Conceptually, it’s really interesting, and I think it would go over well with the readers from the blurb. That said, they go over better when written in third person past, and this is first person past. I’m not sure how this one will do, and I look forward to seeing what happens when it’s published.

I am not huge on politics and the topic is not for me. I stopped after the prologue (3%).

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

Frances Perkins was a social reformer and largely responsible for many of the programs which made up The New Deal. This fascinating historical novel tells her story which should be an inspiration to all of us.

I am a great fan of Stephanie Dray, having enjoyed her last book The Women of Chateau Lafayette."

Becoming Madam Secretary is another well researched and wonderfully written historical novel. The characters are so well rounded that they jump off of the page and enchant you from the first page.

France Perkins is an activist in the early 20th century. She meets a young F.D.Roosevelt and although they don't hit it off personally at first, they begin to grudgingly work together politically. They form a bond as time goes by.

As the Great Depression takes hold in America, Perkins, who is Roosevelt's lieutenant and comrade in fighting this battle, lay themselves on the line.

This novel includes the role that Perkins plays as both a politician and a wife and mother. It is a lot for women of any era but for the 1930s it was particularly tricky. What does she give up in each role to excel in bringing America out of the depression?

A really engrossing, illuminating book that I highly recommend.

For all those looking for their next "Kate Quinn" fix, look no further than this fascinating book! Wow! What an extraordinary woman Frances Perkins was, and yet I knew so little about her. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as I read about her journey from New York to the White House. Stephanie Dray is a fabulous author who really knows how to take history and turn it into an unputdownable story. Five blazing stars for this wonderful read!

I feel like I learned so much from this historical fiction book.
Frances Perkins is a such a strong woman who works her way up and makes a difference at every turn. I loved reading her story and following along with her life.
I liked seeing her interact with FDR and how that affects her other relationships.
She did so much good.

This will be a good book for book clubs as there is much to discuss.

Thanks NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

The author is one of my go-to histfic writers and her latest immersive novel is one of my favs so far this year. The life of Frances Perkins, US Secretary of Labor from 1933-1945, and the first woman to hold a federal cabinet position, is especially compelling as Dray pays loving attention to character development and historical detail. Histfic fans who adore books about exceptional women will cheer. Highly recommended!