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There are currently 22 member reviews
for American Princess
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Rory A. (Ventura, CA)
Go Ask Alice. She'll answer!
I always like it when authors and novelists take our national monuments, such as the Roosevelts and Abraham Lincoln, and make them accessible, so to speak, to us mere mortals. Generally, they acknowledge the enormity of the events that these figures are known for, but delves more into their interior emotional landscapes, at those times and at others that might not be as well known to us but are no less interesting and instructive.
In "American Princess," Stephanie Marie Thornton presents THE Alice Roosevelt, who was also known as Princess Alice to the American public then, as well as other laudatory names. She spends her years, both in the White House and out of it, going between seeking her father's approval in any way she can, and forging a blazing trail for her own life. What's remarkable here, as with other novelists who have been able to do it, is how Thornton so thoroughly adopts Alice's inimitable voice, that we can't help but be swept up in the tide of history that is most singularly Alice's, including her marriage to Nicholas Longworth, Congressman and eventually Speaker of the House. It's remarkable work from a remarkable time in our country, and despite some of it seeming to go on quite long, this is a fascinating glance at part of our nation's history and the monuments involved.
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Rosanne S. (Franklin Square, NY)
American Princess
What a privilege it has been to be able to read American Princess before it's in bookstores. One of the things I like the most about books is learning about people I otherwise wouldn't know about. Honestly, I knew nothing about Alice Roosevelt. This book has delivered her story including all its blemishes. With today's politicians I often wonder what it's like in their real lives. Thornton tells it all. I imagine the reality is that life is life even for those in the White House.
Thornton does say in the end that she had to merge some events and omit some in order to write a manageable read. She does hit all major events , however, I would have enjoyed a bit more about Alices life during World War II. There seemed to be a gap from Alices trip to Europe and the outbreak and duration of the war. This would be my only criticism.
I enjoyed this book so much, I didn't want it to end. Thornton did say her next book would be about Jackie Kennedy. I absolutely can't wait.
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Arlene J. (Sanford, ME)
What a book!
Step into the life of Alice Roosevelt. The cast of character include Alice (Blue, her family, her experiences, her interests and the unsuspecting ability to influence her father, Teddy. She has learned politics at his knee and carried this ability throughout her life. You will meet many real life political people as well as her immediate friends. She is portrayed as a
hellion, manipulative and a woman who at the end of her long life is remembered as the "Other Washington Monument." What a ride she had and what a book! Don't miss this one.
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Anne C. (Herndon, VA)
Incredible Story
This is an incredible book about an incredible woman. I remember when I first moved to the Washington D.C. area, as a young bride in 1969, reading about Alice Roosevelt Longworth in the society pages of the newspaper; she seemed to be included in every gathering of famous people. I never knew much about her until reading this book. Her life was like a novel, with so many important events and well-known characters of the 20th century.
I am glad the author has given an emotional dimension to the story of Alice's life. She was controversial in many ways, and I'm not sure whether I would have liked to be her friend. She made many enemies, but toward the end of the book we can see that she has changed and has some regrets about her past behavior. In her search for lasting love, she made some bad choices but was always true to her sense of self and her pride in her family. It was sweet to read of her love for her granddaughter, which brought fulfillment in her later years. I'm glad to know so much more now about this amazing woman.
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Sue J. (Brookfield, WI)
Interesting read
I enjoyed American Princess very much. I didn't know Alice Roosevelt Longworth was the only child of Roosevelt and his first wife who died a few days after her birth. She led an unconventional and controversial life. I enjoyed reading about that time in history and gaining some insight into the political climate back then. My only criticism is it was a bit too long.
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Marie D. (Waretown, NJ)
American politicking and life choices entwined
I was very happy to receive this book to review, having always enjoyed reading about early and mid-20th Century America.
Upfront, I will confess to not particularly liking Alice Roosevelt. Even as life brought both fame and pain into her long life, I questioned her choices first to marry for political and strategic motives, and then for staying with her philandering husband for those same reasons. She justified her own deceit with a married man, all in the desire to preserve position.
She lied for her own convenience and to protect herself from society’s wrath. She had a sharp tongue and quick wit, and enjoyed spreading hurtful gossip about others.
Silly aside: the author writes of Alice’s pet name for FDR as “Feather Duster” but I recall no reason why. Also, throughout the book, the Yiddish expression , “oh vey” is used by Alice, but it doesn’t fit somehow. Perhaps it was popular in the day?
This book is very well written and detailed, breathing life into this tumultuous era of American politics. Hard as I tried, I found myself viewing Alice Roosevelt Longworth critically— only in her last decades did I feel compassion for her and some admiration.
I believe Alice will be remembered as Washington’s Gadfly, when she just might have been our first female president!
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Elizabeth V. (Bellbrook, OH)
Little Girl Lost
This was a solid read about a historic figure who I find fascinating. Alice was an outsider to some degree in her family because of the unfortunate deaths of her mother and her grandmother at the time of her birth. Her relationship with her beloved father suffered from these difficult losses and the rest of her life seemed to be an attempt to get her father's attention and to make a new, more accepting family circle for herself. This was a well researched and written novel that brings Alice to life once again.
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