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The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America Hardcover – February 21, 2023

by Christopher C. Gorham (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 667 ratings
Goodreads Choice Award nominee
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Perfect for readers of A Woman of No Importance, Three Ordinary Girls, and Eleanor: A Life comes the first-ever biography of Anna Marie Rosenberg, the Hungarian Jewish immigrant who became FDR’s closest advisor during World War II and, according to Life, “the most important official woman in the world” —a woman of many firsts, whose story, forgotten for too long, is extraordinary, inspiring, and uniquely American. Her life ran parallel to the front lines of history yet her influence on 20th century America, from the New Deal to the Cold War and beyond, has never before been told.

A Goodreads Choice Awards Nominee

As Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s special envoy to Europe in World War II she went where the president couldn’t go. She was among the first Allied women to enter a liberated concentration camp, and stood in the Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain retreat, days after its capture. She guided the direction of the G.I. Bill of Rights and the Manhattan Project. Though Anna Rosenberg emerged from modest immigrant beginnings, equipped with only a high school education, she was the real power behind national policies critical to America winning the war and prospering afterward. Astonishingly, her story remains largely forgotten.

With a disarming mix of charm and Tammany-hewn toughness, Rosenberg began her career in public relations in 1920s Manhattan. She became friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, who recommended Anna to her husband, who was then running for Governor of New York. As FDR’s unofficial adviser, Rosenberg soon wielded enormous influence—no less potent for being subtle. Roosevelt dubbed her “my Mrs. Fix-It.” Her extraordinary career continued after his death.

By 1950, she was tapped to become the assistant secretary of defense—the highest position ever held by a woman in the US military—prompting Senator Joe McCarthy to wage an unsuccessful smear campaign against her. In 1962, she organized John F. Kennedy’s infamous birthday gala, sitting beside him while Marilyn Monroe sang. Until the end of her life, Rosenberg fought tirelessly for causes from racial integration to women’s equality to national health care.

More than the story of one remarkable woman, The Confidante explores who gets to be at the forefront of history, and why. Though she was not quite a hidden figure, Rosenberg’s position as “the power behind,” combined with her status as an immigrant and a Jewish woman, served to diminish her importance. In this inspiring, impeccably researched, and revelatory book, Christopher C. Gorham at last affords Anna Rosenberg the recognition she so richly deserves.

“Far and away the most important woman in the American government, and perhaps the most important official female in the world.” —LIFE magazine, 1952
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  1. Print length
    384 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Citadel
  4. Publication date
    February 21, 2023
  5. Dimensions
    6.2 x 1.3 x 9.2 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0806542004
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0806542003
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

HISTORY, UNITED STATES, 20TH CENTURY
HISTORY, UNITED STATES, 20TH CENTURY
HISTORY, UNITED STATES, 20TH CENTURY

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Confidante

“This is a must-read for everyone. Christopher Gorham has written a book that is a fascinating look at the years between The Great Depression and The Cold War, and one woman who had a huge impact on all of it. A woman whose name we should all know.”—The Gloss

"The Confidante covers four decades and some of the most future-shaping legislation ever passed by the U.S. government. Through it all, we can see Rosenberg’s fingerprints across the nation’s major events. As a result, Mr. Gorham’s biography is also a mystery. How could we have forgotten such a woman? ...What The Confidante provides, with cinematic color and encyclopedic clarity, is a resurrection of that history.” —The Wall Street Journal

“(Anna Rosenberg’s) immense influence on American politics, multiple wars, and America’s public affairs, long overlooked, is once again brought to the forefront in this wonderfully told book, perfect for readers of history, biography, politics, and feminism.” —Booklist

“An adviser to presidents from Franklin Roosevelt to Lyndon Johnson, Anna Rosenberg (1899-1983) was a prominent national figure whose present obscurity is perplexing. Gorham, a lawyer and American history teacher…. delivers a vivid account of her eventful life. …Even history buffs may be surprised….  A well-deserved first biography.” —Kirkus Reviews

“An eye-opening biography of presidential advisor Anna Rosenberg…. This is a fitting tribute to a trailblazer.”  —Publishers Weekly

“Far and away the most important woman in the American government, and perhaps the most important official female in the world.” —LIFE magazine, 1952

“Christopher Gorham’s authoritative new biography will put Anna Rosenberg where she belongs: among the most outstanding yet unsung women of the 20th century.”—Nigel Hamilton, author of the FDR at War trilogy and JFK: Reckless Youth

“Anna Rosenberg was a dynamo of a woman. Christopher C. Gorham's engaging and deeply researched biography The Confidante will leave you with two thoughts: ‘Why did I never hear of this woman before?’ and ‘Thank goodness she's been rescued from obscurity!’" —Kathryn Smith, author of The Gatekeeper: Missy LeHand, FDR and the Untold Story of the Partnership that Defined a Presidency and Gertie: The Fabulous Life of Gertrude Sanford Legendre: Heiress, Explorer, Socialite, Spy
 
“An outstanding narrative-driven debut that exemplifies why we read history in the first place. Anna Rosenberg's gripping saga should be read by anyone who enjoys a story of achieving success by overcoming long odds.” —Stephen Puleo, author of Dark Tide, The Caning, American Treasures, and Voyage of Mercy

“Rosenberg was a woman who rose to postings that were supposed to be the preserve of men, and she was a patriot who helped us win World War II and protect the home front. Heroine, indeed.” —Larry Tye,author of Demagogue: The Life and Long Shadow of Senator Joe McCarthy

"Gorham's biography is a must read for anyone interested in the FDR years and anyone concerned about current crises. The Confidante deserves a wide audience." —Andrew Kersten, author of Labor’s Home Front

About the Author

Christopher C. Gorham is a lawyer, educator, and acclaimed author of The Confidante, which was a Goodreads Choice Award finalist. With degrees in history from Tufts University and the University of Michigan, he served on the editorial staff of the Syracuse Law Review while earning his J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law. His writing has appeared in The Washington Post and in online journals. He lives with his wife in Watertown and Chatham, Massachusetts, and can be found online at ChristopherCGorham.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Citadel (February 21, 2023)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0806542004
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0806542003
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.2 x 1.3 x 9.2 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 667 ratings

About the author

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Christopher C. Gorham

Christopher C. Gorham

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CHRISTOPHER C. GORHAM is the author of THE CONFIDANTE: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America (Citadel Press, 2023). THE CONFIDANTE was a GOODREADS CHOICE AWARD nominee for best history/biography in 2023. He holds degrees from the University of Michigan, Tufts University, and Syracuse University College of Law. His writing has appeared in the Washington Post, Literary Hub, and online. He is working on his next book. Follow on social @christophercgorham

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
667 global ratings
The Cofidante
4 Stars
The Cofidante
The Confidante by Christopher C GorhamThe Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern AmericaHistorical non fiction. Biography.Anna M Rosenberg is largely unknown by today’s standards but she was an influential woman with an impact that is felt still today. Social Security, women in the military and official cancer research are just a few things she had an impact on over the years. Presidents, senators and generals alike loved Anna and respected her business acumen and more simply, the ability to get things done.An impressive woman and a book that pays her justice. Even if she would never have written it herself.Facts and stories are laid out in a specific timeline from official files, letters, and other historical documents. A homage to a powerful woman that needs to be remembered.
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Top reviews from the United States

Ginnie
5.0 out of 5 stars the story behind the story
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
Verified Purchase
This book was very readable, yet filled with facts and dates that could have been dry. I wish there was more detail about her family life, even if it wasn’t perfect,it sounded ok for much of A’s adult life.
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A. Becker
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is the best book I’ve read in some time! True story about the most influential woman you’ve never heard of.

Anna M. Rosenberg was a teenage Jewish Hungarian immigrant who rose to be The Assistant Secretary of Defense for the U.S. Her rise began as a 17 year old student who settled a labor dispute. This tiny, feminine woman with a “get ‘er done” attitude could go toe to toe with the most powerful Union bosses, Military men, Presidents including Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower among others.

The history of the Labor movements, Military logistics, Creation of the draft, desegregation, women’s rights, WWII, the Korean War, presidential politics and more. Anna had her fingers in all of it. Of course McCarthy came gunning for her, but was shot down in a very amusing way.

It’s an elegant, concise spin through history and one woman’s extraordinary influence.
9 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Great read.
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
I'm a big fan of WW2 biographies about women, yet I never knew about this amazing woman and all she did for the love of her adopted country.
2 people found this helpful
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Gman
5.0 out of 5 stars The Confidante: the women who helped win WW II
Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
The confidante is a very interesting book about a person that held so much influence over the political times in America during the twentieth century. She opened the doors to women working in government. She had a great relationship with the democratic leaders of America.
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Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book I've Read All Year
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024
Verified Purchase
I am so glad I found this book and now know the story of this amazing American Heroine. It really makes me mad that I had never heard of Anna M. Rosenberg before finding this book and it makes me wonder about all of the other incredible women who go unrecognized and uncelebrated in this world. The author did such a great job meticulously and sensitively telling Anna's story. Must reading for everyone who cares about true history; especially important in these awful times of erasing the contributions of anyone who's not a white man.
5 people found this helpful
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Railroader
5.0 out of 5 stars Unclaimed hero
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
Uncovering the background of decisions during the pre and post war period. Truly an important history lesson to all that needs to understand the facts of the past.
One person found this helpful
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Carol E. Drewes
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Story of An Amazing American
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2024
Verified Purchase
Anna Rosenberg’s story is inspiring and maddening. My chief complaint about this book is that it sometimes hides Ms Rosenberg’s accomplishments, spark and tenacity within lengthy political or historical exposition.

This woman’s story should be taught in every US History course as an example of service, the importance of politics, and the power of negotiating. Without her efforts the labor, military and civil rights story of our country would be much less positive.

I’m grateful to the author for telling her story.
4 people found this helpful
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Matt Young
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but leaves at least two lacunas
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2024
Not a bad book about the slight, uneducated, immigrant Jewish woman who served every president (except JFK) from FDR to LBJ, as well as General George Marshall. Anna Rosenberg was instrumental in instituting Social Security, accepting women in the military, integrating veterans into civilian society after World War II, and much more. Indeed, I was impressed by how she stood up to Sen. Joe McCarthy. She should be a household name, alongside Eleanor Roosevelt, but she worked to some extent in the background and never, for example, wrote a memoir. The author thinks further that her failure to graduate from college and thereby to have a college brag about her hurt her reputation.

The book is, as far as I can tell, well researched. It is perhaps a bit dry, and I freely admit that I began to skim about 2/3 of the way through, roughly after Pres. Truman.

I find, however, two serious flaws in the book: As far as I can tell, though Mrs. Rosenberg visited the concentration camps very early on, the book makes no mention of the Nazis' persecution of the Jews and in particular of FDR's failure to act. What, if anything, did she advise Pres. Roosevelt before and during the War? Similarly, Mrs. Rosenberg was devastated when LBJ decided not to run for reelection, but the book makes no mention of the disaster to which Johnson contributed in Vietnam and which forced him out of the presidential race. These are the primary reasons I would rate the book 4/5 rather than 5/5.
7 people found this helpful
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