expectations. The author does not shy away from addressing the grave issues of the era, including the perilous conditions of the workplace and the harrowing practice of child labor, which were not only hazardous but sometimes fatal.
A pivotal moment in the book is the depiction of how Frances Perkins ventured into politics—an endeavor fueled by her quick wit and unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of others. This journey into the political arena is not just a story of ambition but a testament to Perkins' dedication to effecting meaningful change.
Moreover, the book delves deeply into the personal trials and tribulations that Perkins faced. It sensitively navigates her private struggles, from the heartbreak of losing her children and the challenges in her marriage to her husband's battle with mental illness. The narrative also highlights her efforts to balance her roles as a mother to her daughter and as a key figure in the presidential administration.
Reading about such influential women in history is always an enlightening experience, and this book is no exception. It is a compelling account of resilience, leadership, and the power of perseverance. For anyone interested in the stories of groundbreaking figures who have shaped our world, this book is an essential read.
From the very first page to the last, this book captivated me, drawing me into the intricate story of a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on American history. As a reader, I felt intimately involved in the process of uncovering the complex layers that constituted the life and achievements of Frances Perkins.
The narrative begins by exploring Perkins' early life, offering insights into the societal norms of the time. It vividly portrays how women were often reduced to mere objects and subjected to rigid societal expectations. The author does not shy away from addressing the grave issues of the era, including the perilous conditions of the workplace and the harrowing practice of child labor, which were not only hazardous but sometimes fatal.
A pivotal moment in the book is the depiction of how Frances Perkins ventured into politics—an endeavor fueled by her quick wit and unwavering commitment to prioritizing the welfare of others. This journey into the political arena is not just a story of ambition but a testament to Perkins' dedication to effecting meaningful change.
Moreover, the book delves deeply into the personal trials and tribulations that Perkins faced. It sensitively navigates her private struggles, from the heartbreak of losing her children and the challenges in her marriage to her husband's battle with mental illness. The narrative also highlights her efforts to balance her roles as a mother to her daughter and as a key figure in the presidential administration.
Reading about such influential women in history is always an enlightening experience, and this book is no exception. It is a compelling account of resilience, leadership, and the power of perseverance. For anyone interested in the stories of groundbreaking figures who have shaped our world, this book is an essential read.
January 6, 2024
I devoured Becoming Madam Secretary !
This is a historical fiction about Francis Perkins, who was the first female cabinet secretary under FDR. I honestly did not know much about her before reading this book but she was the architect of many of the labor and social improvements under FDR. She is absolutely fascinating and the book was a great read!
This is a historical fiction about Francis Perkins, who was the first female cabinet secretary under FDR. I honestly did not know much about her before reading this book but she was the architect of many of the labor and social improvements under FDR. She is absolutely fascinating and the book was a great read!
May 9, 2024
This is one of my new favorite books. I laughed; I felt angry over past and current injustices; I sobbed; I felt seen and understood as a public servant. And I feel so grateful for people like Frances Perkins who made life better for everyday Americans and helped make it acceptable—even expected—for women to be part of public service.
March 13, 2024
A difference maker…
In the early 1900s, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City and becomes actively involved in the social scene and various causes. Frances also meets Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Even though they dislike each other at first, they will have a dynamic and historic partnership over the next twenty years. Frances served as the first female Secretary of Labor from 1933-1945 and was relentless in her fight for workers’ rights, safety laws, and Social Security.
Women’s History Month is an excellent opportunity to share the story of Frances Perkins. I’ve never heard of Frances Perkins which is astounding to me because of the important role she played in the establishment of workers’ rights and Social Security. She was the first woman to serve in a Presidential Cabinet and was Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945. Frances was relentless in her advocacy for fair labor laws and safety standards in factories. She fearlessly engaged in male-dominated politics, raised a daughter, and attended to her husband and his mental health challenges. Sexual harassment in the workplace was a troublesome fact of life for women in the early 1900s workforce, but she dealt with it. Have you heard of Frances Perkins?
I greatly appreciate and trust Stephanie Dray’s well-researched and well-written historical fiction work. She is careful not to reimagine history to fit a modern agenda. Her author notes are not to be missed as she details her writing decisions. If something is ambiguous, she wrestles with it and evaluates all the evidence. A case in point: for perspective on Frances Perkins and her romantic life she interviewed her grandson. He has a certain opinion about his grandmother based on her past history and actions. Dray takes his viewpoint as the deciding factor in her characterization of Perkins. (see author notes) I appreciate this diligence and dedication to getting things right.
Dray provides an excellent picture of life for working people in the United States in the first half of the 20th Century as she explores workplace safety, working hours, conditions for factory workers, and long-term financial security. As you might suspect, this story is very much pro-union. Many of us might take these improvements for granted and never consider the plight of those who didn’t have the same assurances and protections.
I appreciate the balance the author achieves in exploring the personal and professional lives of Frances Perkins. Are the sacrifices a man makes viewed differently from the sacrifices a woman makes? Do we judge her more harshly? Does extraordinary accomplishment always involve sacrifice? In Becoming Madam Secretary, we observe many of the sacrifices Frances Perkins made for the greater good. Some readers might judge her or evaluate her as unlikable despite her commitment to effect change. It’s a difficult balancing act for a woman.
Content Consideration: mental health challenges, workplace harassment, depression, miscarriage
Reading the untold stories of incredible women is one of my favorite subgenres of historical fiction. Even though the author includes politics of the day and labor negotiations (which might be tempting to skip over), she also provides a compelling characterization of a successful woman who is credited with numerous achievements. Fans of U.S. history and untold stories of influential women will enjoy Becoming Madam Secretary. Book clubs might find a great deal to discuss here.
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub for a complimentary e ARC of #BecomingMadamSecretary upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
In the early 1900s, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City and becomes actively involved in the social scene and various causes. Frances also meets Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Even though they dislike each other at first, they will have a dynamic and historic partnership over the next twenty years. Frances served as the first female Secretary of Labor from 1933-1945 and was relentless in her fight for workers’ rights, safety laws, and Social Security.
Women’s History Month is an excellent opportunity to share the story of Frances Perkins. I’ve never heard of Frances Perkins which is astounding to me because of the important role she played in the establishment of workers’ rights and Social Security. She was the first woman to serve in a Presidential Cabinet and was Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945. Frances was relentless in her advocacy for fair labor laws and safety standards in factories. She fearlessly engaged in male-dominated politics, raised a daughter, and attended to her husband and his mental health challenges. Sexual harassment in the workplace was a troublesome fact of life for women in the early 1900s workforce, but she dealt with it. Have you heard of Frances Perkins?
I greatly appreciate and trust Stephanie Dray’s well-researched and well-written historical fiction work. She is careful not to reimagine history to fit a modern agenda. Her author notes are not to be missed as she details her writing decisions. If something is ambiguous, she wrestles with it and evaluates all the evidence. A case in point: for perspective on Frances Perkins and her romantic life she interviewed her grandson. He has a certain opinion about his grandmother based on her past history and actions. Dray takes his viewpoint as the deciding factor in her characterization of Perkins. (see author notes) I appreciate this diligence and dedication to getting things right.
Dray provides an excellent picture of life for working people in the United States in the first half of the 20th Century as she explores workplace safety, working hours, conditions for factory workers, and long-term financial security. As you might suspect, this story is very much pro-union. Many of us might take these improvements for granted and never consider the plight of those who didn’t have the same assurances and protections.
I appreciate the balance the author achieves in exploring the personal and professional lives of Frances Perkins. Are the sacrifices a man makes viewed differently from the sacrifices a woman makes? Do we judge her more harshly? Does extraordinary accomplishment always involve sacrifice? In Becoming Madam Secretary, we observe many of the sacrifices Frances Perkins made for the greater good. Some readers might judge her or evaluate her as unlikable despite her commitment to effect change. It’s a difficult balancing act for a woman.
Content Consideration: mental health challenges, workplace harassment, depression, miscarriage
Reading the untold stories of incredible women is one of my favorite subgenres of historical fiction. Even though the author includes politics of the day and labor negotiations (which might be tempting to skip over), she also provides a compelling characterization of a successful woman who is credited with numerous achievements. Fans of U.S. history and untold stories of influential women will enjoy Becoming Madam Secretary. Book clubs might find a great deal to discuss here.
Thanks #NetGalley @BerkleyPub for a complimentary e ARC of #BecomingMadamSecretary upon my request. All opinions are my own.
For more reviews visit my blog www.ReadingLadies.com where this review was first published.
April 7, 2025
Wonderful historical fiction about Frances Perkins, social activist and Secretary of Labor for FDR’s entire administration.
March 14, 2024
I was admittedly pre-inclined to love this book as an employment lawyer, law professor, and self-professed HR nerd, but it delivered in all ways! I was aware of Frances Perkins and her contributions to our country but I was so glad to get this detailed and entertaining account of her life. She was a trailblazer and did so much to create the good parts of our country.
Even more perfect is that I am a sustaining member of the Junior League of Phoenix, and I didn’t know that the Junior League’s founder, Mary Harriman, was close friends with Frances Perkins and they were even roommates during the first two years of Frances’ tenure as Secretary of Labor. I loved learning more about Mary (Harriman) Rumsey as well.*
I think anyone who has any interest in feminism, employment issues, or political history would love and should read this book. It may be my favorite of the year so far.
Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I loved that the author addressed the rumors about a romantic relationship between Frances and Mary in the author’s note. I can see her perspective that it was unlikely that Frances was involved in an extramarital affair, regardless of the gender of her partner.
Even more perfect is that I am a sustaining member of the Junior League of Phoenix, and I didn’t know that the Junior League’s founder, Mary Harriman, was close friends with Frances Perkins and they were even roommates during the first two years of Frances’ tenure as Secretary of Labor. I loved learning more about Mary (Harriman) Rumsey as well.*
I think anyone who has any interest in feminism, employment issues, or political history would love and should read this book. It may be my favorite of the year so far.
Thank you to the publisher - I received a complimentary eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
*I loved that the author addressed the rumors about a romantic relationship between Frances and Mary in the author’s note. I can see her perspective that it was unlikely that Frances was involved in an extramarital affair, regardless of the gender of her partner.
October 20, 2024
“Fascinating woman, mediocre book. Just write a biography and skip the made up dialogue.
Francis Perkins was an amazing woman. She worked relentlessly to establish social security, unemployment insurance, the minimum wage among other things we now take for granted. I would have loved more details of the political maneuvering that must have been necessary to pass this legislation.” (Robin)
Also, I feel like it spoke so much about everyone else’s problems around her, but never really talked about her personally. It was all about her accomplishments and her life in helping other people (even her husband who struggled with mental health) but it really made her out to be a saint, a perfect person with no flaws, who worked relentlessly for others. I found her hard to relate to as written.
Francis Perkins was an amazing woman. She worked relentlessly to establish social security, unemployment insurance, the minimum wage among other things we now take for granted. I would have loved more details of the political maneuvering that must have been necessary to pass this legislation.” (Robin)
Also, I feel like it spoke so much about everyone else’s problems around her, but never really talked about her personally. It was all about her accomplishments and her life in helping other people (even her husband who struggled with mental health) but it really made her out to be a saint, a perfect person with no flaws, who worked relentlessly for others. I found her hard to relate to as written.
May 15, 2025
As a fellow alum of Mt. Holyoke, I had always heard of Frances Perkins, but had no idea who she really was. It was fascinating, and also kind of maddening, to find out that she was the first female appointed to US cabinet as the Labor Secretary to FDR, AND the architect of Social Security. How are we not taught this in school? Why is there no holiday? She fought early on for labor laws, health and fire safety. She was right there. This was an incredibly moving story, if a little dull at times. It feels like it’s aimed at middle school students and it’s very PG for a story of a woman running around NYC in the 1920’s. Enjoyable nonetheless.
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