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The Yankee Sphinx
In 1934, Will Hassett is working as a journalist when he gets a call from an old friend who now works at the White House. He arrives expecting to catch up on old times but is instead brought right into the Oval Office to meet with Franklin D. Roosevelt. FDR needs help on his speeches; Will takes the job on the spot. For the next twelve years, Will is at FDR’s side through the worst of the Depression, three reelection campaigns, and World War II.
The Yankee Sphinx, inspired by Will Hassett’s real diaries, focuses on the last few years of FDR’s life. The war is raging in Europe and FDR’s good friend, Winston Churchill, begs for America’s help. But Roosevelt knows he can’t bring the country in until it’s ready, an opportunity that won’t arise until the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor in 1941.
From Will’s empathetic perspective, we witness FDR managing the Allied military campaign abroad and parrying shots from isolationist politicians at home—all while reckoning with his rapidly deteriorating health. Will and Anna, Roosevelt's daughter, plot an intervention to get him a doctor more up to speed on a new discipline called “cardiology” so the president can maintain his strength and end the war.
Elegantly written, bursting with personality, and perfectly capturing life in wartime Washington, The Yankee Sphinx is a marvelous work by one of our most versatile writers.
The Yankee Sphinx, inspired by Will Hassett’s real diaries, focuses on the last few years of FDR’s life. The war is raging in Europe and FDR’s good friend, Winston Churchill, begs for America’s help. But Roosevelt knows he can’t bring the country in until it’s ready, an opportunity that won’t arise until the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor in 1941.
From Will’s empathetic perspective, we witness FDR managing the Allied military campaign abroad and parrying shots from isolationist politicians at home—all while reckoning with his rapidly deteriorating health. Will and Anna, Roosevelt's daughter, plot an intervention to get him a doctor more up to speed on a new discipline called “cardiology” so the president can maintain his strength and end the war.
Elegantly written, bursting with personality, and perfectly capturing life in wartime Washington, The Yankee Sphinx is a marvelous work by one of our most versatile writers.
10 pages, Audiobook
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 2, 2026
I’m always in the lookout for books that hubby and I can listen to in the car. This fictionalized account of FDR’s presidency based on actual diaries kept by his aide met the criteria for both of us.
The first thing that grabbed our attention was the outstanding audio production. From the selection of Marc Vietor as narrator to the old time radio broadcast sound, the listener immediately feels transported to the WWII era which lends authenticity to the story. It felt like we were listening to events occurring in real time.
Based on Will Hassett’s diaries, the novel provides an intimate look into FDR’s public and personal lives. My husband was intrigued by the historical aspects of the book, particularly the immediate aftermath of the bombing if Pearl Harbor, FDR’s relationship with Churchill, and the machinations going into the Yalta Conference. I was drawn into the details of his relationship with his wife and daughter, and the closeness with a former member of the household staff.
The book did an excellent job humanizing an iconic public figure. I was both educated and entertained, and we both found ourselves looking more deeply into aspects of FDR’s presidency and family life.
Not a history buff? You’ll still find this a gripping story of the human element that accompanies great power and responsibility.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
The first thing that grabbed our attention was the outstanding audio production. From the selection of Marc Vietor as narrator to the old time radio broadcast sound, the listener immediately feels transported to the WWII era which lends authenticity to the story. It felt like we were listening to events occurring in real time.
Based on Will Hassett’s diaries, the novel provides an intimate look into FDR’s public and personal lives. My husband was intrigued by the historical aspects of the book, particularly the immediate aftermath of the bombing if Pearl Harbor, FDR’s relationship with Churchill, and the machinations going into the Yalta Conference. I was drawn into the details of his relationship with his wife and daughter, and the closeness with a former member of the household staff.
The book did an excellent job humanizing an iconic public figure. I was both educated and entertained, and we both found ourselves looking more deeply into aspects of FDR’s presidency and family life.
Not a history buff? You’ll still find this a gripping story of the human element that accompanies great power and responsibility.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance listening copy. All opinions are my own.
April 30, 2026
Very interesting read with neat insight into FDR’s private life. Solid piece of historical fiction.
May 20, 2026
Thank you to Flatiron Books for the gifted copy of The Yankee Sphinx by Mark Frost.
This definitely feels like historical fiction written for people who love history first and fiction second. It’s very reflective, very detailed, and much more focused on the human side of leadership than on dramatic twists or action.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I appreciated most was how intimate the story felt. Seeing FDR through Will Hassett’s perspective made him feel less like this distant historical figure and more like an exhausted, complicated person trying to carry impossible responsibilities while his health steadily declined.
The writing also really captures the atmosphere of wartime Washington. There’s this constant feeling of pressure underneath everything, politically, emotionally, physically. And the relationships, especially with Churchill, Anna Roosevelt, and the White House staff, gave the story warmth that kept it from feeling too clinical.
That said, this is definitely a slower, more biography-leaning historical novel. If you’re expecting fast-paced historical drama, this probably won’t fully hit.
What I Loved
• The intimate look at FDR’s later years and declining health
• The wartime atmosphere and political tension
• The elegant, period-feeling writing style
• The focus on relationships behind the scenes of history
• How human and vulnerable FDR felt throughout the story
What Didn’t Work for Me
• The pacing can feel slow, especially early on
• Reads more like a fictionalized biography than a traditional novel
• Some sections felt dense with historical detail
• Might work better for readers already interested in presidential history
Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-written piece of historical fiction that feels especially rewarding if you enjoy political history or character-focused stories about real historical figures. It’s quieter than I expected, but surprisingly emotional by the end.
This definitely feels like historical fiction written for people who love history first and fiction second. It’s very reflective, very detailed, and much more focused on the human side of leadership than on dramatic twists or action.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What I appreciated most was how intimate the story felt. Seeing FDR through Will Hassett’s perspective made him feel less like this distant historical figure and more like an exhausted, complicated person trying to carry impossible responsibilities while his health steadily declined.
The writing also really captures the atmosphere of wartime Washington. There’s this constant feeling of pressure underneath everything, politically, emotionally, physically. And the relationships, especially with Churchill, Anna Roosevelt, and the White House staff, gave the story warmth that kept it from feeling too clinical.
That said, this is definitely a slower, more biography-leaning historical novel. If you’re expecting fast-paced historical drama, this probably won’t fully hit.
What I Loved
• The intimate look at FDR’s later years and declining health
• The wartime atmosphere and political tension
• The elegant, period-feeling writing style
• The focus on relationships behind the scenes of history
• How human and vulnerable FDR felt throughout the story
What Didn’t Work for Me
• The pacing can feel slow, especially early on
• Reads more like a fictionalized biography than a traditional novel
• Some sections felt dense with historical detail
• Might work better for readers already interested in presidential history
Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-written piece of historical fiction that feels especially rewarding if you enjoy political history or character-focused stories about real historical figures. It’s quieter than I expected, but surprisingly emotional by the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I read The Yankee Sphinx and thoroughly enjoyed it, though this book was out of my comfort zone. I’m a historical fiction fan and do not read presidential biographies. This is historical fiction that definitely reads as biography.
But it moved me.
The Yankee Sphinx is a fictional account of FDR’s later presidential years from the perspective of Will Hassett, Correspondence Secretary to the President. Author Mark Frost based the novel on Hassett’s diaries.
I admit I started with the e-book, courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing, and wasn’t hooked. I enjoyed the writing — its language reflecting the era — but I had a hard time connecting with the characters once Hassett began at the White House.
I requested the audiobook from NetGalley, started over, and the story came alive. The audiobook, with its mid-Atlantic accented narration, was stellar and transformed my experience. I read much of the book immersively, using both the audio and e-book together. The narrator was a perfect match.
The writing itself was excellent and at times utterly beautiful, giving a vivid sense of place — whether at Warm Springs, Hyde Park, the White House, or crossing the Atlantic toward Yalta.
I had an unexpected emotional response to FDR’s death. It hit hard, and I found myself nostalgic for a dignity in the presidency that feels absent now.
I recommend The Yankee Sphinx to a wide audience — to those who enjoy presidential history or FDR, but even to non-biography readers. And I specifically recommend the audiobook.
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Publishing, and Macmillan Audio for advance copies of this book.
But it moved me.
The Yankee Sphinx is a fictional account of FDR’s later presidential years from the perspective of Will Hassett, Correspondence Secretary to the President. Author Mark Frost based the novel on Hassett’s diaries.
I admit I started with the e-book, courtesy of NetGalley and Macmillan Publishing, and wasn’t hooked. I enjoyed the writing — its language reflecting the era — but I had a hard time connecting with the characters once Hassett began at the White House.
I requested the audiobook from NetGalley, started over, and the story came alive. The audiobook, with its mid-Atlantic accented narration, was stellar and transformed my experience. I read much of the book immersively, using both the audio and e-book together. The narrator was a perfect match.
The writing itself was excellent and at times utterly beautiful, giving a vivid sense of place — whether at Warm Springs, Hyde Park, the White House, or crossing the Atlantic toward Yalta.
I had an unexpected emotional response to FDR’s death. It hit hard, and I found myself nostalgic for a dignity in the presidency that feels absent now.
I recommend The Yankee Sphinx to a wide audience — to those who enjoy presidential history or FDR, but even to non-biography readers. And I specifically recommend the audiobook.
Thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Publishing, and Macmillan Audio for advance copies of this book.
Read
April 24, 2026I won this ARC through Goodreads which I found extremely interesting and I recommend.
This novel is based on the real diaries of Will Hassett, a journalist and close aide to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President from March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945. Will worked with FDR for twelve years. Offering a perspective on FDR's presidency, his declining health, his personal struggles, through the Great Depression to the turning point of the attack on Pearl Harbor with the events of World War II and his friendship with Churchill.
In 1934, Will Hassett was working as a journalist when he received a call from an old friend, Steve Early who worked as a Press Secretary to President Roosevelt at the White House. He arrived expecting to catch up on old times but is instead was brought into the Oval Office to meet with Franklin D. Roosevelt. FDR needed help on his speeches and Will took the job on the spot.
Roosevelt was diaqnosed with polio in 1921 at the age of 39 which left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. He was careful never to be seen using his wheelchair. His wife Eleanor by his side put in the work FDR's polio prevented him from doing.
His health started declining in 1944, but this was kept from the public. The White House physician Dr. Ross McIntire asserted that FDR was in good health but the stress of having to behave as if he was in good health around others was a constant challenge but he never let it interfere with his role as President.
This novel is based on the real diaries of Will Hassett, a journalist and close aide to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President from March 4, 1933 to April 12, 1945. Will worked with FDR for twelve years. Offering a perspective on FDR's presidency, his declining health, his personal struggles, through the Great Depression to the turning point of the attack on Pearl Harbor with the events of World War II and his friendship with Churchill.
In 1934, Will Hassett was working as a journalist when he received a call from an old friend, Steve Early who worked as a Press Secretary to President Roosevelt at the White House. He arrived expecting to catch up on old times but is instead was brought into the Oval Office to meet with Franklin D. Roosevelt. FDR needed help on his speeches and Will took the job on the spot.
Roosevelt was diaqnosed with polio in 1921 at the age of 39 which left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. He was careful never to be seen using his wheelchair. His wife Eleanor by his side put in the work FDR's polio prevented him from doing.
His health started declining in 1944, but this was kept from the public. The White House physician Dr. Ross McIntire asserted that FDR was in good health but the stress of having to behave as if he was in good health around others was a constant challenge but he never let it interfere with his role as President.
April 11, 2026
4⭐️ In 1934,a journalist named William Hassett is summoned to the White House to write a speech for President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He didn’t know that he’d end up staying for the next 12 years to be an aide, speechwriter and confidant to the president. William basically had a front row seat to so many historic events throughout that time, including the Great Depression recovery, re-election campaigns, the lead-up to WWII, and the turning point of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The part of the story that intrigued me the most was the way FDR’s daughter, Anna, and Mr. Hassett worked together to find a way to get medical help for FDR without anyone knowing. He was terribly ill, but this was being kept from the public. The stress of having to behave as if he’s ok around others and the discomfort from his declining health in private was a constant challenge.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I read tons of historical fiction, but none that have followed the life of a president. I learned a lot from this, and I’m glad I read it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This comes out on May 5th.
The part of the story that intrigued me the most was the way FDR’s daughter, Anna, and Mr. Hassett worked together to find a way to get medical help for FDR without anyone knowing. He was terribly ill, but this was being kept from the public. The stress of having to behave as if he’s ok around others and the discomfort from his declining health in private was a constant challenge.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. I read tons of historical fiction, but none that have followed the life of a president. I learned a lot from this, and I’m glad I read it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan audio for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. This comes out on May 5th.
May 20, 2026
First, let me thank Mark Frost and Flatiron Books for an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book. I am voluntarily providing this review, and all opinions are my own.
The Yankee Sphinx was a fantastic novel that blended historical fiction and biography in the best possible way. Through the perspective of one of FDR’s trusted advisors, the story brings Franklin D. Roosevelt’s later years vividly to life while also capturing the immense pressure and complexity of the World War II era.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly Mark Frost combined historical fact with rich character development. The people in this story felt like real human beings rather than distant historical figures. Their strengths, flaws, ambitions, and personal struggles all came through in a way that made the history feel immediate and deeply engaging.
I also appreciated how much I learned about both World War II and the Roosevelt administration while still feeling completely immersed in the story. This book managed to be informative without ever feeling dry or overly academic.
Overall, this was a compelling and well-crafted read that I think fans of historical fiction and history alike will really enjoy.
The Yankee Sphinx was a fantastic novel that blended historical fiction and biography in the best possible way. Through the perspective of one of FDR’s trusted advisors, the story brings Franklin D. Roosevelt’s later years vividly to life while also capturing the immense pressure and complexity of the World War II era.
What impressed me most was how seamlessly Mark Frost combined historical fact with rich character development. The people in this story felt like real human beings rather than distant historical figures. Their strengths, flaws, ambitions, and personal struggles all came through in a way that made the history feel immediate and deeply engaging.
I also appreciated how much I learned about both World War II and the Roosevelt administration while still feeling completely immersed in the story. This book managed to be informative without ever feeling dry or overly academic.
Overall, this was a compelling and well-crafted read that I think fans of historical fiction and history alike will really enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Yankees Sphinx is a fascinating historical fiction based on the actual diaries of Will Hassett. Hassett served on FDR's secretarial staff from 1935 to 1945, and became a close personal confidant to FDR during that time, so his diaries give us a fascinating look inside not only FDR's White House but also into the workings behind the scenes of his inner circle.
This reads more like a memoir than a history book, with a much more personal feel and approachable style.
I also appreciated the relatively brief length, coming in at 288 pages. The audiobook is 8 hours and 47 minutes, and I really enjoyed the narrator that they chose. There are quite a few good history books out there which I hesitate to pick up because they are so lengthy and this was a breath of fresh air! If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating president and enjoying a very engaging, fact-based story along the way, you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy in exchange for a honest review. This book comes out May 5th, 2026.
This reads more like a memoir than a history book, with a much more personal feel and approachable style.
I also appreciated the relatively brief length, coming in at 288 pages. The audiobook is 8 hours and 47 minutes, and I really enjoyed the narrator that they chose. There are quite a few good history books out there which I hesitate to pick up because they are so lengthy and this was a breath of fresh air! If you're interested in learning more about this fascinating president and enjoying a very engaging, fact-based story along the way, you will enjoy this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy in exchange for a honest review. This book comes out May 5th, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What an interesting take on the later years of FDR's presidency. We have all heard the stories and read the tales of the 32nd President, but not many from inside the staff. The book took the facts as we know them and wove them into a tale of intimacy and respect. There was no doubt that Bill had the utmost respect for the "Boss," but he told the story of the war years with grace and directness. FDR wasn't perfect, but he was who the country needed in those moments. I would have liked to see Eleanor as less aloof, though. I acknowledge that this was FDR's story, but she was a huge part of that, and without her support and her own drive, he would not have been the President he was. Her contributions deserved a bit more light.
Mark Frost's writing style made it seem as though we were reading a memoir, not a novel. The emotion inlaid throughout the prose was quiet in its beauty, and though I knew what was on the horizon in the coming chapters, I still found myself excited and interested in how Frost would tell each part of the story.
Mark Frost's writing style made it seem as though we were reading a memoir, not a novel. The emotion inlaid throughout the prose was quiet in its beauty, and though I knew what was on the horizon in the coming chapters, I still found myself excited and interested in how Frost would tell each part of the story.
May 5, 2026
First of all, thank you Goodreads, Flatiron Books, and Mark Frost for an arc of this truly amazing historical fiction.
"The Yankee Sphinx" is based on the diary kept by Will Hasset, a journalist. In 1934, Will's friend, Harry Hopkins, a close adviser to FDR, had invited him to the White House. Will was only expecting a meeting with his old friend. However, he finds himself in the Oval Office, meeting FDR who is needing help with his speeches. After a short meeting, Will is offered the job of speech writer. For the next twelve years, Will is by FDR's side through ups and downs. During this time, he keeps a meticulous diary that keeps accounts of the personal and professional life of FDR.
As most of us have taken American History in school, we know some of the history that took place during this time in our country.
Mr. Frost provides a deeper insight that I found truly fascinating. If you're a history buff or not, you should find this novel interesting. In my opinion, definitely worth your time.
"The Yankee Sphinx" is based on the diary kept by Will Hasset, a journalist. In 1934, Will's friend, Harry Hopkins, a close adviser to FDR, had invited him to the White House. Will was only expecting a meeting with his old friend. However, he finds himself in the Oval Office, meeting FDR who is needing help with his speeches. After a short meeting, Will is offered the job of speech writer. For the next twelve years, Will is by FDR's side through ups and downs. During this time, he keeps a meticulous diary that keeps accounts of the personal and professional life of FDR.
As most of us have taken American History in school, we know some of the history that took place during this time in our country.
Mr. Frost provides a deeper insight that I found truly fascinating. If you're a history buff or not, you should find this novel interesting. In my opinion, definitely worth your time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5/5 stars
This book is a series of recollections and stories from the diaries of William D. Hassett, who was a personal secretary, confidant and speechwriter for President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1935 to 1945, later serving President Truman. I’ll admit this started off slow for me and I considered DNF’ing it. I decided to return to it, sped up the narration to where I liked the narrator's voice better, and I was able to finish the book. I read a book about FDR written by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin called No Ordinary Time a couple of years ago, and I enjoyed that book more. I think some history buffs will enjoy this one, although I found it a little dry personally. There were some parts that I thought were interesting, but I think I wasn’t really in the mood for a politically-themed book.
[Thank you to @macmillan.audio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.] #macaudio2026
CA| Contains some strong profanity, not too frequent.
This book is a series of recollections and stories from the diaries of William D. Hassett, who was a personal secretary, confidant and speechwriter for President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1935 to 1945, later serving President Truman. I’ll admit this started off slow for me and I considered DNF’ing it. I decided to return to it, sped up the narration to where I liked the narrator's voice better, and I was able to finish the book. I read a book about FDR written by historian Doris Kearns Goodwin called No Ordinary Time a couple of years ago, and I enjoyed that book more. I think some history buffs will enjoy this one, although I found it a little dry personally. There were some parts that I thought were interesting, but I think I wasn’t really in the mood for a politically-themed book.
[Thank you to @macmillan.audio for the gifted ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.] #macaudio2026
CA| Contains some strong profanity, not too frequent.
May 13, 2026
I am so glad I noticed this on the New Books shelves at our library. This book clearly and simply answered questions I had about events that happened shorty before I was born.
My dad was a college student and a week shy of turning 20 when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. When the U.S. declared war on Germany he dropped out and started pilot training. Even though he told me the history I didn’t understand why Japan attacked, and I didn’t understand why he was sent to North Africa. I do now after reading this!
My dad was a Glider Pilot in WWII and one of the lucky ones who returned after North Africa, Sicily, Holland, England, and standby for Normandy. I was born 10 months after his return, one of the first baby boomers who grew up with this history being so alive for them.
Thank you for writing this book!
*****
My dad was a college student and a week shy of turning 20 when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. When the U.S. declared war on Germany he dropped out and started pilot training. Even though he told me the history I didn’t understand why Japan attacked, and I didn’t understand why he was sent to North Africa. I do now after reading this!
My dad was a Glider Pilot in WWII and one of the lucky ones who returned after North Africa, Sicily, Holland, England, and standby for Normandy. I was born 10 months after his return, one of the first baby boomers who grew up with this history being so alive for them.
Thank you for writing this book!
*****
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Full disclosure: I won a free ARC of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This fascinating book tells the story of most of FDR's tenure as President of the United States, from the perspective of Will Hassett, a journalist hired by the White House to help write speeches among other duties. It covers the period from 1934 through the final days of World War II, with occasional flashbacks to the past, and a few brief glimpses of the post-War era. Hassett was a real person, and the novel is based on his diaries.
I haven't closely followed Mark Frost's career. I think the last book of his that I read was The Six Messiahs, which came out longer ago than I care to contemplate. And historical fiction is not something I've read in quantity. Nonetheless, I found the book enthralling. I know the general outline of WWII history, but this was the first time I've had any sort of close reading of it. I mean, I've read books set during the time period. But none which used the history as much more than a backdrop. It's a cliché, but the history came alive for me, and I feel as though I got a sense of folks like FDR and Churchill as actual people rather than simply historical figures.
I would definitely be interested in a historian's perspective on this book. I'd love to know how much was Frost's invention and how much was already in Hassett's diaries.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to, and it makes me want to revisit Frost's work in general. Recommended!
This fascinating book tells the story of most of FDR's tenure as President of the United States, from the perspective of Will Hassett, a journalist hired by the White House to help write speeches among other duties. It covers the period from 1934 through the final days of World War II, with occasional flashbacks to the past, and a few brief glimpses of the post-War era. Hassett was a real person, and the novel is based on his diaries.
I haven't closely followed Mark Frost's career. I think the last book of his that I read was The Six Messiahs, which came out longer ago than I care to contemplate. And historical fiction is not something I've read in quantity. Nonetheless, I found the book enthralling. I know the general outline of WWII history, but this was the first time I've had any sort of close reading of it. I mean, I've read books set during the time period. But none which used the history as much more than a backdrop. It's a cliché, but the history came alive for me, and I feel as though I got a sense of folks like FDR and Churchill as actual people rather than simply historical figures.
I would definitely be interested in a historian's perspective on this book. I'd love to know how much was Frost's invention and how much was already in Hassett's diaries.
I enjoyed this book more than I expected to, and it makes me want to revisit Frost's work in general. Recommended!
May 20, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan for the ALC.
The problem with this book is that there isn’t enough character development to make you care about the stakes. When writing a piece of historical fiction it is imperative to create a story. Instead the author uses beats from FDR’s life and WWII history to outline the book. This methodology lacks any depth of plot or character development. The invented character is the lead character who served as FDR’s communications aide (director?) but you fail to know who he, or anyone really is in the book. Conflicts are blasé and dull and the beats focus on WWII, which can be interesting but it doesn’t actually tell a story.
The problem with this book is that there isn’t enough character development to make you care about the stakes. When writing a piece of historical fiction it is imperative to create a story. Instead the author uses beats from FDR’s life and WWII history to outline the book. This methodology lacks any depth of plot or character development. The invented character is the lead character who served as FDR’s communications aide (director?) but you fail to know who he, or anyone really is in the book. Conflicts are blasé and dull and the beats focus on WWII, which can be interesting but it doesn’t actually tell a story.
May 9, 2026
The only reason my rating lost a star is because I received the uncorrected proof that definitely had some grammatical and spelling corrections to be made. The story itself at times also felt a little disjointed at times in terms of how certain situations between characters were introduced during main events. Overall, aside from those minor issues the book was a great read while adding to historical events
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An outstanding historical fiction with an insight to one of the most prominent presidency's of all time. Timely and relevant, this really was fascinating. I would recommend this to patrons and choose it for my historical fiction book club without hesitation.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance listening copy in exchange for a review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance listening copy in exchange for a review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3-1/2 stars rounded to 4 🌟
This was a wonderfully detailed historical account about FDR and his political team compiled by the writer who worked for and with FDR for over 12 years.
It was fascinating to have this insider’s viewpoint retelling our history, especially about FDRs health.
It reads like a documentary by the narrator (Marc Vietor), a no nonsense voice that becomes a bit passive at times. However the information is remarkable and I highly recommend it to history buffs.
Thanks to NetGalley, Mark Frost, and the publisher, Macmillan Audio, who I can always count on for interesting and well done audios.o
This was a wonderfully detailed historical account about FDR and his political team compiled by the writer who worked for and with FDR for over 12 years.
It was fascinating to have this insider’s viewpoint retelling our history, especially about FDRs health.
It reads like a documentary by the narrator (Marc Vietor), a no nonsense voice that becomes a bit passive at times. However the information is remarkable and I highly recommend it to history buffs.
Thanks to NetGalley, Mark Frost, and the publisher, Macmillan Audio, who I can always count on for interesting and well done audios.o
Review of advance copy
I couldn't quite figure out the POINT to this one. It's a nice consideration of FDR with some "insider" knowledge, but it was more of a broad overview of just about all of WWII with some potentially intimate considerations. It felt like it wanted to be a more fictional Erik Larsen with less research focus, but the story was somehow missing.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A well done insider/outsider perspective on one of America's most prominent presidents and periods in history. A comfortable narrator to make it feel more accessible/sympathetic. Would have loved some notes at the end providing some insight into what areas were most based in facts/fiction.
Review of advance copy
Historical fiction at its finest. For any fans of Presidential history. Amazing narrative that takes the reader on a journey through the amazing FDR political career.
May 11, 2026
Mark Frost never disappoints and The Yankee Sphinx was one fantastic read. Like having a chat with FDR. Very entertaining with precise writing and exceptional writing skill. Mark knows!
May 18, 2026
'The Yankee Sphinx' is a beautiful read bringing insight FDR and other historical figures at a critical time in a personal way.
My copy was a gift from Goodreads First Reads.
My copy was a gift from Goodreads First Reads.
May 20, 2026
interesting but a snoozer
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews