Eleanor and Hick

The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady

By: Susan Quinn

Narrated by: Kimberly Farr

A warm, intimate account of the love between Eleanor Roosevelt and reporter Lorena Hickok—a relationship that, over more than three decades, transformed both women's lives and empowered them to play significant roles in one of the most tumultuous periods in American history

In 1932, as her husband assumed the presidency, Eleanor Roosevelt entered the claustrophobic, duty-bound existence of the First Lady with dread. By that time, she had put her deep disappointment in her marriage behind her and developed an independent life—now threatened by the public role she would be forced to play. A lifeline came to her in the form of a feisty campaign reporter for the Associated Press: Lorena Hickok. Over the next thirty years, until Eleanor’s death, the two women carried on an extraordinary relationship: They were, at different points, lovers, confidantes, professional advisors, and caring friends.

They couldn't have been more different. Eleanor had been raised in one of the nation’s most powerful political families and was introduced to society as a debutante before marrying her distant cousin, Franklin. Hick, as she was known, had grown up poor in rural South Dakota and worked as a servant girl after she escaped an abusive home, eventually becoming one of the most respected reporters at the AP. Her admiration drew the buttoned-up Eleanor out of her shell, and the two quickly fell in love. For the next thirteen years, Hick had her own room at the White House, next door to the First Lady.

These fiercely compassionate women inspired each other to right the wrongs of the turbulent era in which they lived. During the Depression, Hick reported from the nation’s poorest areas for the WPA, and Eleanor used these reports to lobby her husband for New Deal programs. Hick encouraged Eleanor to turn their frequent letters into her popular and long-lasting syndicated column "My Day," and to befriend the female journalists who became her champions. When Eleanor’s tenure as First Lady ended with FDR's death, Hick pushed her to continue to use her popularity for good—advice Eleanor took by leading the UN’s postwar Human Rights Commission. At every turn, the bond these women shared was grounded in their determination to better their troubled world.

Deeply researched and told with great warmth, Eleanor and Hick is a vivid portrait of love and a revealing look at how an unlikely romance influenced some of the most consequential years in American history.

Must listen

It wasn't quite what I expected. Overall excellent book. learned a lot about the Roosevelt's.

Loved it.

Loved it. History as it happened around two very important women of the 20 Century.

great read

loved it. book flowed along and was extremely easy to follow. I will read this book again and recommend it to friends also interested in history and a great president and the history surrounding his legacy

Outstanding writing

A well told, little known story of the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickock, a pioneering American journalist and devoted friend to the First Lady. Told with delicacy and charm, this well researched book opens a door into the world little seen until a recent tranche of letters surfaced regarding this special relationship.

Great Story

Very poiniant & intimate. I enjoyed the historical aspect immensely. Was like being there. Excellent delivery