This is an extraordinary and inspiring biography of Anna Marie Rosenberg, a Hungarian Jewish immigrant, who became FDR’S closest advisor during WWII. Her influence on 20th century America, from the New Deal to the Cold War and beyond, has long been overlooked. As one reviewer called it, it is “A story that deserves to be told!”

The Confidante by Christopher C. Gorham
Love this read as it's about a lot of different subjects: Politics, romance, immigration, wars, surviving through the hard times and programs started: CCC New Deal, different projects, plans, GI Bill SSI, and Medicare, Veterans Aid.
Love learning all the background details. Super love how she listened to the men in the trenches when she'd visit during wartime to find out how things were with them. Love how she called the boy’s parents to tell them how she found the men she talked to, their appearance, and other little tidbits a parents needs to hear about.
Like understanding how GI Bill got off the ground, FDR and was hoping to hear more about his secret service men who protected him as I understand my mother’s uncle was one of them but there was no mention of them.
Such a fascinating read about Anna Rosenberg and how the family came to the US and under what circumstances. She hit the ground running and listened, that was her secret, just listen to what they want. She settled many disputes, strikes, etc.
Like hearing of her fashion, hats, etc. Noted throughout the book, the excerpts are explained in further detail at the end. Notes form magazines, newspapers, radio, meetings, etc are also detailed. About the author and acknowledgments are also included.
I received this review book from The Kensington Between The Chapters Review Books and this is my honest opinion. ( )

I received this through “Between the Chapters”

When I read the synopsis I found it interesting that a woman had been involved in areas that were considered to be a man’s domain. I’d grown up in the 1950-60s and don’t remember hearing/reading of women being involved in union mediation, visiting the European war front to see what was going on and what the troops needed during WWII and Korea, developing the GI Bill, involved in the Manhattan Project, Social Security, promoting de-segregation in the military and elsewhere and more.

In 1912 Anna Rosenberg immigrated to the US with her family from Hungary. Her father was a fierce patriot and installed that into the family members. Something that was a fixed piece of Anna’ being.

Start her own business, Anna M. Rosenberg, Public Relation & Labor Relations, she grew her contacts and reputation during an era where labour relations between owners and unions were becoming the norm. Her ability to get each side to come to a compromise and work together put her in demand.

A meeting with Eleanor Roosevelt led to her working for Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She became a consultant for him and also served on a number of agencies, becoming a member of FDR’s inner circle.

Anna also worked for Truman, Eisenhower and Johnson in similar capacities. In 1945 she received the first Medal of Freedom for her “wartime” missions.

If you are a history buff, this is packed with history. If you like reading about strong women who make a difference, this is one lady who did.

The author teaches history and he has done his research for this book. I took my time reading as there is so much in it to absorb. The writing style is informative bu is also good reading and not dry.

Anna Rosenberg led an interesting and dedicated life. ( )

The Confidante by Christopher C Gorham
The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America
Historical non fiction. Biography.
Anna M Rosenberg is largely unknown by today’s standards but she was an influential woman with an impact that is felt still today. Social Security, women in the military and official cancer research are just a few things she had an impact on over the years. Presidents, senators and generals alike loved Anna and respected her business acumen and more simply, the ability to get things done.
An impressive woman and a book that pays her justice. Even if she would never have written it herself.

Facts and stories are laid out in a specific timeline from official files, letters, and other historical documents. A homage to a powerful woman that needs to be remembered.

I received a copy of the book from #BetweenTheCbapters. ( )

Interesting story and history lesson about Anna M. Rosenberg and her life of public service - labor relations, Asst. Secretary of Defense, right hand man to FDR. A Jewish immigrant, she rose to power in the U.S. Govt. Guided the direction of the G.I. Bill and the Manhattan Project. McCarthy waged an unsuccessful smear campaign against her. With only a high school education, she became the power behind several presidents. ( )