Franklin and Eleanor

Franklin and Eleanor: An Extraordinary Marriage by Hazel Rowley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an interesting couple! If Franklin and Eleanor attempted to go to the White House now, I’m not sure social media’s 24/7 coverage and everyone’s opinion weighing in would have allowed them to succeed. In an era where most of the nation didn’t even realize how crippled Franklin was, Eleanor and Franklin were able to have an unconventional, although symbiotic relationship. They truly cared and respected each other but found what was misssing in their relationship with other people. Eleanor couldn’t be the nursemaid Franklin needed and Franklin couldn’t accompany Eleanor on her romps. This relationship allowed Eleanor freedom to pursue her interests and explore new issues and talents. Is it a model of a great relationship? I guess that’s for the reader to decide. I’m amazed that as documented as these two are, there still seem to be facets we don’t really know. I trust Rowley did a thorough job researching and was careful to only print the facts, but it would be nice to know more than speculation on some of the particulars of the relationships they had outside their marriage. (And more of what their kids thought and did).

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