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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
From the book jacket: Marguerite “Missy” LeHand was the private secretary and right-hand woman of Franklin Delano Roosevelt for more than twenty years, serving as de facto chief of staff in the White House – a position never held by a woman before or since. From her perch at Roosevelt’s side, she offered him counsel on Supreme Court and cabinet appointments – and on events as momentous as the unfolding war in Europe (and as minor as whom to invite for dinner).
My reactions
I had never heard of Miss LeHand, and yet she was written about during her tenure as Roosevelt’s private secretary, with a Time magazine cover in 1934 that featured the four people who formed FDR’s secretariat, and several profile articles in Life and Look magazines, as well as regular mention in newspapers. So how is it that she has slipped out of our collective memories?
Perhaps the answer is that, until this work, there has never been a biography of this extraordinary woman. Smith did extensive research and she includes detailed notes and a bibliography at the end of the main biography. Her interest in Missy and her access to letters, journals and records, helped Smith craft a book that is interesting, balanced and fascinating. There is controversy, to be sure, about LeHand’s actual role in FDR’s life, with some people claiming that she was the President’s mistress, while others refute that. Smith’s research leads her to the conclusion that Missy was not a love interest but a close and reliable confidant, a person the Roosevelts (both Franklin and Eleanor) trusted and depended upon. The high regard in which Missy LeHand was held is evidenced by the fact that the Roosevelts paid for all her medical expenses after her major stroke, and the family continues to pay for the maintenance of her gravesite.
I found the Afterword and Acknowledgements section almost as fascinating as the main biography. In it Smith relates how she came across a reference to Missy LeHand which piqued her interest. When she began searching for a biography to read, she discovered the lack of one. The rest, as they say, is history.
My reactions
I had never heard of Miss LeHand, and yet she was written about during her tenure as Roosevelt’s private secretary, with a Time magazine cover in 1934 that featured the four people who formed FDR’s secretariat, and several profile articles in Life and Look magazines, as well as regular mention in newspapers. So how is it that she has slipped out of our collective memories?
Perhaps the answer is that, until this work, there has never been a biography of this extraordinary woman. Smith did extensive research and she includes detailed notes and a bibliography at the end of the main biography. Her interest in Missy and her access to letters, journals and records, helped Smith craft a book that is interesting, balanced and fascinating. There is controversy, to be sure, about LeHand’s actual role in FDR’s life, with some people claiming that she was the President’s mistress, while others refute that. Smith’s research leads her to the conclusion that Missy was not a love interest but a close and reliable confidant, a person the Roosevelts (both Franklin and Eleanor) trusted and depended upon. The high regard in which Missy LeHand was held is evidenced by the fact that the Roosevelts paid for all her medical expenses after her major stroke, and the family continues to pay for the maintenance of her gravesite.
I found the Afterword and Acknowledgements section almost as fascinating as the main biography. In it Smith relates how she came across a reference to Missy LeHand which piqued her interest. When she began searching for a biography to read, she discovered the lack of one. The rest, as they say, is history.
dixiemac's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.5
This fleshed out the character and personality of Ms. LeHand, as she has only appeared tangentially in Roosevelt bios I have read. Especially noteworthy for the explanation of her illness and early death.
mawalker1962's review against another edition
4.0
If you are fascinated by all things Roosevelt, as am I, then you know that FDR's right hand was a woman named Missy LeHand who served him faithfully for twenty years. I've always want to know more about Missy, but precious little has been written about her until. Kathryn Smith's deeply researched, beautifully written biography brings Missy LeHand to life. I wish I had known her.
jennc_20's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Good insights on a little known yet important person on FDR’s staff.
princesszinza's review against another edition
4.0
I'd like to thank Netgalley for an advance copy of this book for a fair review.
Being of a certain age and raised conservatively, it's far easier for me to dream of being a person like Missy LeHand than it is to be Hillary Clinton.
It would be fantastic to be taken in by the Roosevelts, to live in the White House and to live history first hand. If I had known about Missy LeHand as a child, I'm sure I would've dreamed of growing up to be like her. Imagine being the first person in America to learn of Hitler's invasion of Poland!
I've never read a biography of Franklin or Eleanor Roosevelt. This book makes me want to read more about both of them. Franklin is portrayed as remote but thoughtful. Eleanor seemed like a difficult person. She wanted to save the world but only if it could be saved her way and on her schedule.
Missy got to know many interesting characters who intersected with the Roosevelts. She had a romance but never marriage or children. Her life was her career.
Missy was able to navigate between the Roosevelts, all the advisors and the White House staff. Unfortunately, her life and career ended premature and abruptly.
I completely enjoyed learning about this forgotten woman and her life in the White House.
Being of a certain age and raised conservatively, it's far easier for me to dream of being a person like Missy LeHand than it is to be Hillary Clinton.
It would be fantastic to be taken in by the Roosevelts, to live in the White House and to live history first hand. If I had known about Missy LeHand as a child, I'm sure I would've dreamed of growing up to be like her. Imagine being the first person in America to learn of Hitler's invasion of Poland!
I've never read a biography of Franklin or Eleanor Roosevelt. This book makes me want to read more about both of them. Franklin is portrayed as remote but thoughtful. Eleanor seemed like a difficult person. She wanted to save the world but only if it could be saved her way and on her schedule.
Missy got to know many interesting characters who intersected with the Roosevelts. She had a romance but never marriage or children. Her life was her career.
Missy was able to navigate between the Roosevelts, all the advisors and the White House staff. Unfortunately, her life and career ended premature and abruptly.
I completely enjoyed learning about this forgotten woman and her life in the White House.
judyward's review against another edition
4.0
A compelling biography of Marguerite "Missy" LeHand who served as Franklin D. Roosevelt's chief of staff (de facto) and, therefore, was one of the most influential members of his inner circle during his first administration. Missy worked with FDR for over twenty years and was his constant companion during that time. Unfortunately, Missy's health was never robust and she had a stroke which led to her retirement and removed her from the center of power. The relationship between FDR and Missy has been the subject of debate for decades and this book tries to unravel that mystery.
spinnerroweok's review against another edition
4.0
This is an interesting look at FDR's personal secretary.
catladyreba's review against another edition
4.0
I'm only on Chapter 4, and I have learned so much already. I keep stopping to read parts aloud to my husband. I know this book is about Missy and FDR, but I have such a soft spot for Eleanor, and it kind of breaks my heart how she was treated by FDR.
Well, overall this was an incredibly researched book. It was an enjoyable read and an interesting glimpse into a time in history when the country was going through intense changes.
Well, overall this was an incredibly researched book. It was an enjoyable read and an interesting glimpse into a time in history when the country was going through intense changes.
kerryann's review against another edition
5.0
Loved to see Missy LeHand given her due.. I also enjoyed closest companion about Daisy Suckely. Comparing the two books leaves Missy looking like the invaluable advisor to FDR that she undoubtedly was.