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Summary: A renewed appreciation for the power of political activism
Review: Although I am a product of the 1960's and 1970's, I have lost sight of the importance and power of activism in our culture. I once had a passion to fight for the rights of others less privilieged or for those who can not fight for themselves. This book stirred in me a passion that I have long forgotten! How great a woman was Eleanor Roosevelt! How important her contribution to human rights and the survival of the American way! Blanche Weisen Cook has written an account of Eleanor Roosevelt that is moving, realistic and powerful. It has renewed my interest in political causes and the incredible need for activism. A must read for women of all generations.
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Summary: An unfortunate misinterpretation of a truly great woman
Review: Although Ms. Cooke's research is extensive, she does Eleanor Roosevelt no favors in interpreting her relationships by present day standards. The unforunate risk of taking a person out of the context of her background and the era in which she lived is a serious misrepresentation of that person's life. This is especially true when an author ventures so far out onto a limb as to present a relationship as having been sexual in nature. If wrong, as I believe Ms. Cooke is, not only has she misrepresented Mrs. Roosevelt's character; she has also forfeited a true understanding of the impact those friendships had on Eleanor Roosevelt's life and, ultimately, on the influence she had on the many lives she touched. This, in my view, is not only presumptuous;it is also inaccurate, irresponsible writing.
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Summary: Wonderful Work
Review: Blanche Wieson Cook has done a wonderful job on this biography. It is informative, thorough, captivating - but most importantly, she portrays Eleanor Roosevelt not as a legend but as a complex human being with extraordinary accomplishments. This biography provides the reader with new insight into one of the giants of the twentieth century and I was left feeling that I knew Eleanor. I can't wait to read Volume II!
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Summary: This book lets you become an intimate friend of Eleanor.
Review: Eleanor is a wonderful book that explores the world and intimate life of Eleanor Roosevelt. This is a well researched document that is masterful in capturing the personal, political, and very independent life of the former First Lady. The book moves thoroughly through the first few decades of Mrs. Roosevelt's life leaving no stone unturned. One of my favorite quotes pertained to the fact that if one is to change the world we must first change our neighborhoods, our schools, our own communities...this is where change starts...this book has brought to the citizenry of this world a new lense through which to view this extremely humanitarian and progressive visionary...this book has gone into communities and has changed our way of thinking about the writing of biographies. It will be a lasting historical contribution but more importantly it has the potential to impact the visioning of all who read it. I can hardly wait for Volume 2.
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Summary: An inspiring subject; a skewed portrayal
Review: Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most inspirational and influential people of the 20th century, despite her own protests to the contrary. While Ms. Cook's biography reveals many insights into Mrs. Roosevelt's private and public lives, certain of the author's own subjective opinions color what information is missing or has been destroyed regarding this wonderful first lady; these opinions are certainly open to debate. Overall, though, the book inspires all to pursue dreams, to grow throughout a lifetime, to change to fit the times and the needs of one's world. Eleanor's own education about living provides a basis from which to begin living life to the fullest. It is this hope and fortitude that Ms. Cook best captures.
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Summary: "...assertive, independent, and bold."
Review: Eleanor Roosevelt's passions impress those who recall her later public image as a dowdy grandmother-type. No cracks about prominent teeth, please. Author Blanche Wiesen Cook does a commendable job of telling a familiar story from a fresh perspective. This book details ER's life from childhood to the beginning of her career as First Lady. The theme of the book is ER as "assertive, independent, and bold." As long as she lived by other people's expectations, ER was stifled. After she asserted her independence, she was happier and more successful. "She feared rigidities," Cook asserts. She abhorred the judgmental absolutes that she thought contributed to her parents' problems and early deaths. ER aspired to walk in the humanist footsteps of her mentor and great teacher, Marie Souvestre. Intriguing questions of ER's private life remain unanswered because she destroyed many of her personal letters and papers. Her marriage to Franklin Roosevelt was mercurial, and the boundaries grew undefined. After 1918, a crisis year in their marriage, ER formed a number of associations with women social activists. She embarked in new directions, and tirelessly supported women's issues. Ironically, she opposed the 1920s version of the equal rights amendment because she felt it would remove protections that women enjoyed under the laws of that time. Woven through the tapestry of the narrative are questions of ER's love life. Her close working friendships with lesbian activists, at minimum, suggest Sapphic possibilities. ER's views of love and sex were nonconformist, and included men and women. Both Earl Miller and Lorena Hickock played special roles in her life. Cook writes of Eleanor Roosevelt as a three-dimensional woman of joy and sorrow. This book is an eye opening and enjoyable read. Highly recommended. ;-)
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Summary: great life, ordinary biography
Review: ER was certainly an impressive American. However this biography is too light for such a heavy weight. Wiesen Cook provides little analysis of the world between 1884 and 1933, just the occassional reference, yet the reason ER was so impressive was that she interpreted correctly and reacted positively to what was going on around her and her times. While the biographer provides so many extracts from her letters the reader feels like they are guiltity rummaging through another's most private possessions, she does not link these adequately to the times. Also, she is so enamoured with her subject that she frustratingly stops short of making a point or even stating her opinion or point of view on any interesting subject. Flowery prose is no substitute for pointed analysis, espeically in relation to a 20th century giant like ER.
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Summary: Excellent, engrossing biography
Review: Even if you're not interested in Eleanor Roosevelt, you will be after reading this book. Cook writes history the way it *should* be written, with an emphasis on the personality, foibles and private life of her subject. She doesn't shy away from speculating on Eleanor's relationship with Lorena Hickock or Earl Miller. She correctly points out that for years people have denied Eleanor might have had a sexual relationship with Miller simply because he was young and handsome and she was "old" and "ugly." Absurd! My only minor concern was that Cook seems not to fully appreciate FDR as a man, politician and icon. Her marked preference for Eleanor is obvious, which really isn't a big concern. Was FDR a jerk to cheat on Eleanor with Lucy Mercer? Probably not, since Eleanor hated intimacy with him (and told her daughter "sex is an ordeal to be borne!") and never sought to re-establish a real marriage after 1918. Most men with FDR's looks, charm and natural exuberance would tolerate a wife who was cold as a fish in the bedroom. I don't believe Cook accepts this or attempts to understand FDR's frustration. Eleanor Roosevelt is a truly great and grand lady, multi-faceted, highly intelligent, compassionate and gritty. Cook has done a marvelous job in exploring and explaining her early life.
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Summary: Solid academic research reveals a real woman.
Review: How many books written for what could easily be a Phd. disertation can be enjoyed and discussed by several generations of women from teenagers to grandmothers? Not many. But this is one. It was wonderful to sit and discuss this this well researched and documented work, Eleanor Roosevelt, 1884-1933 by Blanche Wiesen Cook. The footnotes took up a significant part of the volumn, but were at the back of the book so one did not need to interupt the flow of the storey unless it was desired. How amazing it was for me to learn about a woman who I vaguely remember only as a president's wife and someone who wrote a column in one of my mother's favorite magzines, Ladies Home Journal. Growing up in the 60's why was not more written about this remarkable woman who could have taught a generation of women how to make it in a man's world. While we stumbled around she had already walked the path we vainly thought we were pioneering. Yet we were all kept in the dark about her. Her storey was not taught to us in school, although we certainly all knew avout Franlkin Roosevelt's struggle to overcome his physical problems to become president. Why only now are we learning about Eleanor's role in that fight? Eleanor had learned to balance the needs of children, a philandering husband and the call she heard to make the world a better place. One might wonder why women were not told her storey. Could it be to keep us in our places; the kitchen ad the bedroom and out of the boardroom? Who knows, with information like this a generation of women might not have thought their only choices in careers were teaching, nursing or airline stewardist? How wonderful to read about all the leading women of her time who faught for women's right to vote, rights for minorities, fair and equal pay for both men and women along with safe working conditions. The role Eleanor Roosevelt played in world politics and human rights issues should have assured her a few chapters in the history books along with her peers, Elizabeth Cady Staton and Jane Adams. It is so exciting to learn more about all of these women, who could have served as role models for young women, had we been better informed about them. This is not a mistake that will go uncorrected in my circle of friends. This book will be read and discussed with our daughters, neices and the daughters of our friends. Thank you Ms. Cook, I can hardly wait to get started on the sequel.
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Summary: A biography that will tempt you to pursue your dreams.
Review: I just finished reading "Eleanor Roosevelt 1889-1934" by Blanche Wiesner Cooke. The book reads like a novel, with the pulse of a newborn. Cooke writes in my opinion, an honest, biography of great depth (This ain't no Kitty Kelly). A sad little girl, in a dysfunction family (sound familiar) who becomes one of the worlds most notable people,if not women. The author captures the essence of Eleanor by sharing letters and page turning relationships. You will be introduced to a cast of characters second to none and feel as though you have stepped back in time. For those of you who are native New Yorkers you will be pleased to find an abandance of NYC history along with the the people who built the city and funded it from Henry Street Settlement to private industry. This book will broaden those who lack a political mind and maybe even educate you on the way. So get yourself a pot of tea and a good light. This book is long (500pp) but oh so neccessary.
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