Historians are not the best at writing history as a rule and even the best writers often cannot claim competency as a historian without surrendering craft to fact. So even historians often find themselves enjoying the writing of wonderful writers, and we are often amazed and envious when we encounter well written works by “historians” who have learned that profession by example and reflection rather than by formal study.
Robert Klara could not have chosen a more exciting story or dealt with it more skillfully than this treatment of Franklin Roosevelt’s death and burial. The president dies suddenly at his retreat in Warm Springs, Georgia. His mistress is hustled away before his wife is notified. An unfinished portrait and its artist drive away. The widow arrives and a funeral train begins the long journey into night. She pieces together the coverup by the presidents’ staff to keep her from knowing who was present when her husband died. A soviet spy is on board.
Thousands line the tracks as the body is carried to Washington. Then, a second train is assembled to carry the body to Hyde Park for burial . Aboard is the new president, Harry Truman, who knew nothing about America’s development of the A-bomb or FDR’s diplomacy with the other allies in the wars on Germany and Japan. In the hours between Washington and Hyde Park, politicians and aids try to find their emotional and political footing. Klara, an ad magazine editor, writes masterfully, detailing the technology of the era, from communications to automobiles, describing in very entertaining detail the great trains and engines, how they are assembled, how they worked. Klara’s skill at reducing great details into story fabric translates into a narrative that never bogs down.
Detailing the complexity of a presidential death and burial in a time of war seems daunting, as do the myriad cautious steps that were choreographed to insure security and dignity as the nation said its goodbyes to the popular Roosevelt. Klara handles this without missing a beat, or settling into a predictable narrative. Its a great read.
Joe- a great review as usual. You are quite the wordsmith. I also echo Erika’s praises.
Fred
Fred,
Have been wondering how the writing was going. We all must be somewhat in awe of Erika who is herself a wonderful writer. Thanks for the encouragement. I had some recent recognition for two poems I wrote. Hope you will read my biographical piece about my father.
Joe
Thank you, Joe Kitchens. This reciew makes me rush to my book ordering place. What a story, the world and local lore all brought together. What a hazardous moment, how grateful we can be that history somehow lurched forward, avoiding the worst. Thank you.
Those of us who lived through it, are grateful.
My Friend Erika,
Thanks for the comments. I have been studying the influences that moved FDR to reenter politics after being stricken by polio. It is of course a story of regaining his self confidence, but specifically who encouraged or persuaded him that a political career was possible under the circumstances. It seems clear that those influences converged during his recovery efforts at Warm Springs. Several Georgians are of particular importance that I am aware of.
Joe