Reviewed May 2005
since our trip to Washington D.C. I have been fascinated with Eleanor & Franklin. I really admired her for her courage and strength. Reading this book written by their son I learned tons. While Eleanor remains courageous and strong she was also weak, cowardly, hard nosed, gullible and cruel. I would never want her for a mother. Franklin on the other hand was an amazing man, ideas before his time, a loving father when he was around them but always a good judge of character. With his mother such a strong influence and holding the money bag their marriage was doomed from the beginning. Lucy Mercer then Missy became long-term loves of his, outlasting his wife. Eleanor asked for his infidelity by refusing sex after the birth of their last child, she said, “never again.” She would rather give up her husband to another woman instead of asking her doctor how to prevent pregnancy. Once she found a cause she was aggressive and hard working, but she allowed her children to be raised by others and in private schools, boarded away from home as soon as they were old enough. Then complained that they were not close. The real amazing relationship was between Louis Howe and Franklin, they hooked up early on and had one long term goal - make Franklin President. Louis overworked himself and made it happen though he barely lasted to see it. Franklin made long-term friendships but spent little time at home. Very good book.
9-2005 ( )