Monday, April 30, 2018

Review: Loving Eleanor by: Susan Wittig Albert

Title: Loving Eleanor
Author: Susan Wittig Albert
Publisher: Persevero Press
Pages: 250
Format: e-book ARC
Source: NetGalley

Description:

When AP political reporter Lorena Hickok—Hick—is assigned to cover Eleanor Roosevelt in the 1932 campaign, the two women become deeply involved. Their relationship begins with mutual romantic passion, matures through stormy periods of enforced separation and competing interests, and warms into an enduring, encompassing friendship documented by 3300 letters. 

Set during the chaotic years of the Great Depression, the New Deal, and the Second World War, Loving Eleanor reveals Eleanor Roosevelt as a complex, contradictory, and entirely human woman who is pulled in many directions by her obligations to her husband and family and her role as the nation's First Lady. Hick is revealed as an accomplished journalist, who, at the pinnacle of her career, gives it all up for the woman she loves. Then, as Eleanor is transformed into Eleanor Everywhere, First Lady of the World, Hick must create her own independent, productive life. Loving Eleanor is a profoundly moving novel that illuminates a relationship we are seldom privileged to see, celebrating the depth and durability of women's love.

My Thoughts:

This book starts out with Lorena Hickok more commonly known as Hick who learns of Eleanor Roosevelt's death and is heartbroken.  She has someone take her to the grave sight and leave flowers for Eleanor.  Not wanting any part of the media circus that ensues at the funeral.  Then someone tells her that she should write a memoir about her time with the First Lady.  It would accompany letters shared between the two women should they ever be released.

Hick met Eleanor for the first time in 1928 when she was sent to cover the Democratic Ticket which was a big deal back then especially for a woman.  But Hick was no ordinary woman in the slightest!  This book spans a four term president and after wards.  We learn so much about the relationship between Hick and Eleanor the people they meet and interact with as well as their own relationship. 

This was such a journey to go on reading about the past and things that happened.  I thought it was well written and so intriguing to learn about these two women who seem very larger than life.  In a time where women are still suppose to be quiet and well mannered here are women who are very much involved in their own causes and not just cooking in the kitchen.  Which I found refreshing to read about their passions and desires!
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