The Hopkins Touch

De: David Roll

Narrado por: Fleet Cooper

The Hopkins Touch offers the first portrait in over two decades of the most powerful man in Roosevelt's administration. David Roll shows how Harry Hopkins, an Iowa-born social worker who had been an integral part of the New Deal's implementation, became the linchpin in FDR's - and America's - relationships with Churchill and Stalin, and spoke with an authority second only to the president's. Gaunt, nearly spectral, and malnourished following an operation to remove part of his stomach, the newly widowed Hopkins accepted the president's invitation to move into the White House in 1940 and remained Roosevelt's closest advisor, speechwriter, sounding board, and friend nearly to the end.

Between 1940 and 1945, with incomparable skill and indefatigable determination, Hopkins organized the Lend-Lease program and steered the president to prepare the public for war with Germany. He became FDR's problem-solver and fixer, helping to smooth over crises, such as when the British refused to allow an invasion of Europe in 1943, enraging Stalin, who felt that the Soviet Union was carrying the military effort against the Nazis. Lacking an official title or a clear executive branch portfolio, Hopkins could take the political risks his boss could not, and proved crucial to maintaining personal relations among the Big Three.

Beloved by some - such as Churchill, who believed that Hopkins "always went to the root of the matter" - and trusted by most - including the paranoid Stalin - there were nevertheless those who resented the influence of "the White House Rasputin". Based on newly available sources, The Hopkins Touch is an absorbing, substantial new work that offers a fresh perspective on the World War II era and the Allied leaders, through the life of the man who kept them on point until the war was won.

©2013 David L. Roll (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"A masterful portrait of one of the most fascinating political figures this country has ever produced. David Roll has vividly captured the infinite complexities and extraordinary influence of FDR aide Harry Hopkins -- part playboy, part reformer-- whose peerless diplomatic efforts in World War II helped cement the Anglo-American alliance and pave the way for the Allies' victory." (Lynne Olson, author of Citizens of London: The Americans Who Stood with Britain in its Finest, Darkest Hour)

"Mr. Roll's use of previously unavailable materials enables him to present a far more comprehensive story. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the period. A truly magisterial biography." (The Washington Times)

"Displaying a strong grasp of the intervening half-century of historical scholarship, delivering a strong and clear-eyed appraisal of Hopkins's personal life, and demonstrating considerable narrative talents." (Wall Street Journal)

Power behind the New Deal and FDR WWII

Harry Hopkins and his indefatigable, intelligent efforts during FDR's reign is magnificent. Well read!

A dreadful audio performance

This is a compelling and illuminating perspective of a great man, how he maintained the glue among the three allied leaders, and a worthwhile read. Yet the Audible performance is absolutely dreadful. Fleet Cooper’s nasal voice to begin with is irritating enough, but then he attributes every dialogue section the same by raising the note of his raspy voice. Churchill sounds like Hopkins who sounds like Stalin who sounds like Churchill who sounds like Hopkins’s daughter who sounds like . . . well you get the picture. Then the mispronounced words. How about a little effort? How about some talent? How about more scrutiny for a more appropriate voice? My gosh, this was one of the worst. I grew so irritated and tired i turned off the Audible and read more pleasantly.

Poor narration; good but not great book

Poor narration. Misprounced “Stalin’s” (huh?) and spoke in an odd nasally way when quoting. Narrative has considerable overlap (includes practically verbatim incidents) as Roll’s book on Marshall. Interesting insights and information about Hopkins, but I give it only a B.

The history you think you know, but...

There is always another "angle ". This one is as enlightens, revealing and riveting beyond the mundane anticipation from what ostensibly seem to be a biography of a minor player on the stage frequented by giants

What an Interesting Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Seldom does one come across a book so well written and performed. I knew little of Harry Hopkins and his role during the Franklin Roosevelt administrations. David Roll put together a wonderful biography of a very important man: much more so that I ever realized before.

What other book might you compare The Hopkins Touch to and why?

This book falls into the same genre as a Doris Kearns Goodwin book, like A Team of Rivals. She is a gifted and thoughtful writer and Mr. Roll's effort here reminds me of the high quality of her work.

Have you listened to any of Fleet Cooper’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

His narration performance here was outstanding. The quality of the work in the writing always makes a difference in the performance.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There were times when I was actually fearful that Hopkins was close to death and must admit I cried a little. In the end, I'd have to agree with those who assessed him as "Mr. Root of the Matter".

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this book and audio performance to anyone who enjoys a great book very well narrated.