Stephanie Dray

Story of Frances Perkins who became the first woman Secretary of Labor and the first woman in the US Cabinet. A New Englander her intelligence and fortitude shined in her early resolve to do something good for others. This slightly fictionalized biography we see her experience with trying to improve working conditions especially for women and children. She witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire which strengthened her resolve. Early in her career she worked in Albany NY as a lobbyist, worked for Al Smith, and met a young FDR. There is much about her working and friend relationship with FDR.
Frances married, had a daughter and had to work when mental illness claimed her husband and he was institutionalized.
The writing style is stilted and formal of the type found in early 20th century writing.… (altro)

I don't know why I didn't know more about Frances Perkins before this fictionalization of her life. Considering the time my high school history teachers spent on Alexander Hamilton, one would think the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, who masterminded multiple New Deal programs, and was the driving force behind Social Security, deserved at least equal time. I really enjoyed this novel, which gives the reader a sense of the person Frances Perkins was as well as the struggles she faced. Overall, a great read about a remarkable woman who deserves more attention from both historians and novelists.… (altro)