Crowded Hours: The True Story of Alice Roosevelt and America's First Political Dynasty

by Judy Becker, Emma Roberts (Narrator), Tony Goldwyn (Narrator)

“If you haven’t got anything nice to say about anyone, come and sit here by me.” -Alice Roosevelt Longworth Long before Paris, even long before Zsa Zsa, there was Alice. Theodore Roosevelt’s eldest daughter was known for drinking, smoking, and gambling. She was rarely found without her pistol, her copy of the Constitution, or her pet snake. She was charming and witty and, despite her antics, she was America’s princess. And, having lost her mother just hours after she was born, all she ever really wanted was the love and attention of her father. When an anarchist assassinates President McKinley, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt is propelled into the Executive Office. Just days after McKinley’s untimely death, Theodore, his prickly wife, Edith, his precocious 14-year-old son, Ted Jr., and his rebellious, rambunctious, 17-year-old daughter, Alice, find themselves living in the White House. While Theodore grapples with the challenges of having inherited the most powerful office in the world, his family must learn to navigate friendships, romances, and familial relationships while standing in the spotlight that has been forced upon them. Through it all, Alice must come to terms with the fact that, even though he may be one of the most respected men on the planet, Theodore may never be the father she needs. Based on true, historical events, Crowded Hours is the story of the fierce tribalism and savage rivalry that defined the complicated Roosevelt family, told from Alice’s perspective. It is a story for American history buffs, for those who yearn to know more about our nation’s past, and for anyone who has ever felt that intense, confusing, undeniable combination of loving and loathing for the people we call family.

Audible Audio

Published November 9, 2023

Reviews

[Roxanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

So unbearable I finally had to abandon it by episode 6. The entire series is (almost) a continuous screaming match between various characters: Alice Roosevelt from Mean Girls having spats with other teenage girls, President Roosevelt having marital spats with his second wife, Edith, Alice Roosevelt having more spats with her beaus about her irresponsible behaviour. It was a real waste of the actors' talent as all they were doing was just shouting into their microphones.

[Chickpea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this.
I learned a lot about that period of time in America. It is interesting to hear, and be reminded, of how life was in that time, social rules and constraints etc.
Interesting interview at the end. Will season two happen?

[Jessica Lowy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So entertaining!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of episode 10 feels unfinished, but I enjoyed the story. It was interesting and refreshed my knowledge of the time period.