Franklin D. Roosevelt by Teri Kanefield

Abstract

Reviewed by: Franklin D. Roosevelt by Teri Kanefield Elizabeth Bush Kanefield, Teri Franklin D. Roosevelt. Abrams, 2019 [256p] (The Making of America) illus. with photographs Trade ed. ISBN 978-1-4197-3402-1 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-1-68335-628-8 $15.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 5-9 "His friends described him as complicated. His enemies said he was devious. Those closest to him understood he was elusive … behind a face that had two expressions: happy or serene." This veneer, carefully cultivated in childhood to please his parents, becomes the dominant theme in Kanefield's biography of American president Franklin Roosevelt, whose terms in office spanned the Great Depression and World War II. Rather than trying to puzzle out motivations behind his abandonment of the Republican party, details of his romantic liaisons, depth of feeling or respect for his activist wife, Eleanor, or probable emotional struggles with his paralysis, Kanefield notes influences that led to FDR's adoption of a smooth façade and then lets historical developments swirl around him, while he presides over it with a signature unflappable demeanor. This approach results in a biography heavier in historical context than in chatty, behind-the-scenes narrative, but it affords readers the opportunity to "see" Roosevelt as his contemporaries might have. Readers more familiar with Eleanor Roosevelt than her husband will find this title a valuable counterpoint, and students seeking a general American history of the period will benefit from its well-defined focus. Black and white photos, source notes, bibliography, timeline, selected Roosevelt writings, and an index are included. Copyright © 2019 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois