One Ordinary Man

by Steve Vesce

“Vesce…manages to pique reader interest through his passionate dedication to historical detail…. he knows how to spin a good historical yarn. Vesce’s larger-than-life portrait of Hopkins reminds that there really is some truth to the whole “Greatest Generation”…. - Kirkus Reviews

One Ordinary Man is a historically accurate novel about the inspiring, surprising, and remarkable true story of Harry L. Hopkins—one ordinary man who grew from obscurity to play a leading and pivotal role in helping America overcome the Great Depression, defeat Fascism, and win World War II.

One Ordinary Man is a vibrant, witty, and captivating story that is at once, both human and larger than life. A story that captures the times, adversity, and incredible accomplishments of a largely forgotten American hero whose abiding faith in America and its democracy drove him to overcome incredible odds and lift his country up from the darkest depths of its Great Depression to victory in World War II.

There is no surprise ending in One Ordinary Man. The story itself is the surprise. And Hopkins’s story delivers a steady stream of new discoveries about America and his achievements.

Genres: Historical Fiction

622 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2025

Reviews

[Janet]

I am definitely not a history buff. But the promotional material about this book on Amazon caught my eye and it sounded interesting. I do love hearing/reading about people who love our United States and devote their lives to making it a safe, great place to live. This book was about several great Americans. The main character was Harry L. Hopkins, who was an ordinary man that led a huge “non-ordinary” life. He literally became FDR’s right hand man in dealing with such notable figures as Churchill, the Pope and Stalin to name just a few. At one point, he moved into the White House for several years with his young daughter. He walked across the hall, with a cigarette, to have an early morning drink with the President and they would start planning their next steps in protecting the country they loved and the people in it. It was an interesting read and I will recommend to family and friends that I know are much more into history than I am.

[Mariana]

I highly recommend this read! It is amazing to read the story of a man who fought in World War II to protect his people, and even more interesting is seeing how he overcame multiple difficult things to succeed in the war. I loved to see this powerful man and all his adventures, and something I truly loved about the book is how the author managed to make you feel immersed in this moment in time that was so difficult and hard, at the moment I even cry thinking about all this hard moment that the world lived in. A book that's a must read, and would make you feel grateful of the USA winning this war.

[Enchanted Prose]

Extraordinary greatness (Washington, DC, London, Moscow, elsewhere around the globe; 1933 to 1945): What a wonderful world it would be if buzzing with the likes of Harry Hopkins, the so-called ordinary man.

Steve Vesce’s marvelous fictional historical account of FDR’s closest confident, genius strategist, advisor, and emissary likens him to Houdini. Hopkins knew how to get things done and what he had to overcome to carry out his President’s mission.

Portrayed as having an unbeatable combination of charm, integrity, moral conviction, resoluteness, courageousness, and selflessness, his Can-Do doggedness, energizer bunny work ethic, and straight-talk quickly earned him a phenomenal confidence and trust with the leader of the free world, and then facilitating, nurturing, and steadfastly boosting Winston Churchill’s trust in FDR’s America. Two strong-willed leaders who fought the gravest dangers at home and abroad.

A gripping read as it feels as if written, without ever directly saying so, to point out parallels with today’s unprecedented historical era when the world order is once again in flux.

Hopkins’ tenure began in the early first days of the new administration in the early years of the Great Depression. Almost back-to-back with another dark era in the lead-up to WWII before America entered the war, during, and for a brief time afterwards. When Charles Lindbergh led a growing America First isolationist campaign. When the evil forces of Fascism swiftly occupied European nations. When Hitler set his sights on the Soviet Union and North Africa; Hopkins credited as the person who could “engage” a tough, cold Stalin. Fighting to defend Democracy and democratic ideals, expressed by FDR as the Four Freedoms: Freedom of Speech, Freedom from Fear, Freedom of Religion, and Freedom from Want.

Vesce doesn’t come across as playing to one political side in the same way FDR “didn’t care if the people we help are Republicans, Democrats, Baptists, Jews, Socialists, Catholics, Muslims, or anything else. We need to get them all working again, and fast.”

Harry Hopkins, a man raised in Iowa, understood the plight of the ordinary man (and woman) working in New York City’s lower East Side as a social worker under the State’s Federal Emergency Relief program (FERA). He brought with him a heart of gold along with a down-to-earth, perceptive, don’t-take-no-for-an-answer personality. In lightning speed, Hopkins created 4 million jobs for down-and-out Americans in just four months in 1933.

So why don’t most of us know who Harry Hopkins was?

That for one brief time in history in 1945 he was “the most powerful man in the world”? Mastermind of our Social Security system? Lived and worked at the White House in Lincoln’s Bedroom for years? Got to befriend up-close Eleanor Roosevelt’s “incredibly generous spirit”? Vesce well-captures the “First Lady of the World” as “America’s alter ego, who cheerfully challenged every American to do better, be kinder, and more considerate of each other.”

Vesce writes as if he were a fly on the wall in the rooms, hotels, and ships Hopkins intensely operated in and crossed oceans for. Often you’ll catch yourself saying, how did he know that? Then realize everything you’re reading isn’t history, its historical fiction. Where the line is drawn, is your guess as good as mine as history comes so vividly alive. Imagine, for instance, Churchill running around the White House in a “flaming pink kimono”! Or, Hopkins in his boxer shorts injecting into his leg miracle nutrients battling a serious, chronic disease while commandeering the phones alone or with someone else in the room with him.

How alive does Vesce keenly depict Hopkins? Take it from someone who knew Harry Hopkins better than all of us: his granddaughter, Dr. June Hopkins, history professor emerita at Georgia Southern University, an expert in social welfare history, who introduces the novel saying:

“I could hear the echoes of my grandfather’s voice in the words Steve Vesce put into his mouth and I recognized the familiar tone of the conversations he creates. His descriptions of my grandfather’s interactions with world figures as well as family members all ring true.”

How amazing, then, that Vesce himself isn’t a historian. He’s a three-time CEO entrepreneur with a mastery of WWII history who’s given over a dozen talks enlightening audiences.

Admittedly biased, I don’t think Hopkins’ story would be as compelling without the colorful, lighting-strike prose. Most striking is the humanity built into the narrative that shows how it’s the people who make history.

The prose reads at a suspense/thriller’s pace as there’s so much at stake and so many forces working against Hopkins/FDR in a political city spreading falsehoods and conspiracy theories, and in Churchill’s lonely European leadership against a formidable foe.

One Ordinary Man hits all the elements for how The New York decides it’s “Top 10 Best Books” of the year, laid out by senior Book Review editor Greg Cowles:

“I think it entails a certain ambition and a certain relationship to the culture, speaking to the moment, and that it can speak to a big audience.”

Here’s why I think the novel qualifies: AMBITIOUS, at 622 pages. SPEAKS TO THE CULTURE’S MOMENT: Unnerving cultural parallels. BIG AUDIENCE: Who in the world wasn’t/isn’t affected by the greatest struggle to defend democratic principles and freedoms?

A loud shout out to people with disabilities and all those who counsel them to focus on your abilities, not what you can’t do. For most of Hopkins’ superhuman roles in FDR’s White House, he battled fierce health issues having lost most of his stomach due to cancer. His life touch-and-go, so much so his health often overshadows the wheelchair-bound president, who put Hopkins and their mutual commitment to the American people above his own needs.

While the novel zooms in on Harry Hopkins and the President he magnificently served, there’s so many others endowed with their spirit, devotion, and eyes-on-the-ball mission, familiar and not, who grace these finely attuned pages. They all make us feel proud and uplifted.

Since the focus is men, a few women to name, starting with Eleanor Roosevelt and Clementine Churchill, who are everything and more than we thought. Eleanor is the one who swooped in instinctively to care for Hopkins’ young, delightful daughter Diana after his beloved wife died from cancer, leaving him bereft, juggling parenthood (he also had three older sons, all joined the military) and what comes across as perhaps the most influential and closest bond between a president and what some call his “deputy president.” There was nothing Hopkins let slide. “Leave it to me,” his mantra.

In the midst of war, Hopkins met and fell in love with his second wife. Romantic scenes when he could grab some time add the sweetness the couple craved then and we now.

Hopkins drank way too much Scotch, especially given his life-threatening stomach condition. Yet he worked tirelessly through it until he collapsed or knew he had to head to the hospital for intravenous feeding and rest if he wanted to keep pursuing his destiny. The same can be said of FDR’s performance, remarkable energy, and sense of purpose. The two men ritually relaxed with cocktails and smoking together, or in the company of others. Camaraderie during the darkest hours also lifts us up.

Strong cabinet members and military “Combined Chiefs,” many whose names we’ve heard of but likely had no idea what they accomplished, add to a powerhouse cast of players supporting, building, and safeguarding alliances to stay the course. No matter what. Fifty million people died defending principles they held dear.

[Lindsey]

Read my full review here: https://afterthelastchapter.substack....

[Mary Yarde]

There is something quietly compelling about a novel that attempts to balance the sweep of history with the intimacy of individual experience, and One Ordinary Man does so with a clear sense of purpose. Steve Vesce presents Harry Hopkins not as a distant political figure, but as a man defined by practicality, urgency, and an instinctive understanding of what needs to be done. From the outset, the narrative resists any inclination to elevate him prematurely, instead allowing his significance to emerge through his actions rather than his reputation.

What I found particularly effective is the way Hopkins’ importance develops over time. His arrival in Washington during the Great Depression is deliberately understated; he is not introduced as a figure of immediate consequence, but as one among many confronting a national crisis. The early scenes—his encounters with poverty, the visible effects of unemployment, and the limitations of existing systems—establish the foundations of his thinking with clarity and restraint. His belief in action, particularly in providing work rather than relief, emerges directly from these experiences. By the time he begins shaping national programmes, his influence feels like a natural progression rather than a sudden transformation.
The novel presents power primarily through relationships rather than position, and this is one of its more convincing elements. Franklin D. Roosevelt is shown as composed and strategic, a figure who understands both the scale of the crisis and the necessity of decisive leadership. Hopkins, by contrast, operates as the practical force who ensures that policies are carried out, often at speed and with little regard for convention. Winston Churchill is portrayed with a more immediate and expressive presence, bringing energy and urgency to the wartime sections of the narrative. The contrast between these figures is clearly drawn, and Hopkins’ role between them is central, particularly as the focus of the novel shifts towards the Second World War.
That shift—from domestic crisis to global conflict—is handled in a straightforward and largely effective manner. Rather than presenting it as a dramatic rupture, the narrative extends Hopkins’ role into a broader context, showing how his approach to crisis management applies equally to international affairs. His involvement in diplomacy, coordination, and alliance-building reflects the same emphasis on speed and action that defines his earlier work. In this respect, the novel maintains a consistent character trajectory, even as the scale of events expands significantly.
The portrayal of Hopkins’ physical decline is consistent throughout the later chapters and provides an important counterpoint to his growing influence. His illness is introduced gradually, through signs of fatigue and weakness, and becomes more pronounced as the narrative progresses. Moments like his collapse are presented without exaggeration and reflect the cumulative effect of sustained stress. Churchill’s description of him as a “crumbling lighthouse” reinforces this depiction, highlighting the contrast between his physical condition and his continued ability to influence events. It is a restrained but effective image, and one that captures the central tension of the novel.
The relationships in the narrative provide additional context for Hopkins’ role, though they remain secondary to the political and historical framework. They serve primarily to illustrate the demands placed upon him and the extent to which his work affects his personal life. This ensures that the narrative remains grounded, even as it moves through events of considerable historical scale.
By the end of the novel, Hopkins’ contribution is presented in terms of influence rather than visibility. The narrative emphasises his role in shaping events from behind the scenes and reflects on the demands such a position entails. For me, this is where the novel is most effective, as it brings together its central focus on action, responsibility, and the cost of sustained service.
A measured and effective work of historical fiction that restores focus to a figure whose influence was central, if not always visible.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[Book Reviewer]

One Ordinary Man tells the life story of Harry Hopkins in a way that feels both intimate and sweeping. The book opens with a touching prologue about Hopkins’s son meeting Winston Churchill, and then drops the reader straight into the turmoil of the Great Depression, where Hopkins begins his rise as Franklin Roosevelt’s trusted problem solver. The early chapters lay out the stakes with clear urgency. Americans are hungry, the economy is broken, and Hopkins storms into Washington determined to help ordinary people find work again. The writing blends historical detail with fictional color, and the story moves fast, jumping from train stations filled with despair to backroom political battles that shaped modern America. It is a story about duty, grit, and a man who constantly drove himself forward even as his health failed him.

I found myself caught up in the rhythm of the writing. It moves with a kind of pulse that mirrors Hopkins’s own restless energy. Scenes come alive with sharp little details that stick with you. The smell of Hoovervilles, the clatter of trains, the tension in overheated government rooms. I felt pulled along, sometimes faster than I expected, and I enjoyed that sense of motion. I also liked how the dialogue feels plainspoken and direct. It gives the characters a human quality that grounds the high stakes of the era. I did catch myself wanting a breather here and there. The narrative rarely slows. Still, that speed gives the story a sense of immediacy that worked for me, especially when Hopkins squares off with political opponents or barrels into new crises without hesitation.

The story keeps circling back to public service and sacrifice, and the emotional weight builds slowly. Hopkins is shown as flawed, stubborn, loyal, and deeply committed to helping people who have nothing left. I felt a quiet sadness beneath many scenes, especially the ones that remind you he pushed himself far past what his body could take. The foreword hints at this, and the novel delivers on it. I also appreciated the attention to the political climate of the time. It is unsettling to see how familiar some of the fears and arguments feel today. The book makes that point without lecturing. It just shows men trying to hold a country together and lets the reader sit with the echoes.

I would recommend One Ordinary Man to readers who enjoy historical fiction that feels close to real life. It is especially well-suited for anyone interested in the Roosevelt years, political leadership, or the hidden work behind major turning points in history. The story is lively, heartfelt, and often moving, and it paints a portrait of a man who shaped the world from behind the curtain while never thinking of himself as anything special.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty]

A rich historical account capturing the extraordinary life of Harry Lloyd Hopkins (August 17, 1890 – January 29, 1946). Born in Sioux City, Iowa, to harness maker David Hopkins and devoutly religious Anna Pickett, Hopkins graduated from Grinnell College in 1912 before embarking on a social work career in New York City settlement houses and health associations.

Vesce details Hopkins' complex personal life, which was defined by both deep devotion and profound personal loss. His first marriage to Ethel Gross ended in divorce, though they remained friends and had three sons David, Robert, and Stephen, and an infant daughter. His second marriage to Barbara Duncan brought him a daughter, Diana, before Barbara tragically died of cancer in 1937. In 1942, he married lastly to Louise Gill Macy, and they remained together until his death. Personal tragedy struck again when his youngest son, Stephen, was KIA at Kwajalein in 1944.

During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Hopkins to lead the Federal Emergency Relief Administration, the Civil Works Administration, and the Works Progress Administration. Working closely with Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins, Hopkins rejected direct cash handouts in favor of dignity through public work, rapidly putting millions of unemployed Americans back to work building infrastructure, schools, and parks across the nation.

​When WWII came, Hopkins moved into the White House as FDR’s closest deputy and primary troubleshooter despite battling crippling stomach cancer. He managed the Lend-Lease program and acted as FDR’s chief envoy to Winston Churchill—who affectionately dubbed him "Lord Root of the Matter"—and Joseph Stalin. He maintained crucial relationships with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and collaborated with military giants General George C. Marshall and Dwight D. Eisenhower to direct global Allied strategy. He later guided Harry S. Truman during the delicate presidential transition in 1945.

​Ultimately, Hopkins was an unselfish, quiet man whose administrative genius, fierce integrity, and immense personal sacrifice preserved democracy through both economic collapse and global war.

[AMR CAMI]

Great book!

The author, Vesce, describes the development/evolution of an everyday man, the hero, in many different ways in this heartfelt account of "the potential of everyday men". Each chapter tells a story of a hero whose internal struggles (as well as external) are connected to moral decision making, personal growth, transformation due to unforeseen circumstances etc. The author has an emotionally honest writing style that is very warm, very engaging, and gives readers the ability to empathize with the character's emotional state, whether it be fear, hope, quiet resilience etc.

The theme of "One Ordinary Man" supports the notion that heroic acts can be done by everyone, but that they are typically done without the recognition that is usually associated with great heroic action. While some people perceive heroism to be related to having great stamina and stamina for doing great things, heroism can sometimes be expressed by merely being compassionate and persistent, and living a life of integrity, regardless of how many people watch you.

The author blends relatable struggles with uplifting insights into identity, responsibility, and how one can grow and develop as a human being; this makes for a book that has a high degree of personal involvement from the reader and a broad-based appeal for every reader. The use of pacing within the book and the character growth within the book allows for the reader to be drawn into the narrative of the author; the themes and ideas presented throughout the book will be contemporary and relevant to contemporary readers, and will continue to be for many years to come.

"One Ordinary Man" is an inspiring tribute to the good and moral potential of the human spirit. The message of hope and significance for the life of an ordinary person will motivate readers to seek and create meaning and purpose in their lives.

[Allison]

I was brought to this book by some very strong online recommendations. I knew very little about Harry Hopkins beyond that he was significant during the FDR administration. I certainly gained an appreciation for his intellect and problem solving skills at a time in our history when we were teetering on the brink of economic collapse and global war. I also admired his loyalty to Roosevelt even in the face of Hopkins’ deteriorating health.
My mediocre review is in response to the book, not the man. One Ordinary Man is presented as a novel based on the true story of Harry Hopkins. Diluting history with descriptions of intimate scenes known only by the participants is a shaky premise at best. As a school librarian I had to remove multiple biographies from our collection when we no longer sweetened history for kids with rosy vignettes about our heroes. It is a dangerous path to take to make history palatable for the general reader.
A second complaint I had was the writing in this narrative which was inconsistent. The book began with sentences long enough to claim paragraphs all their own.The author finally hit his stride with some very gripping descriptions of Hopkins’ negotiations with Churchill and Stalin. Then the narrative shifted back to dry health updates and bare bones descriptions of his young motherless daughter.
Not being a scholar of FDR and his cabinet, I was left feeling I was given a very one-sided view of Hopkins and his role in creating The New Deal. If I were a true scholar, I would find a book with an opposing viewpoint, but I confess I will be moving on from this era. I am glad to fill in some gaps in my knowledge of the period, but I am not giving a strong recommendation for the book.

[Bargain Sleuth Book Reviews]

Thanks to NetGalley and Velibri Media for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Have you ever heard of Harry Hopkins? He’s someone whose name is lost to everyone but historians. But Hopkins was one of the most important people working for Franklin Roosevelt. He was always in the background, a hidden figure, if you will, who exerted great influence in the administration.

I’m very happy that this book is classified as historical fiction. I’ve read a lot of modern history books and some of them have a tendency to make up conversations and then claim that the book is non-fiction. Steve Vesce is very clear that One Ordinary Man is historical fiction based upon historical facts. The story he weaves from historical facts is truly amazing if you’ve never read about Harry Hopkins before

Harry Hopkins was sort of like FDR’s Chief of Staff (the position didn’t exist yet.) He was not only an advisor, but he was also a confidante. He was probably the smartest person in any room, a master strategist who worked on so many different parts of Roosevelt’s agenda. The fact that he did all that with serious health issues as well is remarkable.

It’s hard to summarize all that Harry Hopkins did for the Roosevelt administration and the country at large because he had his hands in all sorts of things. One Ordinary Man does a great job showing how important Harry Hopkins was to Roosevelt and the country’s success.

[Dawn529]

While I really enjoy history, I generally don’t gravitate toward biographies. Too often they get weighed down by footnotes and proof points that completely interrupt the storytelling. One Ordinary Man was written as a novel, which gave it the ease and pacing of a story instead of a book report, which made it so much more engaging.

I’ve read a lot of historical fiction set in this timeframe, but this book went deeper into the world of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt, Churchill, and even Stalin in a way that felt vivid and surprisingly intimate. Instead of feeling like I was ticking through historical facts, I felt like I was moving through these rooms and conversations right alongside the people shaping history.

What really worked for me was how well the author balanced research with narrative flow. There’s a ton of political and diplomatic detail here, but the story rarely drags. The central figure’s quiet, steady role in these massive world events gives the whole story a grounding humanity.

If you like your history with momentum and character and written with a novelist’s touch, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

Thank you to the author, Verlibri Media, and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Grady]

‘You can’t beat destiny’ – Honoring and appreciating history

History aficionado Steve Vesce makes an impressive literary debut with this superb novel which he describes as ‘an inspiring story of one ordinary man who journeyed from obscurity to a place behind the wizard’s curtain to pull the levers that helped America overcome the Great Depression, defeat fascism, and win World War II.’ The very ordinary man is Harry Hopkins (1890 – 1946) - a US New Deal Democratic administrator who personified the ideology of vast federal work programs to relieve unemployment in the 1930s. He continued as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s emissary and closest personal adviser during World War II. Richly painted as a visit to history, Vesce’s novel brings our past into light with vivid reality, exploring not only one ordinary man who grew from obscurity to play a leading and pivotal role in American and world history, but also offers memorable moments for incorporating history into a better understanding of our world today. Brilliant!

[Ryan Vesce]

An Ordinary Man by Steve Vesce is anything but ordinary. This beautifully written book brings to life the story of Harry Hopkins, one of the most influential yet under-recognized figures in American history. Vesce has done something truly special here — he’s taken a man who stood behind the greats like FDR and Churchill and revealed the depth of his humanity, courage, and quiet power.

The storytelling is crisp, engaging, and deeply researched. Vesce doesn’t just recount events — he pulls you into the rooms where history was made, showing how Hopkins’ loyalty, empathy, and relentless drive helped shape the course of World War II and modern America.

It’s a book that reminds you that true greatness often comes from humility and service, not headlines. For anyone who loves history, leadership, or the idea that one person can change the world without ever seeking the spotlight, An Ordinary Man is a must-read.

[Nenope]

3.5 stars

It is certainly an interesting story, especially if someone loves historical biographies. However, as a European reader, I found it too "American" - which is not a bad thing in itself, but it's really hard to define what I mean by it. It's grandiose. It's about the American Dream that anyone can achieve anything. It's about one man helping other men to save the world. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a capable and skilled man achieving great success while working for his country and showing true patriotism. What I couldn't really take in was the binary point of view. Americans are good. The enemy is bad. Ameticans achieve great things. Americans save the world.
If you follow current American politics, you'll get what I mean. The books is good, the story is interesting. But it's way too....Netflix-like.

[Joanne Chichizola]

A front row seat into US history

A simply terrific book about a true American hero who has been primarily forgotten in history . Harry Hopkins was a true American patriot, a statesman almost unparalleled, like John Adams and Benjamin Franklin during revolutionary times, who was FDR's sounding board and mouthpiece during his entire presidency; from getting our citizenry back on their feet and creating jobs and self pride during the great depression, to getting the war machine up and running during WWII, to representing our government in Europe. He was truly a major shape of events that helped lead the Allies to victory over the Axis powers. And the book.did a phenomenal job in taking it's reader through those agonizing times and giving him a front row ticket to what happened at those trying times. Just a terrific book

[Charlie R]

This novel was an amazing read. It feels real and alive. The way the authors write it is a perfect mix between historical facts and a creative narrative that hooks you from the first page.  It is powerful, human, and emotional, following the story of Harry Hopkins, not only from an outsider perspective, instead you can understand his emotions, thoughts, and understand him in a very deep way. The way Hopkins demonstrates loyalty and resilience throughout the book in WWII, particularly when he has to choose between sacrifice and public duty, is something that prompts questioning of personal decisions. This storytelling makes historical events emotionally meaningful. This is an amazing book that will entertain you and understand in a different way historical events such as WWII.

[Maps R]

What if the world is surrounded by ordinary people who believe they can make transformative changes and be the change in the world? This book is a reflection on how ordinary people can become heroes; we don’t need to wear a Superman costume to save the world, but with daily actions we can transform and generate a huge impact. The story is an honest journey into Harry L. Hopkins’ life. The author’s way of writing will capture you, and you will feel like a close friend of Harry. The reason behind this is the journey, and it starts with struggles, from nothing to leadership, and having the chance to see how the path builds in order to understand how each experience is a new step in growth. I really like this book; it is genuine and human and will be a nice experience for anyone.

[Mary Ross]

Having been a child during WWII my memories are about my family living on a small farm in Connecticut, my three older brothers joining the service, my Mom and Dad putting a huge National Geographic map on the kitchen wall and the black and white newsreels we saw at the movies. "An Ordinary Man" gives readers a clear and vivid description of the amazing men and women who gave their extraordinary lives to defeat the horrors Germany, Italy and Japan tried to inflict on the world.
Harry Hopkins was not a name I remembered...the Big Three got all the attention. To read of his efforts, his dedication to FDR and our democracy as well as the efforts of many others was to learn how close we came to losing what we cherish.
Do we have such men and women now? I wonder.

[Liz]

Harry Hopkins was one of the principal architects and managers of the New Deal during the Great Depression, as well as a key figure in US policymaking during World War II. His determination and commitment to his country allowed Harry, an ordinary man, to play a significant role in US history.
In "One Ordinary Man," author Vesce recounts Harry's life and work with great precision. Page after page, the author surprises with details of Harry's life and work. I believe it is a great book for all readers who love American history. Certainly, a book that will leave many speechless, wanting to learn more about this ordinary man and about US history.

[Yolanda Gomez]

I love a good historical reading, and even more if it is about World War II. This book is about an incredible man who is a hero and was the key for the victory of the USA in this war that was so important for the history of the world. For me it was so inspiring and enriching reading everything this powerful man had to go through and how he managed to succeed in a moment with so much tension and knowing that the result would mean not just his death but the destruction of the country he loves. Something I enjoy was the writing style of the author, it is so immersive and entertaining that I couldn't stop reading.

[Evelyn]

I really enjoy historical novels because I learn about important events from the past while immersing myself in fiction. In this case, the story is based on the true story of Harry L. Hopkins, and I must say that it met all my expectations.
The detail is so present on every page that it is easy to feel like you are part of the action. At the same time, the ingenuity of the story makes it stay in the reader's memory for a long time.
On the other hand, the title invites reflection as it shows how an ordinary man transcended history through his heroic actions at a time of great crisis.

[Psusan]

One Ordinary Man is an extraordinary story Based on the true story of Harry Hopkins by Steve Vesce, it is a tribute to the man and to the greatest generation. I can only hope that we would rise today to do as well, be as wise and stand as strong. This amazing man’s story is one of duty, sacrifice, and the ability to find solutions giving hope to the country. Steve Vesce’s writing takes you there so that you feel as if you are immersed in the times, struggles and debates. I highly recommend this historical novel.

[Ian]

I really enjoyed One Ordinary Man by Steve Vesce. The author presents the life of Harry Hopkins, using creative elements to engaging the reader while remaining surprisingly educational. The story brings Hopkins to life, and I came away with a much deeper appreciation of his significant (often behind-the-scenes) role and influence during America’s most tumultuous years. It’s a compelling read that informs without ever feeling like a history lesson.

(I highly recommend the audiobook experience!)

[Meridith]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Being a history nerd, I knew who Hopkins was and a little of his story. This book, however, filled in so much of his life and just how important he was to many significant events of the mid 20th century-all while battling many severe health issues. . On occasion, the book read more like a biography/non-fiction, spouting more facts than narrative, but these passages didn't detour from the overall story. This is for anyone who wants to know more about the FDR White House, the Great Depression, or WW2.

[Cathrine "Capi"]

Struggled with this one, it just didn't hold my interest. Not sure why, although I've been on a major WWII streak for the past year so much (most?) of this information was duplicative and the writing seemed more "history book" style and less "historical fiction". It was interesting to learn more about Harry, though, and sad to note that he was so very ill during most of his time in the administration. This book also seemed to pit Roosevelt and Churchill more as combatants than partners in the war effort. I'm sure they had a lot of differences of opinion, but this book seemed to make them more adversaries, and Harry seemed to play a mediating role.

[James Albaum]

wow! one ordinary man, the personal intimate telling of the life and accomplishments of harry hopkins, reads so smoothly, animatedly and effortlessly that one could overlook the skill it takes to make that happen. the ability it takes to encompass the scope of the strategic planning and diplomacy of WWII in the present tense so I could experience the weight and uncertainty of decision making in real time is noteworthy. I understood and got to know historical leaders and events came to life and danced off the page. I was excited to read this and more pleased now that I have read it.

[Sharon]

Fascinating

I recommend this book to everyone. I usually read fiction and find most history books boring, but the characterization of the main players was up there with the best novels. I'm a boomer and knew nothing about Harry Hopkins or the details of WW II, so this was illuminating,. There's an excellent one-page description of how Hitler gained power., for example. I couldn't put it down.

[Vickie]

Required Reading

I think this book should be required reading for all Americans. So many people think that what we face today is Americas darkest hour. It is not, we will rally back. I enjoyed this book and a different look at the political side of WW2. May we never forget the price that was paid for the war, not just materially but physically, emotionally, and mentally. May we never forget.

[Alice E.. Smith]

Not an Ordinary Biography

This book by Steve Vesce was very well written and informative. It not only gives the reader thorough insight into the man Harry Hopkins and his role during the Depression and WWII, but helps the reader to under to understand the historical period.

I came away with an appreciation of just how complex the characters and negotiations during this period in history were. Definitely worth my time!

[John Kounas]

very well written but NOT COMPLETE

Did enjoy the book written extremely well. Author’s choice of words and emphasis kept you interested and NOT overly burden with political jargon considering that much of the material was of that nature. He provided a near complete story but I was extremely disappointed he deliberately omitted Harry Hopkins childhood and early years which I feel had a great deal if influence on his personality and values. Excellent book!