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Franklin and Lucy
Franklin Delano Roosevelt was arguably the greatest figure of the twentieth century. While FDR’s official circle was predominantly male, it was his relationships with women–particularly with Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd–that most vividly bring to light the human being beneath this towering statesman. It is no coincidence that Rutherfurd was with Roosevelt the day he died in Warm Springs, Georgia, along with two other close women companions. In Franklin and Lucy, acclaimed author and historian Joseph E. Persico explores FDR’s romance with Lucy Rutherfurd, which was far deeper and lasted much longer than was previously acknowledged. Persico’s provocative conclusions about their relationship are informed by a revealing range of sources, including never-before-published letters and documents from Lucy Rutherfurd’s estate that attest to the intensity and scope of the affair.
FDR’s connection with Lucy also creates an opportunity for Persico to take a more penetrating look at the other women in FDR’s life. We come to see more clearly how FDR’s infidelity as a husband contributed to Eleanor’s eventual transformation from a repressed Victorian to perhaps the greatest American woman of her century; how the shaping hand of FDR’s strong-willed mother helped to imbue him with the resolve to overcome personal and public adversity throughout his life; and how other women around FDR, including his “surrogate spouse,” Missy LeHand, and his close confidante, the obscure Margaret “Daisy” Suckley, completed the world that he inhabited.
Franklin and Lucy is an extraordinary look at the private life of a leader who continues to fascinate scholars and the general public alike. In focusing on Lucy Rutherfurd and the myriad women who mattered to Roosevelt, Persico paints a more intimate portrait than we have heretofore had of this enigmatic giant of American history.
FDR’s connection with Lucy also creates an opportunity for Persico to take a more penetrating look at the other women in FDR’s life. We come to see more clearly how FDR’s infidelity as a husband contributed to Eleanor’s eventual transformation from a repressed Victorian to perhaps the greatest American woman of her century; how the shaping hand of FDR’s strong-willed mother helped to imbue him with the resolve to overcome personal and public adversity throughout his life; and how other women around FDR, including his “surrogate spouse,” Missy LeHand, and his close confidante, the obscure Margaret “Daisy” Suckley, completed the world that he inhabited.
Franklin and Lucy is an extraordinary look at the private life of a leader who continues to fascinate scholars and the general public alike. In focusing on Lucy Rutherfurd and the myriad women who mattered to Roosevelt, Persico paints a more intimate portrait than we have heretofore had of this enigmatic giant of American history.
464 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
206 people are currently reading
659 people want to read
About the author
Joseph E. Persico
37 books38 followersJoseph E. Persico was the author of Roosevelt’s Secret War: FDR and World War II Espionage; Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour: Armistice Day, 1918–World War I and Its Violent Climax; Piercing the Reich; and Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial, which was made into a television docudrama. He also collaborated with Colin Powell on his autobiography, My American Journey. He lives in Guilderland, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
October 10, 2017
Really 2.5 stars for historical relevance. Of course the story was an interesting one, and one gets the feeling Mr. Persico has done his homework in terms of combing the official and unofficial historical record. But I had issues with the way he presented the story, as well as the players in it. This wasn't his fiction, yet he introduces each and every "character" with his personal assessment of their physical beauty. Every assessment he made about Eleanor and FDR and Lucy Mercer seemed to be grounded in an unabashed partiarchal perspective and bias.
His bias against Eleanor Roosevelt in just about every realm, but particularly physical appeal, was offensive to me. He judges her worth as a wife against the apparently more attractive Lucy Mercer mainly on the basis of how appealing she was to men. AND how he felt she measured up to what FDR could have obtained in regard to the beauties of his time. It's nauseating, actually. A great and world-changing woman like Eleanor Roosevelt, who clearly had a strong hand in FDRs success, and Persico NEVER acknowledges this. In fact throughout the account--which I should mention does not have enough Lucy Mercer content to warrant the title at all--he takes overt jabs at Eleanor Roosevelt that suggest she was a nag, was unfulfilling sexually, and paints Lucy Mercer as an ethereal beauty and proper "lady" who no man would have been able to resist.
In fact, this book was highly sexist in a number of ways, portraying Lucy Mercer as infinitely more appealing also because she catered to FDR's personal needs so much more effectively (or so he determines) than Eleanor did, or how she didn't tax his intellect or interrupt his thoughts, etc.
Although the book is ostensibly about FDR and Lucy, he spends a good amount of text on various nasty relatives' assessment of Eleanor, even (I feel) contextualizing her own children's quotes to form a highly unflattering picture of her. He makes a big play at definitively proving ER's lesbian relationships, which he cannot substantiate, and further seems to use these allegations in an unflattering light--which I felt he was using as an argument to justify FDR's relationship with Lucy Mercer.
I did enjoy the historical components and learned quite a lot about these people who I previously knew nothing about, but I can't recommend this so-called biography. The writing style is sufficiently compelling, but a bit "old-style," and I felt information was presented without journalistic integrity. For instance, if Eleanor was reported to be one way by a friend or relative, Persico would find a conflicting report that supported a less flattering view of ER. He did the same with FDR. The only player in this story that he seemed utterly enamored with was Lucy Mercer, who he spends paragraphs describing as "angelic," entirely ladylike, with a captivating smile, blah, blah, blah.
His bias against Eleanor Roosevelt in just about every realm, but particularly physical appeal, was offensive to me. He judges her worth as a wife against the apparently more attractive Lucy Mercer mainly on the basis of how appealing she was to men. AND how he felt she measured up to what FDR could have obtained in regard to the beauties of his time. It's nauseating, actually. A great and world-changing woman like Eleanor Roosevelt, who clearly had a strong hand in FDRs success, and Persico NEVER acknowledges this. In fact throughout the account--which I should mention does not have enough Lucy Mercer content to warrant the title at all--he takes overt jabs at Eleanor Roosevelt that suggest she was a nag, was unfulfilling sexually, and paints Lucy Mercer as an ethereal beauty and proper "lady" who no man would have been able to resist.
In fact, this book was highly sexist in a number of ways, portraying Lucy Mercer as infinitely more appealing also because she catered to FDR's personal needs so much more effectively (or so he determines) than Eleanor did, or how she didn't tax his intellect or interrupt his thoughts, etc.
Although the book is ostensibly about FDR and Lucy, he spends a good amount of text on various nasty relatives' assessment of Eleanor, even (I feel) contextualizing her own children's quotes to form a highly unflattering picture of her. He makes a big play at definitively proving ER's lesbian relationships, which he cannot substantiate, and further seems to use these allegations in an unflattering light--which I felt he was using as an argument to justify FDR's relationship with Lucy Mercer.
I did enjoy the historical components and learned quite a lot about these people who I previously knew nothing about, but I can't recommend this so-called biography. The writing style is sufficiently compelling, but a bit "old-style," and I felt information was presented without journalistic integrity. For instance, if Eleanor was reported to be one way by a friend or relative, Persico would find a conflicting report that supported a less flattering view of ER. He did the same with FDR. The only player in this story that he seemed utterly enamored with was Lucy Mercer, who he spends paragraphs describing as "angelic," entirely ladylike, with a captivating smile, blah, blah, blah.
June 23, 2020
I'm not a fan of infidelity and even a lesser fan when someone tries to romanticize it like I believe this author did. I was lent this book by a friend and I wanted to read it to gain more insight into FDR. He was a great President but a typical male. I believe the author spent too much time on how all the women looked... Lucy was sooooooo beautiful, Eleanor sooooo plain. It was unnecessary and felt like he was making excuses for FDR's behavior. However, over all it did hold my interest hence the 3.
July 11, 2014
Being an admirer of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and having visited Hyde Park a few times I found this book insightful and fascinating. Do not read this for a political biography (instead try Conrad Black’s monumental biography of Franklin Roosevelt). Mr. Persico tells of the warmth of F.D.R. in his relationships with the diverse women in his life – his mother Sara, Eleanor and his ‘possible’ extra-marital relationships with Lucy Mercer and Marguerite (Missy) LeHand.
With Lucy Mercer he had a clandestine relationship that lasted from 1917 until his death in 1945. Even though Eleanor discovered this relationship in 1919 and forbade him to ever see Lucy Mercer again, using the threat of divorce – F.D.R. and Lucy continued seeing each other. It must be remembered that both the above women became friends with F.D.R. long before he became President. In the case of Missy Lehand it was after he became paralyzed with polio. This attests to the magnetism of F.D.R.’s personality that he was able to attract such a wide range of men and women. It is also shows the strength of F.D.R. that most people in his condition would not be inclined to become President – and to be President for four consecutive terms – such was the courage of the man.
Mr. Persico portrays Lucy Mercer as a devoted friend of F.D.R. during all these years. She was able to be a companion without making demands on him. F.D.R. knew how to relax at the end of a Presidential day and there were times when Eleanor would not let him do that. Lucy Mercer and Missy could fulfill that role – like Franklin, they enjoyed laughter and small-talk
Even though the book is entitled ‘Franklin and Lucy’ – there is more on Eleanor’s personality then Lucy’s. It is intriguing how this married couple gave themselves such latitude to each continue and grow in their lives. Franklin gave Eleanor funds to build her own home in Hyde Park where she entertained her own diverse friends. She also traveled extensively through-out the U.S. and the free world. Compare Franklin’s treatment of his entourage with the way Stalin and Hitler, in the same period, treated their friends and family. It should always be remembered that the leader of the democracies was such a tolerant and accepting person.
Perhaps Sara (Franklin’s mother), gets somewhat of a bad rap – after all she cared for and actively help raise the five children of Franklin and Eleanor (neither of whom were the most devoted and competent of parents). Without Sara’s continued support throughout their stormy marriage and then Franklin’s subsequent paralysis it is doubtful that he would have become President.
The best words on the Roosevelt marriage were by Daisy Suckley – to quote from the book (p. 345) – “That fact that they could not relax together…is the tragedy of their joint lives, for I believe,… that they had everything else in common…They were both remarkable people – sky high above the average”.
With Lucy Mercer he had a clandestine relationship that lasted from 1917 until his death in 1945. Even though Eleanor discovered this relationship in 1919 and forbade him to ever see Lucy Mercer again, using the threat of divorce – F.D.R. and Lucy continued seeing each other. It must be remembered that both the above women became friends with F.D.R. long before he became President. In the case of Missy Lehand it was after he became paralyzed with polio. This attests to the magnetism of F.D.R.’s personality that he was able to attract such a wide range of men and women. It is also shows the strength of F.D.R. that most people in his condition would not be inclined to become President – and to be President for four consecutive terms – such was the courage of the man.
Mr. Persico portrays Lucy Mercer as a devoted friend of F.D.R. during all these years. She was able to be a companion without making demands on him. F.D.R. knew how to relax at the end of a Presidential day and there were times when Eleanor would not let him do that. Lucy Mercer and Missy could fulfill that role – like Franklin, they enjoyed laughter and small-talk
Even though the book is entitled ‘Franklin and Lucy’ – there is more on Eleanor’s personality then Lucy’s. It is intriguing how this married couple gave themselves such latitude to each continue and grow in their lives. Franklin gave Eleanor funds to build her own home in Hyde Park where she entertained her own diverse friends. She also traveled extensively through-out the U.S. and the free world. Compare Franklin’s treatment of his entourage with the way Stalin and Hitler, in the same period, treated their friends and family. It should always be remembered that the leader of the democracies was such a tolerant and accepting person.
Perhaps Sara (Franklin’s mother), gets somewhat of a bad rap – after all she cared for and actively help raise the five children of Franklin and Eleanor (neither of whom were the most devoted and competent of parents). Without Sara’s continued support throughout their stormy marriage and then Franklin’s subsequent paralysis it is doubtful that he would have become President.
The best words on the Roosevelt marriage were by Daisy Suckley – to quote from the book (p. 345) – “That fact that they could not relax together…is the tragedy of their joint lives, for I believe,… that they had everything else in common…They were both remarkable people – sky high above the average”.
February 22, 2018
At its heart, a study of the immense female influences that were such a part of FDR's life, beginning with the unconditional, however smothering, love of his mother and ending with the presence of Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd who was with him at his death. An unflinching examination of his complex relationship with Eleanor. Also includes is "semi-married" years with Missy LeHand and other women who were important figures in orbit around the wheelchair bound president. This book definitely adds to the debate over the importance of a national leader's public and private morals.
August 25, 2016
3.5
This book was much more salacious and speculative than I was expecting, but still a well-written book that sheds light into an often under explored corner of FDR's life.
I found Ted Barker's narration slightly distracting.
January 28, 2022
When they married, Eleanor Roosevelt and her cousin Franklin Delano Roosevelt loved each other deeply. Eleanor was pregnant with their first child when they returned from their honeymoon.
Their childhood experiences were very different. Franklin was babied and spoiled by his mother. On the other hand, Eleanor's mother was quite adverse to Eleanor and was very cruel to her. She was quoted as telling Eleanor that she did not understand where this ugly child came from! Her name for her stoic insecure daughter was "granny!"
Eleanor's mother was a society woman, and exceedingly beautiful. Her father loved little Eleanor, but his addiction to alcohol ruined the family. A divorce resulted, and while Eleanor could visit her father, when he left her alone for many cold hours on the steps to his prestigious club, the family forbid any further interactions.
All her life, Eleanor held her father in esteem. Her childhood led to many insecurities that she could not overcome. Thus, when she discovered love letters from Lucy to her husband, her life seemed to fall apart. By all accounts, she never forgave Franklin, and their marriage would remain a match of intellect, but any sexual interactions were not part of the relationship after she bore FDR five children, and certainly not after his relationship with Lucy.
Franklin's mother ruled the home and their relationship. Bossy, nasty, controlling, the very rich mother held the purse strings. She bought and decorated their properties, and when I visited the Hyde Park, NY mansion a few years ago, the guide made a point of showing that his mother's room was right next to her "grown baby."
The children, in particular their son James, wrote of the tenuous relationship of his parents. He understood his mother's hurt and inability to forgive. Time and time again, he saw his father reach out his arms to hug Eleanor, whereupon she coldly walked away.
James notes that his mother was very adamant about wanting a divorce. His grandmother told both that they would remain married, or else all funds would be stopped. The firm rule was that Franklin could never again see Lucy. He agreed to these terms, but as this book reports, he never lived up to that commitment.
Lucy was Eleanor's social secretary, and they worked together daily. Soon after finding the letters, Lucy was not a part of her everyday life.
Grieving the loss of her love relationship with Franklin, Lucy married and had by all accounts a very successful marriage. She helped to raise her widowed husband's children, and they had a daughter, Barbara. Lucy was fond of her husband and the children.
Anna, Eleanor and Franklin's first child, was responsible for arranging the meetings of her father and Lucy. Images of FDR during post-WWII photos, show a very thin, deep socketed eyes, and tired man. After the Yalta conference with Churchill and Stalin, he came home to die. Lucy was with him when he took his last breath.
Their childhood experiences were very different. Franklin was babied and spoiled by his mother. On the other hand, Eleanor's mother was quite adverse to Eleanor and was very cruel to her. She was quoted as telling Eleanor that she did not understand where this ugly child came from! Her name for her stoic insecure daughter was "granny!"
Eleanor's mother was a society woman, and exceedingly beautiful. Her father loved little Eleanor, but his addiction to alcohol ruined the family. A divorce resulted, and while Eleanor could visit her father, when he left her alone for many cold hours on the steps to his prestigious club, the family forbid any further interactions.
All her life, Eleanor held her father in esteem. Her childhood led to many insecurities that she could not overcome. Thus, when she discovered love letters from Lucy to her husband, her life seemed to fall apart. By all accounts, she never forgave Franklin, and their marriage would remain a match of intellect, but any sexual interactions were not part of the relationship after she bore FDR five children, and certainly not after his relationship with Lucy.
Franklin's mother ruled the home and their relationship. Bossy, nasty, controlling, the very rich mother held the purse strings. She bought and decorated their properties, and when I visited the Hyde Park, NY mansion a few years ago, the guide made a point of showing that his mother's room was right next to her "grown baby."
The children, in particular their son James, wrote of the tenuous relationship of his parents. He understood his mother's hurt and inability to forgive. Time and time again, he saw his father reach out his arms to hug Eleanor, whereupon she coldly walked away.
James notes that his mother was very adamant about wanting a divorce. His grandmother told both that they would remain married, or else all funds would be stopped. The firm rule was that Franklin could never again see Lucy. He agreed to these terms, but as this book reports, he never lived up to that commitment.
Lucy was Eleanor's social secretary, and they worked together daily. Soon after finding the letters, Lucy was not a part of her everyday life.
Grieving the loss of her love relationship with Franklin, Lucy married and had by all accounts a very successful marriage. She helped to raise her widowed husband's children, and they had a daughter, Barbara. Lucy was fond of her husband and the children.
Anna, Eleanor and Franklin's first child, was responsible for arranging the meetings of her father and Lucy. Images of FDR during post-WWII photos, show a very thin, deep socketed eyes, and tired man. After the Yalta conference with Churchill and Stalin, he came home to die. Lucy was with him when he took his last breath.
July 23, 2018
This was a reread and is still as a riveting book as the first time around. This book answers many of the questions about FDR's affair with Lucy. Lucy Mercer is the true love of Franklins life. The attraction never died for either party. She was at his inaugurations, his daughter Anna brought her to the White House when Eleanor was away and she was with him the day he died. The author was very balanced in his story when it comes to adultery - there is the victim and Persico goes to great lengths to be even-handed concerning Eleanor. I recommend it.
February 6, 2018
Such an engrossing, multifaceted saga--unforgettable, and FDR came so alive (as did Eleanor, Missy, Lucy, FDR's daughter Anna, and a gallery of other individuals) that by the book's end I felt I had lost him myself--as if he had just died.
September 1, 2019
Exceptional book. FDR and Eleanor, two very brilliant and imperfect persons. Very insightful into their strengths and weaknesses and their very dysfunctional marriage. And also great insight into FDR’s love of his life,Lucy Mercer.
May 18, 2020
I listened to this book while at home because of the shelter in place order for the coronavirus, 2020.
I had bought this at a book sale some time before and it sat on my "to read" shelf for over a year. this was the perfect time to listen to it as I was making masks.
I was inthe process of watching The Roosevelts on PBS by Ken Burns when I started reading this. I am interested to learn more about Eleanor now and her relationships with other people.
The author of this books does paint Eleanor in a bad light (extolling her vices instead of her virtues because of her looks) however, it appears to me that FDR would not have been the success he was if it were not for Eleanor. In the beginning, they loved each other a lot even though there were many problems (and FDR's mother was a big one!) but they were able to grow and focus on things that were important to them.
Franklin's relationship with Lucy Rutherford was a long lasting, deep relationship even after Eleanor found out and threatened to divorce him if he didn't give her up. According to the book, he only gave her up because his mother held the purse strings and threatened to cut him off! Even so, he continued to have a relationship with her up until the day he died.
He appears to have been very charming with the women who were willing and able to be with him, despite his handicap and being paralyzed.
Some things that I learned that were fascinating to me: 1) he could not walk after his bout with polio yet most people did not know that because he built up the strength in his arms so well and was able to "show" he could walk for short bursts of time. He did not let photographers take photos of him being put in or taken out of a car! 2) He bought Warm Springs because he felt that they were help his polio and he made it so other people who had polio had a camp they could go to and act "normal". 3) He allowed (not sure that is the correct word) Eleanor to grow into her activism and she helped him to see the other side of things. 4) He was actually elected to the Presidency a record 4 times. I always thought that is was only 3 but he actually was inaugurated 4 times and died a few months after being President for the 4th term.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a different aspect of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
I had bought this at a book sale some time before and it sat on my "to read" shelf for over a year. this was the perfect time to listen to it as I was making masks.
I was inthe process of watching The Roosevelts on PBS by Ken Burns when I started reading this. I am interested to learn more about Eleanor now and her relationships with other people.
The author of this books does paint Eleanor in a bad light (extolling her vices instead of her virtues because of her looks) however, it appears to me that FDR would not have been the success he was if it were not for Eleanor. In the beginning, they loved each other a lot even though there were many problems (and FDR's mother was a big one!) but they were able to grow and focus on things that were important to them.
Franklin's relationship with Lucy Rutherford was a long lasting, deep relationship even after Eleanor found out and threatened to divorce him if he didn't give her up. According to the book, he only gave her up because his mother held the purse strings and threatened to cut him off! Even so, he continued to have a relationship with her up until the day he died.
He appears to have been very charming with the women who were willing and able to be with him, despite his handicap and being paralyzed.
Some things that I learned that were fascinating to me: 1) he could not walk after his bout with polio yet most people did not know that because he built up the strength in his arms so well and was able to "show" he could walk for short bursts of time. He did not let photographers take photos of him being put in or taken out of a car! 2) He bought Warm Springs because he felt that they were help his polio and he made it so other people who had polio had a camp they could go to and act "normal". 3) He allowed (not sure that is the correct word) Eleanor to grow into her activism and she helped him to see the other side of things. 4) He was actually elected to the Presidency a record 4 times. I always thought that is was only 3 but he actually was inaugurated 4 times and died a few months after being President for the 4th term.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a different aspect of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
May 3, 2008
I had never read a Roosevelt biography before, and this was a fascinating pick. Roosevelt was a great leader, and he is seen in most other biographies as a mythical and ethical figure in American history. This particular book does not focus on his extraordinary presidency, rather it takes a deep look at the man himself, and the various women who shaped his life. Franklin had multiple infidelities, the most famous and passionate of which was with Mrs. Lucy Rutherford and spanned many years, continuing until his death. The title of the book is misleading in that it delves into Eleanor's affairs as well. The author believes that, based on letters exchanged between the two, that her relationship with Lorena Hickock (a known lesbian) was a physical one. She also had several strong relationships with men throughout her marriage. All events and pairings for both Franklin and Eleanor are thoroughly documented by the author through extensive research, including letters, diaries, and call logs. In today's day and age, affairs of this sort are pounced upon by the media, but it is interesting how the media in Roosevelt's era completely avoided the subject, and in some ways, facilitated the affairs. It is also important to note how Franklin and Eleanor's marriage changed over time. They WERE in love in the beginning. As the love and intimacy disappeared, they were able to maintain their symbiotic relationship through mutual understanding. They were each able to use the other to accomplish their individual dreams and goals, and had they not stayed married, our country and world would have been vastly different. This assumption brings up many questions for the reader, forcing us to reconsider our own morals and values regarding marriage, love, adultery, and human emotion. This review is based on an early review copy received from LibraryThing.com.
November 5, 2015
There is much about Eleanor Roosevelt to admire. She had a purity and a passion that undoubtedly made the world a better place. But she wasn't easy. She didn't know how to be a wife or mother -- completely understandable when you look at the ruinous childhood she worked hard to overcome -- and seemed almost allergic to fun. As one Roosevelt insider said, "It is very hard to live with someone who is almost a saint."
And so, the way the Roosevelt marriage is portrayed in the Persico biography, it's easy to understand how FDR would turn to -- and return to -- Mrs. Rutherfurd. It's easy to wish that Franklin and Lucy could have found happiness together in some alternate universe, but if Eleanor had granted him the divorce he requested, he never would have been President. And then what would have happened to us? Who would have guided the United States through the Depression and WWII? Would the Chief Executive in that alternate universe been as compassionate and imaginative as FDR?
In addition to Eleanor and Lucy, Persico introduces us to Daisy Suckley and Missy LeHand. I found it fascinating how these women integrated themselves into their FDR's life. By all evidence, Eleanor knew Missy was in love with her husband and was OK with it. If Missy was tending to Franklin, Eleanor was free to follow her own pursuits. Missy knew her place and didn't try to usurp Eleanor's role. Missy did, however, come undone whenever Mrs. Rutherfurd reappeared on the scene. Just as Missy and Eleanor had an alliance, so it seemed did Daisy and Lucy. Their interactions at the end of FDR's life were especially touching.
And so, the way the Roosevelt marriage is portrayed in the Persico biography, it's easy to understand how FDR would turn to -- and return to -- Mrs. Rutherfurd. It's easy to wish that Franklin and Lucy could have found happiness together in some alternate universe, but if Eleanor had granted him the divorce he requested, he never would have been President. And then what would have happened to us? Who would have guided the United States through the Depression and WWII? Would the Chief Executive in that alternate universe been as compassionate and imaginative as FDR?
In addition to Eleanor and Lucy, Persico introduces us to Daisy Suckley and Missy LeHand. I found it fascinating how these women integrated themselves into their FDR's life. By all evidence, Eleanor knew Missy was in love with her husband and was OK with it. If Missy was tending to Franklin, Eleanor was free to follow her own pursuits. Missy knew her place and didn't try to usurp Eleanor's role. Missy did, however, come undone whenever Mrs. Rutherfurd reappeared on the scene. Just as Missy and Eleanor had an alliance, so it seemed did Daisy and Lucy. Their interactions at the end of FDR's life were especially touching.
March 9, 2011
Borrowed this from Ron ages ago...finally have time to pick it up. So far it provides a (mostly) sympathetic view of the sociological and psychological aspects of FDR's relationships with the women in his life.
Enjoyed this book thoroughly. The focus was not on the question of sexual liasons, but rather on the aspects of FDR's personality (and of the women important to him) that required female companionship and adulation. The parallels with other men of power were quite obvious. In another time, the press would not have been so willing to ignore these activities. His blase approach to "state secrets" and other security issues would make today's Secret Service cringe.
As an admirer of Eleanor, I found her depicted honestly and not without sympathy. She just couldn't sit back and perform as the "good wife" after she learned of his continued infidelity. Good for you, Eleanor!
Enjoyed this book thoroughly. The focus was not on the question of sexual liasons, but rather on the aspects of FDR's personality (and of the women important to him) that required female companionship and adulation. The parallels with other men of power were quite obvious. In another time, the press would not have been so willing to ignore these activities. His blase approach to "state secrets" and other security issues would make today's Secret Service cringe.
As an admirer of Eleanor, I found her depicted honestly and not without sympathy. She just couldn't sit back and perform as the "good wife" after she learned of his continued infidelity. Good for you, Eleanor!
January 7, 2015
2-1/2 stars. Thank goodness I listened to this on audio, because it felt like a slog most of the first half. Though I find some facets of the Roosevelts quite interesting, this selection didn't seem to have any new perspectives or information that made it special. Most of the book, I found myself wishing that the author focused more on Eleanor than FDR, and Lucy, though the author deemed her "title worthy" was never fully sketched in a meaningful way (at least in a fashion that I felt any connection with).
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December 31, 2018FDR is one of my favorite presidents. Great account of relationships that mattered and impacted him.
November 6, 2022
This book boarders between well researched history – with special thanks to the heavy use of letters from the various characters – and gossip. Of course, anyone selecting this book knew that, including me.
As one who has read so many Roosevelt books, Persico highlight’s how Roosevelt departmentalized and worked so skillfully to get his way, often benefiting democracy and our county’s best attributes. But it also allowed him to work with FBI Director Hover in undemocratic ways and violate human rights by placing Japanese and others in fenced in encampments for years. Nothing explained Roosevelt’s heavy-handed ways than when he got Dorothy Schiff to spend nine thousand dollars for land abutting his then, later, build a home with an architect decided by the president.
The one fun part of this book was thinking of all the stories contained in this book that my mother told me about decades ago after reading a different book on the unusual White House when the Roosevelts were the residents. Had FDR served in more normal times or later, when the press did not give leaders a pass, the four-term president might have been a one-termer. A woman who had been a reporter, a woman put in his own administration living at most expensive public housing, a key aide and his newlywed wife staying in the Lincoln bedroom makes Clinton’s use of the most cherished president’s room for big fundraisers seem like nothing.
As one who reads too much about Roosevelt, this book shared more about his unusual relationship with his controlling mother, his inability to keep his personal finances in order despite his wealth, his early disconnection with his wife, his constant disrespect for his wife, his harsh treatment of women (including referring to some of his wife’s friends as “she-males”), and his insecurities. It’s sad how little he paid attention to his own health, dying at 63.
The author cast aside the president and First Lady’s relationship aside even more than the president did with his wife. Other books I’ve read did a much better job sharing more about their unique relationship. The book makes an important point that Lucy could listen, something that Eleanor couldn’t do for his wife.
The book also demonstrates what historian Doris Kearns Goodwin said, that “love can take many forms.”
As one who has read so many Roosevelt books, Persico highlight’s how Roosevelt departmentalized and worked so skillfully to get his way, often benefiting democracy and our county’s best attributes. But it also allowed him to work with FBI Director Hover in undemocratic ways and violate human rights by placing Japanese and others in fenced in encampments for years. Nothing explained Roosevelt’s heavy-handed ways than when he got Dorothy Schiff to spend nine thousand dollars for land abutting his then, later, build a home with an architect decided by the president.
The one fun part of this book was thinking of all the stories contained in this book that my mother told me about decades ago after reading a different book on the unusual White House when the Roosevelts were the residents. Had FDR served in more normal times or later, when the press did not give leaders a pass, the four-term president might have been a one-termer. A woman who had been a reporter, a woman put in his own administration living at most expensive public housing, a key aide and his newlywed wife staying in the Lincoln bedroom makes Clinton’s use of the most cherished president’s room for big fundraisers seem like nothing.
As one who reads too much about Roosevelt, this book shared more about his unusual relationship with his controlling mother, his inability to keep his personal finances in order despite his wealth, his early disconnection with his wife, his constant disrespect for his wife, his harsh treatment of women (including referring to some of his wife’s friends as “she-males”), and his insecurities. It’s sad how little he paid attention to his own health, dying at 63.
The author cast aside the president and First Lady’s relationship aside even more than the president did with his wife. Other books I’ve read did a much better job sharing more about their unique relationship. The book makes an important point that Lucy could listen, something that Eleanor couldn’t do for his wife.
The book also demonstrates what historian Doris Kearns Goodwin said, that “love can take many forms.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2018
Many years ago, I recall being entranced by the television mini-series, ELEANOR AND FRANKLIN. Its strength was in humanizing historical figures who had been through truly monumental events. Indeed, it was so popular that it spawned a sequel, ELEANOR AND FRANKLIN: THE WHITE HOUSE YEARS, which was also excellent television ... if not quite as inspiring.
FRANKLIN AND LUCY is a bit unfortunate as a title because the omission of Eleanor suggests content that may be salacious and gossipy. It is neither, and the book is filled with insights into all of the key people of the time. Best of all, it is very readable and involving. (It also has a great photo section!)
In the years since ELEANOR AND FRANKLIN, more letters and diaries have been uncovered. This allowed the writer to bring the emotional struggles of these fascinating people to life. An “affair” didn’t have quite the meaning then as it does now. Still, the relationships were no less illicit. Much of what I learned was that Franklin Roosevelt was a person who needed to be admired by others, especially people who he highly valued. His charisma drew a number of distinctive women into his charmed circle.
At the same time, Eleanor was so betrayed by the knowledge that he preferred the company of other women that she could not be physically or emotionally close to him afterward. Her intentional distancing reinforced a life of subterfuge that rebounded on her.
From the mini-series, I knew Lucy Mercer as “the other woman.” This book was a fascinating exploration of who she really was ... and her place among others who were drawn to Franklin.
While all of this is presented, the momentous historical swirl of events is also discussed in detail. This approach gave me more of a sense of real people going through them rather than drier factual data from a history book. It very much helped to increase my understanding.
I Highly Recommend this book.
FRANKLIN AND LUCY is a bit unfortunate as a title because the omission of Eleanor suggests content that may be salacious and gossipy. It is neither, and the book is filled with insights into all of the key people of the time. Best of all, it is very readable and involving. (It also has a great photo section!)
In the years since ELEANOR AND FRANKLIN, more letters and diaries have been uncovered. This allowed the writer to bring the emotional struggles of these fascinating people to life. An “affair” didn’t have quite the meaning then as it does now. Still, the relationships were no less illicit. Much of what I learned was that Franklin Roosevelt was a person who needed to be admired by others, especially people who he highly valued. His charisma drew a number of distinctive women into his charmed circle.
At the same time, Eleanor was so betrayed by the knowledge that he preferred the company of other women that she could not be physically or emotionally close to him afterward. Her intentional distancing reinforced a life of subterfuge that rebounded on her.
From the mini-series, I knew Lucy Mercer as “the other woman.” This book was a fascinating exploration of who she really was ... and her place among others who were drawn to Franklin.
While all of this is presented, the momentous historical swirl of events is also discussed in detail. This approach gave me more of a sense of real people going through them rather than drier factual data from a history book. It very much helped to increase my understanding.
I Highly Recommend this book.
October 19, 2025
This book leaves me with a question. Is it possible to be a great leader and perhaps not be a great man? History seems clear that Franklin Roosevelt was clearly a great leader and maybe one of the best of all times. But was he a great man. This book does not answer that question but adds some points for consideration. The book tells many of the familiar FDR stories but goes deeper pulling from more sources and casting a broader net.
The book concludes with a quote from William Wordsworth describing a good woman and worth remembering:
The reason firm, the temperate will,
Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill,
A perfect woman, nobly planned,
To war, to comfort, and command.
Author Joseph Persico concludes the book saying “in such women, Franklin Roosevelt would be blessed throughout his life, again and again.
One example of the broad research that Persico brought to this work that you might not find in the many other FDR books is the story on page 324. Writing about Franklin’s dealings with Eleanor, Persico wrote:
“In his more patient days, he kept in his desk drawer, a parody that amused him of Edgar Alan Poe’s “The Raven,” evoking his hyperkinetic wife:
And despite her global milling
Of the voice, there is no stilling
With its platitudes galore
As it rushes on advising, criticizing, moralizing, patronizing, paralyzing evermore
Advertising Eleanor.“
I enjoyed this book and recommend it for consideration of the great leader and great man question. JRG
The book concludes with a quote from William Wordsworth describing a good woman and worth remembering:
The reason firm, the temperate will,
Endurance, foresight, strength, and skill,
A perfect woman, nobly planned,
To war, to comfort, and command.
Author Joseph Persico concludes the book saying “in such women, Franklin Roosevelt would be blessed throughout his life, again and again.
One example of the broad research that Persico brought to this work that you might not find in the many other FDR books is the story on page 324. Writing about Franklin’s dealings with Eleanor, Persico wrote:
“In his more patient days, he kept in his desk drawer, a parody that amused him of Edgar Alan Poe’s “The Raven,” evoking his hyperkinetic wife:
And despite her global milling
Of the voice, there is no stilling
With its platitudes galore
As it rushes on advising, criticizing, moralizing, patronizing, paralyzing evermore
Advertising Eleanor.“
I enjoyed this book and recommend it for consideration of the great leader and great man question. JRG
April 4, 2018
The streak continues. I have yet to read a book by Joe Persico that is anything but an informative non-fiction work that reads like a novel. The title, Franklin and Lucy, is not exactly misleading, but it doesn't reflect everything covered in the book. It actually is a history of all of the important women in FDR's life, including his mother, his cousin, his wife, his daughter, his secretary, and of course, the woman who was arguably the true love of his life.
It would be easy to turn this subject into a gossipy, tabloidish book but as always Persico approaches the subject with a keen historian's eye. While he can be judgemental of some of his subjects, he's always able to back up his judgments with historical fact.
Franklin and Lucy is not required reading for anyone looking for a cursory or general biography of FDR. For those looking for a starting point for learning about FDR I'd recommend Doris Kearns Goodwin's "No Ordinary Time", an excellent dual biography of FDR and Eleanor, or H.W. Brand's "A Traitor to his Class." But those wishing to look deeper into the FDR mystique will be amply rewarded by this book.
It would be easy to turn this subject into a gossipy, tabloidish book but as always Persico approaches the subject with a keen historian's eye. While he can be judgemental of some of his subjects, he's always able to back up his judgments with historical fact.
Franklin and Lucy is not required reading for anyone looking for a cursory or general biography of FDR. For those looking for a starting point for learning about FDR I'd recommend Doris Kearns Goodwin's "No Ordinary Time", an excellent dual biography of FDR and Eleanor, or H.W. Brand's "A Traitor to his Class." But those wishing to look deeper into the FDR mystique will be amply rewarded by this book.
November 27, 2016
it isn't hard to find an interesting book about any member of the Roosevelt family, and I have read quite a stack of them. This is a good one. It presents FDR and Eleanor sympathetically and as they have seemed in other works devoted solely to their lives as individuals and as husband and wife. Franklin's mother Sara Delano Roosevelt has gotten her fair share of biographical ink and even Marguerite "Missy" Le Hand has been fully described elsewhere.
The two women who get a special spotlight in this book are Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd and Margaret "Daisy" Suckley, a cousin. I was impressed to learn that Lucy was not just some kind of fleeting amour of FDR's youth but a strong, principled woman who raised herself from poverty, who became an excellent wife and stepmother, and who remained a faithful and supportive friend to Franklin, whatever else she may have been to him. She was lovely! I also learned that her place in his life had existed for a much greater span of time than other sources had even hinted at-- a real eye-opener.
Well written and thoroughly documented.
The two women who get a special spotlight in this book are Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd and Margaret "Daisy" Suckley, a cousin. I was impressed to learn that Lucy was not just some kind of fleeting amour of FDR's youth but a strong, principled woman who raised herself from poverty, who became an excellent wife and stepmother, and who remained a faithful and supportive friend to Franklin, whatever else she may have been to him. She was lovely! I also learned that her place in his life had existed for a much greater span of time than other sources had even hinted at-- a real eye-opener.
Well written and thoroughly documented.
Read
November 1, 2022I think I should start by admitting that when this book came as a recommendation, that I some how thought it was going to be about Lucille Ball and jumped into reading it. Among the ladies that I love Lucille Ball in near the top, however Eleanor Roosevelt is clearly above her, so I was enthralled nonetheless. While the story was somewhat heartbreaking, I felt like I grew close to Eleanor in the process and came to understand her at an entirely new level. While her name it not in the title, to me, the story was about her. We are all human. The book at the end lists the numerous known relationships of presidents throughout the history of the United States, even the challenges that Lincoln took on with his wife, Mary. I think we can all agree that we are human. Romantic love and marriage are challenging to say the least. Forgiveness comes from our Lord. We have been forgiven much, and thus we are called to forgive others.
February 18, 2025
This is a must read for those who enjoy U.S. history. A thoroughly researched, lengthly look at the women in FDR's life, including Eleanor and his other female friends and loves, Persico used diaries, articles, books and reference materials from the FDR Library archives, the New York State Library, personal interviews and a range of other establishments and resources. With pages of bibilographies, notes and indexes, the reader can be assured that this part of history is reviewed without bias. This look at the Roosevelts drops the reader right into the period of the first half of the 20th century, providing an almost day-by-day account of FDR and all those he touched including, the government, family, social friends and acquaintances.
August 3, 2018
This was an excellent novel portraying not only the relationship between Franklin Roosevelt and Lucy Mercer, but also the relationship between Franklin and Eleanor and five other women who were his confidants, influences and companions. This was not a history or Roosevelt's presidency, although the events of those years and the historical events of the preceding years were noted and referenced. The answers to questions asked for years about how intimate the relationships were between Lucy and other companions were not answered, but evidence was given both for a sexual and nonsexual relationship. A great portion of the book was about Eleanor, which was also very enlightening.
Read
January 2, 2016Joseph Persico's Franklin and Lucy is simply a fabulous book. I can't put it more simply than that. As someone who thought he had read everything there was to read about Franklin Roosevelt, I can say that I went into the book with very low expectations. When I realized that I had read the first 100 pages at nearly one sitting, however, I realized I was - as Herman's Hermits once put it - into something good.
I won't go into the history between FDR and Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd. Think John Edwards and his tramp minus the kid and the sleaze–factor. Like most other FDR-philes, I knew the story well – or thought I did. The conventional wisdom was that FDR had the affair with Lucy during World War I; once it was discovered by Eleanor, FDR was told by his mother, Sara, that if he left Eleanor she would disown him; FDR ended the relationship and never saw Lucy again until after World War II began.
Until recently, that was the standard scholarship on the FDR-Lucy relationship. Then a descendant of Rutherfurd stumbled upon a treasure trove of long-thought-destroyed letters between FDR and Lucy that spelled out that FDR and Lucy actually reconnected in the 1920s. Indeed, there is even some suggestion that he never actually ended the relationship at all. By the time he became President, they remained close enough that he sent a personal driver to take her to his first inauguration. She would be standing there, not terribly far from Eleanor, for that first - and subsequent second, third and fourth - inauguration.
In the short time between FDR's death and her own [of leukemia in 1948], Lucy told those few who knew of her relationship with FDR that she had burned all of their correspondence. Why she kept these newly discovered letters is unknown, as is how they remained unknown until nearly 60 years after her death.
The letters - and follow-up interviews by Persico of the descendants of the key players in their relationship - is truly an amazing tale. Twenty years before White House staffers would be trained to time President Kennedy’s trysts to make sure that Jackie had “left the building” before ushering in some nubile talent, people in the FDR White House knew Rutherfurd as Mrs. Paul Johnson. Her calls were to be immediately put through to FDR, her visits were to be carefully choreographed to occur either when Eleanor was completely out of town or – as time went on and FDR became less careful – at least when she was out of the White House.
Most of this was done in the open. FDR would often be put into a car and driven to Rutherfurd’s home. While FDR remained in the idling car in the street, the driver and a team of Secret Service agents would collect Rutherfurd, put her in the car, and drive the two of them up and down the streets of Washington.
Persico also looks at FDR’s relationships with Missy LeHand, Princess Martha of Norway, Daisy Suckley and Dorothy Schiff. The question of whether FDR could physically consummate sexual relations after being struck with polio is one that will never be known with 100% certainty. It does seem likely, however, that FDR was in fact sexually active with other women after being struck with polio [and equally likely that he and Eleanor never had physical relations after the 1918 discovery of his affair]. Based on some of the newly discovered Rutherfurd letters and interviews with descendants of the various women it does seem that FDR was not rendered impotent by the disease.
Persico’s book is a compelling story. It is not the book to read if you are looking for any kind of in-depth analysis of FDR’s presidency. His subtitle – President Roosevelt, Mrs. Rutherfurd and the other Remarkable Women in his Life – says it all. The book is about FDR and his relationship with women - Lucy being the primary focus of the story. Persico certainly places the stories and events in the proper historical context – for example, one conversation with Lucy occurs with FDR railing against the hornets’ nest his “Supreme Court packing” plan has caused. But this is a story about an extraordinary man without delving too deeply into the events and his subsequent actions that demonstrated that greatness.
These newly discovered letters and subsequent interviews also answer the question: 'Did FDR know how sick he was?' Indeed, he did. While many tried to keep FDR shielded from the diagnosis - based on a 1944 physical exam - that FDR was suffering from a worsening heart condition that made it unlikely he would live to the end of a fourth term. Indeed, FDR not only knew it but - according to Lucy - seemed to realize that his condition was almost certainly terminal. During their last week together at Warm Springs before his death, according to Lucy, FDR told her that he planned to open the United Nations in San Francisco, finish off Germany and Japan, and then resign, hopefully by mid-1946. If true, this makes his decision to keep Vice President Harry Truman out of the loop on the Manhattan Project even more inexcusable [although Lucy also believed that the reason FDR replaced his third-term Vice President Henry Wallace - whom FDR regarded as insane - was so that he could essentially choose his successor].
FDR - like most great people - was a complicated individual. Persico's book shines a light on one of the most complicated - but long-standing - relationships of his life. While the man was complicated, this book is not. Do yourself a favor and read it.
I won't go into the history between FDR and Lucy Mercer Rutherfurd. Think John Edwards and his tramp minus the kid and the sleaze–factor. Like most other FDR-philes, I knew the story well – or thought I did. The conventional wisdom was that FDR had the affair with Lucy during World War I; once it was discovered by Eleanor, FDR was told by his mother, Sara, that if he left Eleanor she would disown him; FDR ended the relationship and never saw Lucy again until after World War II began.
Until recently, that was the standard scholarship on the FDR-Lucy relationship. Then a descendant of Rutherfurd stumbled upon a treasure trove of long-thought-destroyed letters between FDR and Lucy that spelled out that FDR and Lucy actually reconnected in the 1920s. Indeed, there is even some suggestion that he never actually ended the relationship at all. By the time he became President, they remained close enough that he sent a personal driver to take her to his first inauguration. She would be standing there, not terribly far from Eleanor, for that first - and subsequent second, third and fourth - inauguration.
In the short time between FDR's death and her own [of leukemia in 1948], Lucy told those few who knew of her relationship with FDR that she had burned all of their correspondence. Why she kept these newly discovered letters is unknown, as is how they remained unknown until nearly 60 years after her death.
The letters - and follow-up interviews by Persico of the descendants of the key players in their relationship - is truly an amazing tale. Twenty years before White House staffers would be trained to time President Kennedy’s trysts to make sure that Jackie had “left the building” before ushering in some nubile talent, people in the FDR White House knew Rutherfurd as Mrs. Paul Johnson. Her calls were to be immediately put through to FDR, her visits were to be carefully choreographed to occur either when Eleanor was completely out of town or – as time went on and FDR became less careful – at least when she was out of the White House.
Most of this was done in the open. FDR would often be put into a car and driven to Rutherfurd’s home. While FDR remained in the idling car in the street, the driver and a team of Secret Service agents would collect Rutherfurd, put her in the car, and drive the two of them up and down the streets of Washington.
Persico also looks at FDR’s relationships with Missy LeHand, Princess Martha of Norway, Daisy Suckley and Dorothy Schiff. The question of whether FDR could physically consummate sexual relations after being struck with polio is one that will never be known with 100% certainty. It does seem likely, however, that FDR was in fact sexually active with other women after being struck with polio [and equally likely that he and Eleanor never had physical relations after the 1918 discovery of his affair]. Based on some of the newly discovered Rutherfurd letters and interviews with descendants of the various women it does seem that FDR was not rendered impotent by the disease.
Persico’s book is a compelling story. It is not the book to read if you are looking for any kind of in-depth analysis of FDR’s presidency. His subtitle – President Roosevelt, Mrs. Rutherfurd and the other Remarkable Women in his Life – says it all. The book is about FDR and his relationship with women - Lucy being the primary focus of the story. Persico certainly places the stories and events in the proper historical context – for example, one conversation with Lucy occurs with FDR railing against the hornets’ nest his “Supreme Court packing” plan has caused. But this is a story about an extraordinary man without delving too deeply into the events and his subsequent actions that demonstrated that greatness.
These newly discovered letters and subsequent interviews also answer the question: 'Did FDR know how sick he was?' Indeed, he did. While many tried to keep FDR shielded from the diagnosis - based on a 1944 physical exam - that FDR was suffering from a worsening heart condition that made it unlikely he would live to the end of a fourth term. Indeed, FDR not only knew it but - according to Lucy - seemed to realize that his condition was almost certainly terminal. During their last week together at Warm Springs before his death, according to Lucy, FDR told her that he planned to open the United Nations in San Francisco, finish off Germany and Japan, and then resign, hopefully by mid-1946. If true, this makes his decision to keep Vice President Harry Truman out of the loop on the Manhattan Project even more inexcusable [although Lucy also believed that the reason FDR replaced his third-term Vice President Henry Wallace - whom FDR regarded as insane - was so that he could essentially choose his successor].
FDR - like most great people - was a complicated individual. Persico's book shines a light on one of the most complicated - but long-standing - relationships of his life. While the man was complicated, this book is not. Do yourself a favor and read it.
September 4, 2019
I'd never heard all the "scandalous" info about FDR so first - I was disappointed in the amount t of time spent with Lucy R and Missy (who was treated horridly at the end of her life)
Eleanor R seems asexual with FDR in an unkind way by author...brains before beauty. she had to have been mortified about public relations between FDR and whomever...
Enjoyed narrative and subject matter but difficult content for me.
Eleanor R seems asexual with FDR in an unkind way by author...brains before beauty. she had to have been mortified about public relations between FDR and whomever...
Enjoyed narrative and subject matter but difficult content for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2021
A fascinating insight to the political and non-political side of Eleanor and Franklin and those they kept close to them. Most everyone knows the trials and tribulations these two went through - not always together - yet I learned of information I did not know about. I believe the author is fair to all sides and finds more truth than gossip and rumor. Whether you know all the history or not, this book takes you down a road you probably have not traveled before.
November 19, 2023
4.5 stars
This is my fourth FDR book in recent months and I'm still intrigued by this complex man and the strong women who were part of his world through chance or choice. The topic here sounds gossipy, and I wondered if it would contain a lot of speculation and unsubstantiated claims. NO -- the author sticks to the documented historical record, which is what I want from any nonfiction book. Recommended.
This is my fourth FDR book in recent months and I'm still intrigued by this complex man and the strong women who were part of his world through chance or choice. The topic here sounds gossipy, and I wondered if it would contain a lot of speculation and unsubstantiated claims. NO -- the author sticks to the documented historical record, which is what I want from any nonfiction book. Recommended.
April 11, 2022
There were parts of this book that held my attention and parts that didn’t. I felt like it was more a book on FDR’s life than about him and Lucy. I mean she was certainly there but this book talked about many women. There are so many things not truly verified that I felt uncomfortable accepting many of the details as cold hard truth.
October 29, 2017
This is a well-written history exploring the important women in FDR’s life - his mother; Eleanor; daughter; Lucy Mercer; Missy Lehand; and others. The author provides several excellent insights to that question that has plagued historians: What made this enigmatic man tick? Well worth the read.
August 31, 2019
Eye opening! The world of politics has always had a backstory of deception, struggle, greed, and a strong desire for power. Perhaps it’s the power that destroys these families on a personal level. Tragic...
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