The evolution of the complex relationship between Perkins and President Franklin D. Roosevelt is a central plot point in the novel. What surprised you about this relationship? How did it shed light on history?
What surprised me was we learn all about FDR in school but I sure don’t remember learning about Frances. I was also surprised by her relationship with Eleanor.
Ms Perkins’s first impression of Franklin was interesting. He seemed to be a good-looking man from a privileged background. He seemed very shallow, which was surprising because I had not heard him described that way. It seemed that having Polio changed not only his physical ability but also his attitude.
Over time Perkins learned how to interact effectively with the dominance of men in politics. She grew to respect FDR and he her. They had a level of communication that evolved over both of their careers. I cheered for her as she didn’t hold back, yet managed to know where the line existed, and that line changed over time, too. She knew about timing and persistence. Bully for her!
This aspect of the novel was absolutely fascinating. First it showed the evolution of FDR’s political strength as he aged, and moved through various tragedies, personally and nationally. I always assumed he was always the way history remembers him. And secondly, how much of this history of his presidency resembles current national affairs. Immigration, Distribution of wealth and huge disparities, Extremes of the political parties, journalism. Truly History repeats itself. I wish I saw the political maturity of today’s politicians compared with Rosevelt.
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I thought it was interesting that FDR did not always “play his cards” the way that Francis thought he would. When he did things that seemed unsupportive (I recall a speech that she edited and then was edited by someone else, un-doing many of her changes), she had the maturity to step back from it and assess what might have happened to cause this outcome. I cannot stress enough how much I appreciated that she did not over-react to these situations. I think that was key to their mutual respect. And how difficult it must be for a president to know which of his trusted advisors are truly worthy of his trust - that was an eye-opener for me as all.