Eleanor: The Years Alone

Eleanor: The Years Alone chronicles the period of Eleanor Roosevelt's life following FDR's death in 1945, as she emerged from the role of First Lady to forge her own path in American public life. This historical biography documents Roosevelt's diplomatic work at the United Nations, her newspaper columns and speeches, and her influential role in Democratic Party politics during the Truman and Eisenhower years. Author Joseph P. Lash draws on personal correspondence, interviews, and extensive research to reconstruct this pivotal period. The book examines Roosevelt's achievements as a delegate to the UN Commission on Human Rights, her advocacy for civil rights and social justice causes, and her evolution as an independent political figure separate from her husband's legacy. This account of Eleanor Roosevelt's later years reveals the full scope of her transformation from presidential widow to global humanitarian and diplomat - a testament to the capacity for reinvention and the power of principled public service.

Readers appreciate the detailed examination of Eleanor Roosevelt's life after FDR's death, particularly her UN work and global diplomacy. Many note that Lash's personal relationship with ER gives unique insights into her private thoughts and decision-making process. Readers highlight the book's thorough research and extensive use of personal letters and documents. Multiple reviews mention the revelations about ER's relationships with David Gurewitsch and other close friends. Common criticisms focus on the book's length and occasional repetitiveness. Some readers find the political details overwhelming and prefer more personal anecdotes. A few note that Lash sometimes appears too protective of ER's legacy. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (289 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (31 reviews) "The detail is incredible but sometimes exhausting," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads user writes, "Lash's friendship with Eleanor gives us access to moments no other biographer could capture."

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🔸 Joseph Lash won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award in 1972 for this book, making it one of the most acclaimed biographies of Eleanor Roosevelt. 🔸 The author was a personal friend of Eleanor Roosevelt for over 30 years, giving him unique insights and access to private materials that enriched the biography. 🔸 Eleanor Roosevelt wrote 27 books during her lifetime, published her "My Day" column for 26 years, and averaged 150 speaking engagements per year after FDR's death. 🔸 As UN delegate, she was instrumental in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which she considered her greatest achievement. 🔸 During her post-White House years, Eleanor turned down offers to run for both the U.S. Senate and the governorship of New York, preferring to maintain her independence as a private citizen.