Good Morning Saloners!!
I've been reading the soon to be released book, "Franklin and Lucy" by Joseph Persico. I was reading early this morning about 2:30AM when I finally crashed. Sleeping "in" was not to be on my last day of vacation; thanks to my four feisty fur kids. My rescued greyhounds. Their clock is set on coach potato time and not my time. Which means they sleep whenever their big heart desires. But who cares, they deserve this second life out of a crate and off the track chasing that buzzing bunny. (OK..had to get that little plug in for Greyhound Adoption see below)
Now, I'm awake and they're sleeping again. So, hi to everyone! It is great to be a part of Sunday Salon surrounded by bloggers who share their love of books with each other. I have been reading many of your posts already and finally decided to be brave.
Back to Franklin and Lucy, subtitle President Roosevelt, Mrs. Rutherfurd, and the Other Remarkable Women in His Life is an irresistible book about FDR and the women who surrounded him. I enjoy reading about strong women, and have always admired Eleanor. After reading the first half of this book, I have a greater understanding of how she became one of the most prominent leaders for social change in her day. I empathize and have compassion for her position and respect her decision to support FDR despite his continuous infidelity.
The parallels between Eleanor and Hillary are out of the twilight zone. No doubt they would have made great friends with so much in common. The book reveals the love affair Franklin had with Lucy Rutherfurd and his later relationships with his secretary "Missy" and others. You will have to wait until next week to for any further revelations. As I bookmark my page, FDR has just been diagnosed with polio, a disease which will alter his mobility and lifestyle forever.
The picture I have included is a monument called "Grief" that Eleanor frequently visited after she discovered the affair her husband was having with Lucy. The betrayal was just devastating to her and she would go to this place and sit for hours. I can only imagine her thoughts, reflections and possibly the peace she may have reached as she sat in solitude. The artist was Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who was hired by Henry Adams to honor his wife, Marian "Clover"Adams upon her death. She had committed suicide by swallowing photographic acid upon discovering his affair with another woman.
I felt compelled to find a picture of the sculpture, since it appears it wasn't important enough to be included in the book. I think as a feminist, and therefore I was disappointed it was not a visual in the book. (However, the author has not included any photos in this advanced copy.) "Grief" as a piece of stone, a memorial, another betrayal, a different conclusion, a wife's death, was so essential in understanding Eleanor. The picture is from the article in the (Washington Post) .
Have a great week everyone. I am on to more reading, but not Franklin. This time some required reading for an American History grad course I'm taking called Liberty and Justice. It's actually an awesome course with all books required paid for...how can you beat that? Don't forget about the greyhounds!!!!
Greyhound Rescue and Rehabilitation
8 comments:
I wasn't aware of this side of FDR, but coincidentally I was listening this week to a discussion of a book about the way in which the illnesses of political leaders has shaped much of history. The list of such people who have stayed in office despite serious ill-health and simply kept quiet about it is remarkable. FDR was mentioned because of course it was impossible for him to deny his condition but it was commented on how difficult it is to find any photos of him in a wheelchair, only three in a collection running into four figures.
You have rescued greyhounds? Wonderful! We don't have greyhounds, but all one of our six dogs are rescues. Only one by us and the rest by others who needed to place them. I think it's so cool what you are doing!
Anyway, welcome to The Sunday Salon. I'm still very new myself, but already having such a blast!
Thats amazing! I remember my parents telling me about how secret this was.
It's hard to believe living in a media blitzed society like ours that his illness was hidden. He's a fascinating individual.
Thanks for visiting.
Yes, I am a foster mom too. Actually, I had two of my own and fostered and did Meet and Greets. The other two came to me at different times and I couldn't give them up.
Now, I have no more room for permanent residents, but I still foster. Talk to you soon JK..Thanks for stopping by.
Is there a better way to wake up in the morning? My two furkids wouldn't let me sleep in much this morning either. I would much rather wake up to them than my alarm during the work week.
Eleanor Roosevelt is one of my favorite historical figures. Like you, I am drawn to strong women. I'll have to put this book on my wish list. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
Have a great week!
Welcome to the Sunday Salon! I am VERY new as well but love reading about what others are doing in the book world. Take care and I will be sure to check back often!
Welcome to the Sunday Salon! Bailey (one of our two furry felines) always wakes me up every morning. He just doesn't understand the concept of sleeping in! I am more of a cat person but I do love greyhounds! I'm glad yours found a good home with you. :)
Welcome to The Salon. I LOVED that video you shared of Barbara Walters. Did you blog about meeting here yet? I will have to see if you have later (if I remember.)
I am glad you enjoying your book. It sounds really interesting.
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