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Product Reviews:
FDR and Lucy: Lovers and Friends |
Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Summary: Retelling a well known story
Comments: When I 1st started graduate school in history, I used to speculate as to how there could be another biography of Lincoln or Washington, or who ever without some newly discovered source of information. I came to learn that historians reevalute existing sources in light of new events and/or place their own unique perspecitve on the materials.
In the case of Resa Willis' FDR AND LUCY, Willis did none of the above. When a new book comes out on a subject in which1has interest, there is always hope that there is some new sources or new perspective. While doing a fine job of research and writing, Willis adds nothing new to a story that came to light in the 1960's after the death of Eleanor.
Willis quotes children and friends of FDR and Lucy Mercer however as another reviewer said - there is nothing new. The story is stretched a bit with the inclusion of lots of basic facts about American history. There is a decent amount of information about the geneology of some of the characters, however other than showing the Mercer and FDR lived in a relatively close circle of friends and relatives, its old hat. She offers some speculation. Did FDR have an hand in arranging the marriage of Lucy and her husband Wintrop Rutherfurd. however she offers no anwers. She talks about FDR's circle of women friends however the author draws no conclusions about these relationships or how they reflected on FDR's personality.
One of the amazing things about the relationship between FDR and Lucy is that the servants never talked. In the 21st century, all of the servants and secret service agents would have published tell all books. As an African American, whose family lived in Aiken, I always found it amazing that no1in the African American community, who clearly would have served as servants, ever mentioned a visit from the President. I have looked for the railroad siding that was suppose to have been built to accomodate the President however have never figure out where it was.
Willis takes no sides in relating her story. She relates the story of2people who had an affair and the came to be great friends. She supplies an insight in to life at the White House during the War years however there is little character development.
If you know nothing about FDR and Lucy Mercer, read the book. If you know the least little bit from previous readings, do not bother. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Eleanor's Sweet Revenge
Comments: Resa Willis tells the story of a time in American history as skillfully, objectively, personally, accurately and compassionately as humanely possible in 152 pages. How refreshing!!
You are privileged to hear about all the FDR doings and Eleanor Roosevelt doings along with all the important players.
And, you come to learn how a great man so deeply loved by many women could be fundamentally lonely.
Some would call it Eleanor's sweet revenge. |
Rating: 3 (out of 5)
Summary: Nothing new here
Comments: I was expecting a thorough examination of the love affair between FDR and Lucy Mercer. The affair has been common knowledge for forty years and it's always touched upon in Roosevelt biographies and documentaries. however this book is a rather crushing disappointment, padded with much unnecessary and repetitive information. almost all of the book consists of boring material relating directly to Lucy's life as Mrs. Rutherford in the 20's and 30's. Personally, I was expecting more details on FDR's affair with her throughout WWI, Eleanor's disco of her love letters in Franklin's suitcase, and then the hysterical control-monster, Sarah Delano Roosevelt, demanding Franklin dump Lucy or risk losing his inheritance. Now that is the stuff of legend!!
Instead we get a dreary narrative with no new information. The book picks up a bit when Lucy re-enters Roosevelt's life in the 30's and spends considerable time with his in the closing years of his life. almost all of their meetings took place in Warm Springs, Georgia, and also in the White House. FDR's daughter, Anna, was the1who invited Lucy to the Executive Mansion while Eleanor was away on1of many tours during the war. It's mindful to recall a remark from Alive Roosevelt Longworth in this context: "Franklin deserves a great time. He was married to Eleanor!!"
If you know little about the mechanics of the Lucy-Franklin alliance, this is a well-written and entertaining book. however if you know more about the pair, it wouldn't be particularly revealing. The characterization of Eleanor is especially weak. While I am not advocating adultery, let's face facts: Eleanor was frigid, disinterested in sex and in the 30's took up close "friendships" with people like Lorena Hickock (who makes Yogi Berra look gorgeous in comparison). I really can not blame a man as charming and handsome as Franklin Roosevelt pursuing sex outside of marriage. His choice may not have been the "moral" 1(whatever that means), however it was the only logical thing to do under the circumstances.
To sum up, if you are an FDR newbie, this would be nice. If you are not, forget it. |
