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Book Reviewed by:New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Dray returns with a captivating and dramatic new novel about an American heroine Frances Perkins.
Raised on tales of her revolutionary ancestors, Frances Perkins arrives in New York City at the turn of the century, armed with her trusty parasol and an unyielding determination to make a difference.
When she's not working with children in the crowded tenements in Hell's Kitchen, Frances throws herself into the social scene in Greenwich Village, befriending an eclectic group of politicians, artists, and activists, including the millionaire socialite Mary Harriman Rumsey, the flirtatious budding author Sinclair Lewis, and the brilliant but troubled reformer Paul Wilson, with whom she falls deeply in love.
But when Frances meets a young lawyer named Franklin Delano Roosevelt at a tea dance, sparks fly in all the wrong directions. She thinks he's a rich, arrogant dilettante who gets by on a handsome face and a famous name. He thinks she's a priggish bluestocking and insufferable do-gooder. Neither knows it yet, but over the next twenty years, they will form a historic partnership that will carry them both to the White House.
Frances is destined to rise in a political world dominated by men, facing down the Great Depression as FDR's most trusted lieutenant—even as she struggles to balance the demands of a public career with marriage and motherhood. And when vicious political attacks mount and personal tragedies threaten to derail her ambitions, she must decide what she's willing to do—and what she's willing to sacrifice—to save a nation.
Chapter One
New York City
Summer 1909
My family built this country with muddy hands and a spark of madness. On my grandfather's side, we were brickmakers, shoveling clay out of pits along the Damariscotta River in Maine. On my grandmother's side, we were rebels, writing pamphlets against taxation without representation and taking up muskets against the redcoats.
Alas, just like some bricks break in the kiln, so, too, did some of my kin crack in the fire of the American Revolution. Madness runs in families, they say. Courage too. And I wasn't entirely sure which of those inheritable traits was most responsible for my decision as a young woman to move to New York City, where I'd be living in Hell's Kitchen, one of the most notoriously violent tenement slums.
The neighborhood-insofar as one could call it that-was so much under the thumb of gang leaders that policemen couldn't enter without fear of being pelted with stones by lookouts who then escaped down the drainpipes into a maze of rat-...
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (09-25-2025)
I am reading "Becoming Madam Secretary" by Stephanie Dray. It is off to a slow start, but a lot happened in the protagonist's life, so I have high hopes. I finished "Cuba: An American History" on Tuesday, and I was shocked by how much I didn't know, even with a degree in Spanish.
-Anthony_Conty
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (09-11-2025)
I'm part way through Satisfaction Cafe by Kathy Wang–which I like–and have Stephanie Dray's Becoming Madam Secretary , about Frances Perkins, waiting in the wings. My father began working for the Social Security Administration soon after its inception so I feel like I should read it & it was actu...
-Carol_Ann_Robb
BookBrowsers Ask Stephanie Dray
Greetings Stephanie! I'm looking forward to discussing Becoming Madam Secretary with my library group in September. I'm holding off reading it until then. Your other novels have been so interesting. What time period was your favorite to write about?
-Holly_K
Who's your favorite female author of the 21st century?
For me it depends on the genre. For Historical Fiction—Stephanie Dray was fantastic in Becoming Madame Secretary and I loved the Woman of Chateau Lafayette. For Literally Fiction Emily Henry has many enjoyable books. Elizabeth Strout was rewarding in her Olive series and Tell Me Everything. I am ...
-Lynne_G
Think about your favorite genre. To you, which author is the master of that genre?
My favorite genre is by FAR historical fiction. Guess I enjoy history, but appreciate it being spiced up! There are many, MANY authors who I think excel here. I'm thinking especially of Stephanie Dray. I was very impressed with Becoming Madam Secretary . I think the people I'd consider "masters" ...
-kim.kovacs
Overall, what did you think of Becoming Madam Secretary? (no spoilers, please!)
Quite an amazing story and relished every moment I was reading this book. A woman whose courage and compassion has impacted our lives today. Had she been a male, her name would have been more alive in our history books!
-Elaine_F
Upcoming author interviews
We've added two author to the calendar: Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu will be visiting starting Wednesday, June 4. She's the author of several novels, most recently https://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/4995/the-creation-of-halfbroken-people The Creation of Half Broken People , an Afri...
-kim.kovacs
What woman in today's world could do the kind of ground-breaking that Francis Perkins did in her time?
I agree with Heather that women today are, in so many fields, doing groundbreaking work and making new discoveries. Enough doors have opened (or been beaten down) that now opportunity and ability are finding their way together. In Francis Perkins' day that was not the case which is what makes her...
-Connie_K
The Triangle shirtwaist factory fire profoundly impacted Perkins. Can you think of other examples from the novel where a single event changed the direction of a character's life?
I jotted down events that I thought had changed the direction of Perkins' life. Then I read the other comments, and quickly checked off my ideas because they were mine, too. The big impact on Perkins was meeting FDR who much later chose her as the first female cabinet member and Secretary of Labor.
-Marion_Mueller
To what audience would you recommend Becoming Madam Secretary?
Having recently completed the book, I'd definitely recommend it to people who like to read about FDR's presidency.
-Tracy_F
The evolution of the complex relationship between Perkins and President Franklin D. Roosevelt is a central plot point in the novel. What surprised you about this relationship? How did it shed light on history?
Sad commentary about SS as we all know it's not a Ponzi scheme.
-NanK
Frances Perkins considered herself the descendant of revolutionary patriots. How did this image of herself and her place in the American story influence her career choices?
I think she saw herself as a patriot, and as someone who could change things for people. And her childhood home was stifling to her with so much pressure to conform and do the expected thing for a young lady of the time.
-Lin_Z
How did the portrayal of Frances Perkins's difficulty in balancing her personal and professional life make her more relatable as a character and human being?
I think her troubles balancing her roles made her more human. And I guess that's relatable to the reader. I am glad the author showed both sides ofher life especially considering the time period she lived in.
-Lin_Z
An instructor tells Perkins to stop writing stories with happy endings. She replies, “I can’t imagine why anyone would try to change the world unless they believed in happy endings.” What do you think of this response? Do you believe in happy endings?
I think people who try to change the world have an idea of what THEIR happy ending looks like. I'd like to think that most people are looking out for each other,but not everything ends happily. Unless you're in a Hallmark movie!
-Lin_Z
Perkins and Roosevelt discuss the “American experiment". They both believe “our country was founded for a purpose and with a mission: to provide for liberty and the general welfare.” What do you think of this statement? Do you agree with it?
I agree with the statement about the purpose of government. But I think there are too many leaders of government today that would not agree, do not know what that means for the average American, and perhaps do not care. I also wonder who of them have read the constitution. Kathleen_L said it well.
-Lin_Z
Perkins was the driving force behind the Social Security Act. How does the novel's portrayal of this landmark achievement heighten your understanding and appreciation of it?
I agree with the postings above. I did not know SS was her idea. But I should not be surprised when learning she was a social worker. She saw first hand the poverty of the average American during that time. I think she had to work really hard to drag other cabinet members into agreeing, but they ...
-Lin_Z
Perkins's legacy continues to live on in our society today. With the five-day workweek, fire and food safety regulations, unemployment insurance, and Social Security, how has your life or the lives of your family members been impacted by her work?
I don't know of any American that hasn't been impacted by these laws. We appear to take these laws for granted these days with very few people left to understand the impact of what happens if these laws, programs and oversight are removed. Frances Perkins changed the lives of so many and was inst...
-Erica_L
What did you expect from a book about a secretary of labor, and how was Stephanie Dray's Becoming Madam Secretary similar to and different from your expectations?
I wasn't sure what to think, but this is a character that I knew just a little bit about and I love historical fiction. I am SO glad I read this book, and I have recommended it to several friends, and it is on our book club list. I was engaged from the first few pages and learned so much about Pe...
-Patricia_G1
If you’ve read any of Stephanie Dray’s other novels, how does this one compare? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
Like others here, I had only read The Women of Chateau Lafayette before this book. I loved the earlier book and was worried that this one wouldn't be as gripping. But to my surprise and delight, this book was every bit as good and was quite gripping. My sister recommends My Dear Hamilton very hig...
-Kathleen_L
What parallels did you see between the time period covered in the book and our own - socially, economically or politically?
So many examples…distrust of government, economic issues, poverty, fear… There was quite a push for fascist government in the late 1930's, and there is today. Social Security is at 'risk' today, and has been a lifesaver for millions of people since it's inception (thanks to F. Perkins).
-Dotti_A
Frances Perkins struggled with the accusation that she may have been a better American patriot than she was a mother. What are your thoughts on that?
I think Frances did the best she could under very difficult circumstances, like most women who have both family and professional responsibilities. In her case, she had enormous responsibilities in both arenas: she was the sole support of a family which struggled with mental illness while serving ...
-Elizabeth_P1
How did Perkins navigate the discrimination she faced as a woman? What instances in the book struck you the most about this struggle? What scenes most effectively demonstrate her resilience?
I think Frances observed men first, figured out who was and wasn't domineering and then strategized accordingly.
-NanK
Frances Perkins's family struggled with mental illness in a time when bipolar disease was not well understood. How might things have turned out differently for her, and for the country, if her husband's illness could have been effectively treated?
I find it to be such an unknown - how things could have turned out differently if Frances' husband's illness was effectively treated. I think it would have certainly made life easier for her. I was so impressed and touched, as I read, that she was able to handle this so well.
-Shirl
What did you make of the first person "voice" of the novel?
I enjoyed the story of her life (personal and professional) in the first person, in general terms we were told of her personal relationships with others. Of course, the conversations could not have been known…but they did seem to be consistent with the relationships as described.
-Dotti_A
Is there a quote or scene in Becoming Madam Secretary that stood out for you? Why do you suppose it resonated?
…" If we want to keep our American way of life alive and well, we need to give our folks some security and democracy worth fighting for." Our government is in turmoil and the threat to our democracy is real. The very topics Mrs. Perkins fought for are now on the chopping block. The American peopl...
-Tara_Ivey
Did you learn anything new or surprising about the time period in which the book is set?
I had no idea a woman fought for the working people and the 1st woman to do so. Non biased & unprejudiced work. As a woman I am truly proud.
-Tara_Ivey
Frances Perkins often believed that she had to compromise to accomplish her goals; what did you think of her decisions in this regard, and were those compromises effective?
Compromise is important when making change. Mrs. Perkins has to be flexible when passing the first workers rights bill. Helping some workers is better than none. She was determined to make change and learned to adapt very well.
-Tara_Ivey
Who do you think Perkins’ role models were? Do you have anyone you consider your role model?
I think I agree. Now that you mention the grandmother, I remembered how much I appreciated the strength of my grandmother who was a true feminist. Though she had 8 children, didn't work, fell more into the Ramsey life (though not quite as privileged). However, she showed me strength and that your...
-Sonya_M
Mrs. Kelley tells Perkins, “[M]aking enemies is how you know you’re doing things right.” Do you agree with her? Do you think it would have been possible for Perkins to implement reform without making enemies? Do you think it’s possible now?
Any change is a struggle. Change at a broad level inevitably results in those who perceive they've lost things even when the changes are generally believed to be positive. Unfortunately I think our tendency is to view the world as a zero sum game. If a group gains then necess
-Donna_D
What are you reading this week? (02/27/2025)
I'm reading Looking for Jane, by Heather Marshall. It's terrific. And I recently finished 2 excellent books: Let's Call Her Barbie, by Renee Rosen, and Becoming Madam Secretary, by Stephanie Dray.
-Lloyd_R
What audience would you recommend The Frozen River to? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
First author that came to mind because of the time period (American Revolution) was historical fiction author Stephanie Dray, who co wrote My Dear Hamilton and America's First Daughter with Laura Kamoie. Ms. Dray's more recent publications have also won high praise and have a more contemporary se...
-Diane_Jones
About the Becoming Madam Secretary Discussion category
Please join BookBrowse in our book club discussion of Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray. More information about the book is available here: https://www.bookbrowse.com/mag/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/4793/becoming-madam-secretary BookBr...
-system
The job of writing historical fiction about a larger-than-life character like Ms. Perkins and all the important people she had to push, cajole, and convince, requires not only extensive research but also the creativity to try to discern and write what plausibly could have been her thoughts and her conversations. Stephanie Dray does a masterful job of all of the above. As she says in her Author's Note, "Novelists can go where historians rightly fear to tread." (Jim T). What a great book! I'm embarrassed to say I knew nothing of Frances Perkins nor her incredible achievements. A fiction book that sends the reader searching for more information must be a great book and this is one of them. I continue to be astonished that a book about the woman deeply involved in FDR's New Deal and the architect of Social Security could be such a page-turner! (Jeanne W)...continued
Full Review
(926 words)
(Reviewed by First Impressions Reviewers).
Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Diamond Eye
Becoming Madam Secretary is a proud anthem to a forgotten founding mother. Frances Perkins starts out a bright young thing with an economics degree and an iron determination to make the world a better place, and ends up a shining star: first woman appointed to a presidential cabinet, architect of the New Deal, mother of Social Security, and FDR's much-relied-upon work wife throughout his entire presidency. Stephanie Dray's love and respect for this American heroine shines from every page, as does her impeccable research. Unputdownable! Lisa Scottoline,New York Times bestselling author of Loyalty
Stephanie Dray is one of my absolute favorite authors of historical fiction, and her new novel Becoming Madam Secretary shows why. In the novel, Dray tells the story of the indomitable Frances Perkins….Dray's unique skill is telling the big picture of Frances's life, while at the same time making her a completely relatable wife in a difficult marriage and a working mother when that phrase was unheard of. I couldn't stop turning the pages in this novel, which is both an inspiration and a triumph! Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling co-author of The First Ladies
What a compelling, important story about a trailblazing woman! In Becoming Madam Secretary, Stephanie Dray takes readers on an enthralling journey as Frances Perkins rises to become the country's most important cabinet member during a crossroads in American history, one with lasting ramifications. Hers is a name we should all know, and this is a novel we should all read. Michelle Moran, bestselling author of Rebel Queen
There is no finer writer of women in American history than Stephanie Dray. In Becoming Madam Secretary, her prose is so vivid that the modern world completely fades away and for a time, you feel you are actually standing with Frances Perkins, battling your way alongside FDR through the Great Depression. This is a novel for every viewer who watched The West Wing and wished it had once been a book. Simply outstanding.
Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray narrates the life of Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the first woman to serve in the US Cabinet. Perkins was a tireless supporter of workers' rights and is credited with drafting and lobbying support for some of the most critical parts of the New Deal.
Frances Perkins was born in Boston in 1880 and grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts. She attended college at Mount Holyoke where she studied economic history and was inspired by Jacob Riis's account of life in New York City's slums, How the Other Half Lives. She toured factories and interviewed workers to get a sense of the conditions and the issues that mattered to them. From Mount Holyoke, ...
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