White Houses

White Houses tells the story of Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena Hickok's relationship through Hickok's first-person narrative. The novel spans from their first meeting in 1932 through FDR's presidency and beyond. The book follows their connection as Hickok moves into the White House at Eleanor's invitation and becomes deeply involved in the Roosevelt administration. Through Hickok's observations, readers witness the public and private worlds of the First Family during the Great Depression and World War II. Life at the White House forms the backdrop for an intimate portrayal of two women navigating their bond within the constraints of their era and positions. Hickok's working-class background and career in journalism provide a unique lens on the Roosevelt presidency and the social changes of the time. The novel explores themes of power, class differences, and the tension between public duty and private desires in American political life. Through its examination of a little-known relationship, the book raises questions about how history remembers - or forgets - certain stories.

Readers appreciate Bloom's intimate portrayal of Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok's relationship, with many noting the raw emotional depth and historical research. Reviews frequently mention the strength of Hickok's narrative voice and the vivid period details of 1930s America. Readers cite the lyrical prose and tender love story, though some found the non-linear timeline confusing. Several reviews mention struggling with the pacing in the middle sections. A number of readers wanted more focus on Eleanor's perspective, as the story stays firmly with Hickok. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (13,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (580+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (300+ ratings) Sample reader comments: "Beautiful writing but meandering plot" - Goodreads "Brings their hidden relationship to life" - Amazon "Too much focus on physical aspects" - LibraryThing "Wanted more historical context" - Goodreads

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid A Hollywood starlet reveals her secret decades-long relationship with another woman while telling her life story to a journalist.

The Paris Wife by Paula McLain The story follows Ernest Hemingway's first wife Hadley Richardson and their marriage in 1920s Paris through her perspective.

The Hours Count by Jillian Cantor A fictionalized account of Ethel Rosenberg's life told through the eyes of her neighbor illuminates the personal and political climate of 1950s America.

Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Fowler This reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald's wife Zelda presents her version of their tumultuous relationship and her struggle for identity.

American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld A fictional interpretation of Laura Bush's life chronicles her journey from small-town librarian to First Lady of the United States.

🔹 Though fictionalized, the book is based on the real-life romance between Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena Hickok, documented through more than 3,300 letters the two women exchanged. 🔹 Author Amy Bloom discovered that many of Eleanor and Lorena's letters had been destroyed or heavily censored by the Roosevelt family to protect Eleanor's reputation. 🔹 Lorena Hickok gave up her career as a prominent AP reporter to avoid conflicts of interest after becoming close to Eleanor Roosevelt and eventually moved into the White House. 🔹 The book's narrative unfolds during a three-day period in April 1945 when Lorena returns to comfort Eleanor after FDR's death, with flashbacks telling their love story. 🔹 Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok's relationship lasted for nearly 30 years, though the nature of their intimacy was not widely discussed until decades after both women had passed away.