A warm, intimate account of the love between Eleanor Roosevelt and reporter Lorena Hickok—a relationship that, over more than three decades, transformed both women’s lives and empowered them to play significant roles in one of the most tumultuous periods in American historyIn 1932, as her husband assumed the presidency, Eleanor Roosevelt entered the claustrophobic, duty-bound existence of the … existence of the First Lady with dread. By that time, she had put her deep disappointment in her marriage behind her and developed an independent life—now threatened by the public role she would be forced to play. A lifeline came to her in the form of a feisty campaign reporter for the Associated Press: Lorena Hickok. Over the next thirty years, until Eleanor’s death, the two women carried on an extraordinary relationship: They were, at different points, lovers, confidantes, professional advisors, and caring friends.
They couldn’t have been more different. Eleanor had been raised in one of the nation’s most powerful political families and was introduced to society as a debutante before marrying her distant cousin, Franklin. Hick, as she was known, had grown up poor in rural South Dakota and worked as a servant girl after she escaped an abusive home, eventually becoming one of the most respected reporters at the AP. Her admiration drew the buttoned-up Eleanor out of her shell, and the two quickly fell in love. For the next thirteen years, Hick had her own room at the White House, next door to the First Lady.
These fiercely compassionate women inspired each other to right the wrongs of the turbulent era in which they lived. During the Depression, Hick reported from the nation’s poorest areas for the WPA, and Eleanor used these reports to lobby her husband for New Deal programs. Hick encouraged Eleanor to turn their frequent letters into her popular and long-lasting syndicated column “My Day,” and to befriend the female journalists who became her champions. When Eleanor’s tenure as First Lady ended with FDR’s death, Hick pushed her to continue to use her popularity for good—advice Eleanor took by leading the UN’s postwar Human Rights Commission. At every turn, the bond these women shared was grounded in their determination to better their troubled world.
Deeply researched and told with great warmth, Eleanor and Hick is a vivid portrait of love and a revealing look at how an unlikely romance influenced some of the most consequential years in American history.
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A very good book with a human look at a woman I have always admired and who gave America more than most people know.
Eleanor Roosevelt is admired by so many, I among them. And I have new-found respect and admiration after reading this story of her private life. Tells the truth about a Lesbian relationship without being the least bit critical or lascivious.
I’m conflicted about this book. Eleanor Roosevelt is such a fascinating person, and I liked learning more about her. But I had a few issues with this book. The title leads the reader to believe that the book will focus on the relationship between Eleanor and Lorena Hickok, and how that relationship affected Eleanor’s life and views. However, I feel that we didn’t get very much of this. Susan Quinn did a good job laying out the background and telling about some exploits the two had together, but it was really lacking any emotion. I still don’t know how or why they fell in love. Perhaps including more pieces of their letters, or maybe some photographs or something, would’ve helped. In addition, about two-thirds of the way through the book, Eleanor and Hick seem to drift apart and live mostly separate lives, though they’re still friendly. While I enjoyed reading about Eleanor’s life “after Hick,” it didn’t seem to fit much within the scope that the title of the book suggests. Those things aside, Susan Quinn did a remarkable job documenting the details of the life and times of one of the most fascinating women in recent history. An enjoyable read.
Slow-moving. I still want to rad something more lively about Eleanor.
I thought I knew the Roosevelt story but this was more honest and enlightening than any bio previously read
I enjoy historyband this is a fascinating obsigth into Eleanor that I didn’t see in other books I’ve read.
Interesting book. I had no idea Eleanor Roosevelt had this relationship.
The story of the relationship was interesting, but book got way too bogged down near end with irrelevant details.
Poor Eleanor Roosevelt had a most unhappy childhood and a not so successful marriage. With the controlling mother in law and strict conventions of the time, Eleanor weathered numerous pregnancies and seemed destined to lead the mundane life of an upper class woman. However, she reinvented herself and enjoyed word wide acclaim as the eyes and ears of her crippled husband, the president. She found in Lorena Hickok the friendship, warm acceptance and yes, even the love which had been missing from her life. Though she and Franklin shared a home and children theirs was not an intimate loving relationship. Eleanor blossomed into a statesman, author, globe trotter and voice of the US in the emerging United Nations. Loved learning more about this brave woman.
Learned about Eleanor Roosevelt’s intimate relationship with another woman.
I enjoyed reading this and felt it was very well researched. The use of letters newly released was most informative.
Book offered real insight to the complicated life of very determined women and their friendship.
This was a good read —— informative.
Shows Eleanor Roosevelt’s personal life from a previously unknown perspective.
Another set of fascinating Insights into this amazing and troubled woman possibly the greatest of the 20th century.
I enjoyed this book. I found it informative but toward the end I just kept wishing It would end.
Too long and somewhat repetitious.
I found it very interesting, sad in places. Informative and an interesting insight into the world and secrets of politicians back in the 20’s 30’s 40’sand 50’s
I learned many new things about Eleanor and FDR.
Interesting information, but it seemed to jump around quite a bit in the first half.