Determined to fight for child poverty, women, and safe working conditions, Frances Perkins takes a job in New York City. There, she quickly meets some of the rising politicians, activists, and writers, including Franklin Delano Roosevelt. While initially she writes off the young politician, her history and FDR’s are intertwined.

This novel was well written and engaging. I loved the character development and growth throughout the story. I also loved that FDR was pictured realistically rather than in an idealized light. The story was well paced and entertaining. Overall, highly recommended.

I recently read a somewhat dry biography of Frances Perkins and much preferred this fictionalized version, although this can be a tricky genre.

Frances Perkins was quite remarkable and had an enormous impact on our country. Everyone remembers FDR, but very few know about Perkins, the first female cabinet secretary. Her earlier career was also quite impressive and her lifelong fight for workers, safety, and a decent standard of living. She was instrumental in establishing Social Security despite heavy obstacles, both personal and professional.

She deserves to be recognized and appreciated and I am happy that this book gives so much insight into her accomplishments. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Poignant, Thoughtful, and Moving Tale of an Impressive Woman

SUMMARY
Frances Perkins is a highly educated worker's rights advocate who was relatively new to NYC when she met a young and handsome FDR at an NYC tea dance in 1910. She immediately dislikes him. She thinks he is a wealthy, arrogant, conceited dilettante who will never amount to much. But in 1929 as Governor of NY he appoints her as the state Labor Secretary and in 1933 he appoints her as the first woman in American history to serve in a presidential cabinet. Frances fights valiantly for FDR and for a social security program to bring the country out of the midst of the Great Depression.

REVIEW
If you're a fan of books about strong, intelligent women, then I highly recommend this book. Author Stephanie Dray has done an incredible job in crafting a historical fiction story about an exceptional woman. The book chronicles the life of Frances Perkins, from her childhood to her career, marriage, motherhood, and friendships. I'm so glad to have discovered this wonderful novel that sheds light on the life of such an amazing woman.

One thing that I particularly appreciated about this book is how the author distinguishes between fact and fiction. Dray has done meticulous research, and it shows in her writing.

The author's writing is powerful and compelling, bringing to life a woman who was ahead of her time and faced many challenges during a tumultuous period in American history. Frances Perkins was a woman of great fortitude, and Dray does an excellent job in capturing her spirit on the pages of this book.

In this book, you'll read about how Frances Perkins fought tirelessly to create the social security system that we have today, and how she stood up against powerful men with intelligence and wit. Her drive to help those in need is truly inspiring. This is a poignant, thoughtful, and moving book that I highly recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Berkley Publishing Group
Published March 12, 2024
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

Frances Perkins was an inspiring and admirable woman, yet until reading this historical fiction novel, I had not known of her important contributions as Secretary of Labor. Not only was she was one of the brilliant minds behind social security, she also had a hand in many labor laws that we take for granted today. She was also the first woman to hold a position on a presidential cabinet.
Dray made this 500+ plus novel flow with her attention to historical detail and beautiful writing. The battles Perkins faced as a woman (both personally and professionally), yet endured, made me tear up a few times. I found that I was disappointed when it was over. I will be adding her other novels to my TBR. Thanks to Berkley Publishing for a digital arc of this book. 4.5 stars.

I had heard about The New Deal and the Civilian Conversation Corp and other programs that started in Franklin Roosevelt's time as President but I have to admit that I had never heard or read anything about Frances Perkins. She dedicated her life to helping other people and was determined to make a difference when she arrived in New York City at the turn of the century. She got involved in politics and supported FDR and he nominated her to be the first female Secretary of Labor- a post she held from 1933-1945. She was a strong woman and it was amazing all of the progress she was able to make considering that she was looked down on since she was a woman.

Frances arrived in New York City determined to help improvised women and children. She had come to New York to write her thesis on child malnourishment in the tenements of Hell's Kitchen. She worked on projects like child labor and the long hours that women had to work. After witnessing the Triangle Shirt Factory fire, she worked on safety in the work place. She met many wealthy women who were volunteering to help other people and one of the people she met was FDR - who she did not like. But in 1929 when he was governor of New York, he appointed her to the role of state labor secretary and when he became President he appointed her as the first female cabinet member. During FDR's administration, Frances became responsible for the formation of the CCC's and other programs that helped the poor. She was also largely responsible for the plan to start Social Security, a program that is still being used to help the elderly today. With her husband often in a mental hospital and her daughter needing attention, she often had to make a decision whether to be a mom and wife or to attend to the president and the needs of the government. She may not have always made the right decisions where her family was concerned but she definitely made a difference in her quest to help the poor and make the work place safer for everyone.

As always with Stephanie Dray's books, the research was intensive and the story was well written. Frances Perkins was so well written that it was easy for the reader to feel like she was a friend. We not only learned about her successes in her life but also learned about her problems and the times that she questioned what was important -- her family or the people of the United States. Be sure to read the Author's notes at the end where she talks about her research.

If you enjoy reading historical fiction about strong women who made significant changes that affect us today, don't miss this chance to learn about Frances Perkins and the work she did to help the nation.

"We have nothing to fear but fear itself."
"No government can or should solve all the problems of every citizen, but we'll help to cushion the blows of life from cradle to grave"

Becoming Madam Secretary USA historical fiction book about Frances Perkins, a women's rights advocate who becomes US Secretary of Labor from 1933-1945 under FDR. First woman to hold a federal cabinet position. I knew nothing about Frances Perkins, found her an amazing and fascinating woman with all she accomplished during her lifetime.
This was an interesting, educational, compelling read. I found it quite powerful as I kept reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

I am not a history buff by any means. And, I usually do not like reading in the historical genre. To me, a historical read needs to be interesting to hold my attention. I don’t like books that are filled with so many facts and figures that my mind spins.

I found myself to be quite invested in the tale of Miss Frances Perkins whom I have never heard of until now. This book documents her personal life as well as her life in the political world, which was quite unheard of back in the early 1900s. This book really sets a tone for the time period and brings to life Miss Perkins and her struggles.

To say I really enjoyed the reading of this tale would be an understatement. I was able to get a ‘real feel’ of Miss Perkins and her personality, her struggles with the political world and her home life. I liked the fact that her husband’s illness was handled delicately and with discretion as was appropriate to the time. I even enjoyed reading about her reactions when she would be offered a job because, again, it was unheard of for a woman to be in the political realm in the time period.

We have Miss Perkins to thank for a lot of things that women are entitled to in this day and age. Read it … you won’t be disappointed.

Stephanie Dray has a way of taking people in history, specifically women, that I did not know about and making them relevant to what I do know of history. I finish a book and think, how did I miss this in history class, was I taught about her?

Frances Perkins is a part of history from the Great Depression. She is the driving force behind Social Security, and a voice that FDR listens to. I love that even though she is a woman, she is a force to be listened to. She fights her battles, knows how to push for what she believes in but also knows when to take a step back and reevaluate how to get it done. Her connections help her get her projects done and she is not afraid to speak her mind.

Stephanie Dray is a must-read historical fiction author. I recommend all her books and look forward to more from her.

Thank you Berkley Publishing for a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Historical fiction at its best, the author brings to life Frances Perkins, the first female Cabinet member, serving under FDR as Secretary of Labor. What a journey in time as Frances starts out still unable to vote, until the time she works for FDR as an influential proponent of Social Security. Her personal life was greatly impacted by the mental illness of her husband, and later her daughter. The details of life during the 1930’s and 1940’s makes our decisions today as important to hold on to our democracy and ensure the well being of our citizenry. I highly recommend this account of a most impressive woman. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Of the many women’s names in American history, why isn’t Frances Perkins’ more prominent? That is the question at the forefront of my mind after reading of her achievements and the major differences she made in so many Americans’ lives. In her fight for fair labor laws including child labor, we need this story now as more and more children in this country are again working. In reading about FDR, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the New Deal, Frances Perkins should be a name that is not omitted from the story. Historical fiction can make history come to life. This book does exactly that. I highly recommend this book. It will make an excellent book club selection.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

This was such a great read, the author did a wonderful job of making Frances Perkins into the amazing woman she was.
There is a lot we sure need to thank her for, Social Security, being one of the main. We probably, take a lot for granted including the labor laws, my mother told me her mom only had a second grade education, and then went to work in the factory. She witnessed the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, which made her even more determined to make the conditions safer and shorter hours.
I am so glad I chose to read this book, such an amazing woman, she was a woman that should never be forgotten.
Be sure to read the author's notes!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Berkley, and was not required to give a positive review.

I loved this one which had a strong female character and good historical context. I felt it was really well researched and plotted and just a good read

So grateful for an ARC as Stephanie Dray is one of my favorite authors. I knew nothing about Frances Perkins before reading this book. I found her fascinating and frustrating at the same time. I can’t imagine how difficult it was to be the first woman to hold a cabinet position and try to balance family life as well. I wanted her to spend more time with her daughter and it saddened me that she wouldn’t (couldn’t) force that time for herself. This was a great book about a time period I know very little about.

I knew Frances Perkins was the first female Cabinet member, but I learned so much more about her from Dray's historical fiction book. Perkins was from a wealthy family, and went to college to study economics when most women did not. After school, she worked to improve the lives of the poor, living in a tenement herself. But she really began to have influence when working with Al Smith, then governor of New York. She fought to abolish child labor, for limited working hours each day, and for safer working environments for factory workers. When FDR asked her to be his Secretary of Labor, Perkins warned him that she intended to fight for Social Security—an idea he first thought was crazy. But Perkins persevered, first convincing FDR, then voters and a reluctant Congress, that Social Security should be a cornerstone of American Democracy. She did most of this pioneering work while her husband was institutionalized for manic depression, something she kept secret for fear it would politically harm her bosses. In later years, her daughter was also found to suffer from manic depression, but by then medication to treat the illness was available.

Give me a strong female character and historical fiction and it is a 10/10 for me! Loved this one and all the political dynamics explored in it.

This was a wonderful book! I was hooked from the beginning by the story, and grew to love it more and more thanks to the details and wonderful dialogue. What’s more is that the book finally brought the tears near the end in a scene between Frances & Charlie (and once again after) and that when I knew this wonderful book would stay with me.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

Frances Perkins was the longest serving Secretary of Labor, serving 12 years in Franklin Roosevelt's cabinet. She was responsible for the creation of programs that we take for granted today: Social Security, unemployment benefits, workplace safety regulations, child labor laws, public works and infrastructure support. Without her efforts, life in the United States would be much different today. She credited her lifelong dedication to reform on witnessing the horror of the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Frances kept her personal life very private, and few people knew that her husband suffered from depression and bipolar disorder (called manic depression at the time), and her daughter unfortunately inherited the same malady. Dray does an excellent job in keeping the focus on Frances and not allowing Roosevelt and his dominant personality to overshadow her story. Well-researched like all of the author's books. Recommended for readers of historical fiction or as a crossover into fiction for fans of U.S. history.

One of the best reasons to read historical fiction, for me at least, is to gain perspective on current political and societal problems. This story about Frances Perkins certainly delivers. Miss Perkins served as the first female in a U.S. president’s cabinet under FDR at a time of huge unrest in the states (the Great Depression, active Ku Klux Klan, child labor, immigration, anti Jewish sentiment) as well as in the world (WWII). The strength of her character to fight for the establishment of Social Security and for the survival of the “American experiment” (democracy) gives me reassurance that we can survive attacks on our way of life and emerge stronger for it. The author’s descriptions of Miss Perkins’ life, both personal and professional, are a fascinating read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the ARC to read and review.

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray is a wonderful historical fiction novel that portrays the first woman to serve in the US presidential cabinet.

Frances Perkins is a fascinating and complex historical figure. I sadly knew nothing about her before reading this gem. But through this book, not only did I learn about the former US Secretary of Labor, but also about the woman behind the title.

As I have come to expect with Ms. Dray, her characters, descriptions, and narrative were intriguing, life-like, and addictive.

I love learning something new while being entertained, and I most certainly was with this novel.

Highly recommend.


5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Berkley Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/14/24.

Frances Perkins, a woman with a remarkable life and career, became the first female Secretary of Labor in 1933 when appointed by President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt. Among countless important accomplishments, she was the woman behind many of President Roosevelt’s successes in bringing America out of the Great Depression. In this biographical novel, Stephanie Dray pieces together Frances’ personal and public life beginning in 1911 just after earning a master’s degree in economics and sociology.

Her life is devoted to issues faced by women, children, the poor, and elderly. She witnesses the terrible deaths of young women escaping the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in 1911, which plants the seed for her life’s work. As governor of New York, Roosevelt appoints Frances to serve in his cabinet – another of many firsts – and she continues working by his side through his presidency.

She works tirelessly to ease the plight of many while juggling the demands of a family and many tragedies in her personal life. Her goal to implement a social security plan is her driving force when she sees hard-working people thrust into extreme poverty brought by the Depression through no fault of their own. Yet the press hounds her for her no-nonsense, direct approach and vilifies her when she had no time for frivolities and the niceties to endear her.

This novel is full of politics and political maneuverings and may not appeal to some readers for that reason, but the historical details and the famous people who cross paths with Perkins are fascinating. Dray includes Perkins’s family life and friendships, which adds another level of interest. Best of all are the straightforward writing and the linear timeline, which make this a pleasurable reading experience. The accomplishments of this remarkable woman, with her strength, determination, and drive, leave the reader with admiration and awe.

Historical Novels Review, February 2024