Eleanor and Hick

The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady

By: Susan Quinn

Narrated by: Kimberly Farr

Length: 13 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

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 30 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 13 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.

©2016 Susan Quinn (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“The love affair between first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena 'Hick' Hickok has never been treated with as much care or attention as in Susan Quinn’s Eleanor and Hick. Here, Quinn deftly traces the dissimilar but converging paths of these two complex women and gives new life to their intimate, dynamic relationship, against a backdrop of tremendous social upheaval.” (NPR.org, Best Books of 2016)

“Splendid.... Written with style and verve, and vigorously researched...filled with delightful details and provocative musings.” (Blanche Wiesen Cook, Women’s Review of Books)

“Making sense of this famous relationship has been complicated for historians, and Quinn concedes the impossibility of knowing what, exactly, happened between the two women physically. But, drawing extensively on their letters, she makes a strong case that the bond they shared was indeed romantic.... The abiding impression of this book is the intricacy of Roosevelt’s intimate life.” (The New Yorker)

Must listen

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

Great Story

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

Eleanor and Hick

It is a great book . Narration was perfect and easy to listen to . I absolutely loved the story . Much History was a plus .
A friendship that will live on through eternity

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.

Exceptional story of love, drama and US politics

Loved this book and the production! I finally have an answer to the often asked question, "If you could have a conversation with anyone who has ever lived, who would it be?" Actually, I want both Eleanor and Hic!

Loved it!!!

The book covered a big era of American history and more so a strong extremely influential woman when women were expected to be house wives, mom and quiet.

Good Story

I enjoyed this story. There were times it was a bit drawn out, but overall it was enjoyable. I felt like it brought a different perspective to Eleanor Roosevelt.
i would recommend it.

Amazing woman

I had hoped this book was a little more insightful about both women. However, that being said it was an interesting look into the lives of a First Lady and her companion. It used factual information to tell the story which was from the pens of both women. The narrator and the story were good. Interesting listen if you like history.