Persevero Press, February 1, 2016.
Three Stars
Lorena “Hick” Hickok, one of the first female AP
reporters in the 1930s, narrates this novel about her lifelong relationship
with Eleanor Roosevelt. Throughout Eleanor’s husband’s campaigns and presidency,
to Eleanor’s own work in service to the American people, Hick stood by her with
love and friendship. Now, at the end of her life, Hick has decided to tell the
true story of her love for Eleanor.
In 1932, Hick was assigned with covering the
presidential campaign and election. During her time spent following Franklin
Roosevelt, she became close with his wife Eleanor and learned that her marriage
was mostly for political show. Although Franklin was involved in a long-term
affair with his secretary, Eleanor was trapped in the marriage and prevented
from finding her own lover. The two women form a bond of mutual respect that
develops into a strong friendship – and eventually into romantic passion.
With the backdrop of the Great Depression, FDR’s New
Deal, and World War II, we see through Hick’s eyes that Eleanor Roosevelt was a
strong, intelligent, complex woman in her own right. Hick is willing to give up
everything for Eleanor, but the First Lady is committed to her role as
co-leader of the country – not just as a figurehead, but by actually making positive
change in the world.
This is of course a fictional memoir of Hick, as she
describes her time “loving Eleanor.” She explains what their relationship meant
for her own life and career, as well as the ways that she influenced Eleanor –
especially in her advocacy for women. Love is an important part of the story,
but the novel is truly about these two strong women whose paths collide as they
attempt to change the world. Despite the historical setting, this is an easy,
accessible read.
As Eleanor and Hick mature, their relationship becomes
less stormy and passionate, and instead settles into an enduring friendship,
which has been captured in the thousands of letters that passed between the two
women. Although these letters are part of the historical record (and of course
open to interpretation), I had no idea that the romantic relationship between
Eleanor and Hick is considered to be factual by most historians. After reading
this, I look forward to learning more about Eleanor Roosevelt and the policies
she helped to create.
Although I was interested by the historical aspects
of this novel, it is ultimately a love story – showing all the phases of a relationship
and how it perseveres in the face of obstacles. I appreciated the story, but I didn’t
like the tone of the novel, which rang false and even seemed a bit juvenile at
times. Regardless, it was still well worth the read.
I received this book from Persevero Press and
NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
No comments:
Post a Comment