Becoming Madam Secretary

By: Stephanie Dray

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 17 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

She took on titans, battled generals, and changed the world as we know it…

New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating and dramatic new novel about an American heroine Frances Perkins.

Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City at the turn of the century, armed with her trusty parasol and an unyielding determination to make a difference.

When she’s not working with children in the crowded tenements in Hell’s Kitchen, Frances throws herself into the social scene in Greenwich Village, befriending an eclectic group of politicians, artists, and activists, including the millionaire socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, the flirtatious budding author Sinclair Lewis, and the brilliant but troubled reformer Paul Wilson, with whom she falls deeply in love.

But when Frances meets a young lawyer named Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a tea dance, sparks fly in all the wrong directions. She thinks he’s a rich, arrogant dilettante who gets by on a handsome face and a famous name. He thinks she’s a priggish bluestocking and insufferable do-gooder. Neither knows it yet, but over the next twenty years, they will form a historic partnership that will carry them both to the White House.

Frances is destined to rise in a political world dominated by men, facing down the Great Depression as FDR’s most trusted lieutenant—even as she struggles to balance the demands of a public career with marriage and motherhood. And when vicious political attacks mount and personal tragedies threaten to derail her ambitions, she must decide what she’s willing to do—and what she’s willing to sacrifice—to save a nation.

©2024 Stephanie Dray (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Becoming Madam Secretary is a proud anthem to a forgotten founding mother. Frances Perkins starts out a bright young thing with an economics degree and an iron determination to make the world a better place, and ends up a shining star: first woman appointed to a presidential cabinet, architect of the New Deal, mother of Social Security, and FDR's much-relied-upon work wife throughout his entire presidency. Stephanie Dray's love and respect for this American heroine shines from every page, as does her impeccable research. Unputdownable!"—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye

“Stephanie Dray is one of my absolute favorite authors of historical fiction, and her new novel Becoming Madam Secretary shows why. In the novel, Dray tells the story of the indomitable Frances Perkins....Dray‘s unique skill is telling the big picture of Frances’s life, while at the same time making her a completely relatable wife in a difficult marriage and a working mother when that phrase was unheard of. I couldn’t stop turning the pages in this novel, which is both an inspiration and a triumph!”—Lisa Scottoline, New York Times bestselling author of Loyalty

"What a compelling, important story about a trailblazing woman! In Becoming Madam Secretary, Stephanie Dray takes readers on an enthralling journey as Frances Perkins rises to become the country's most important cabinet member during a crossroads in American history, one with lasting ramifications. Hers is a name we should all know, and this is a novel we should all read."—Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling co-author of The First Ladies

“Stephanie Dray brings Frances Perkins (1880-1965), U.S. Secretary of Labor and a fierce advocate for workers' rights, to vivid life in yet another gripping historical novel, Becoming Madam Secretary. ... Becoming Madam Secretary, powerfully told and rich with historical detail, is a nuanced portrait of a brilliant woman and her triumphs in the face of staggering challenges.”—Shelf Awareness

Never Mentioned in My School History Books

Loved this. She wasn't even mentioned in any of my history books, and this can be a dark and confusing time period in America. A very interesting story.

Quite a story

I realize that when I read historical fiction, given the nature of the task, some aspects of a story, conversation, for example, must be manufactured, but keeping as close to the facts as possible. I appreciated the author’s summation of some of the items that had to be added for clarity or to make a coherent take. Dray added some exchanges between FDR and Perkins to enhance her story—not to enhance the truth. Still, I am very glad to have listened and learned much more than I ever knew about Secretary Perkins.

narrator was so good!

The story was riveting but the narrator brought it to life and was so good it MADE the audio book. very good

I loved it!

Stephanie Dray made me fall in love with a Francine Perkins. I did not want the book to end!

Her perseverance

Liked the time frame. Very good Discriptions of people and placesWas gret to see a woman given that muchpow

Outstanding!

I have no complaints. This far exceeded my expectations, which were high to begin with because I love her books!

This should be required reading

Far exceeded my expectations, both in the magnificent writing and storytelling. 100% recommend to anyone, whether they enjoy historical fiction or not. Bravo.

Perkins understanding of the need for social security for future Americans

Details professionally and personally about her journey to becoming a prominent influence and breading barriers for women on government

Mesmerizing read

I could not put this entertaining book down. This author is a favorite of mine. The writing flowed so beautifully. I so enjoyed reading more about Francis Perkins. What a life she lived! I combined my ebook with the Audible recording read by one of the best narrators. Don't pass up this book. It will be your loss.

I had no idea all the things Frances Perkins was involved in!

Every chapter was something new about her. What a role model, she needs to be talked about more than ever to young women!